I consider myself to be an agnostic: a person who recognizes they are not wise enough to answer the question of whether or not there exists an "aware" creator of the universe, i.e. the jury is still deliberating.
As such I have belonged to groups with, and had many conversations with Atheists. Some believe they know the truth, and the truth is there is no creator. I have turned several of these people into Agnostics by the simple logic of how their beliefs are also not based on fact but on faith: their main complaint against the popular creator stories.
Most "Atheists" however are actually agnostic, with a slant very specifically against the tenants of Christianity (because its the most popular creator narrative in America). Their primary objections against these narratives are very logical conclusions against the stricter beliefs that don't pass muster against available evidence, they are not against the wisdom of the teachings.
I'm just putting that out there from the perspective of one who has been involved with those that call themselves "Atheist." That doesn't go against the OP. Atheism as a religion (those that fall into the first category above) could very well have been a Luciferian psy op.
So I recently started praying, not sure what pushed me to this, being spiritual but not tied to any "belief system."
So far I feel comfortable with this, feels more intimate to me. But when I admitted this to TDW a bit back, many were encouraging, but poignant to make it clear I should consider church. Thing is, most around me are questionable from a distance. So I am keeping to my solo prayer for now.
I was Agnostic until God reached out to me via his messenger. There is no mistaking the touch of God, at that point it is no longer a question of faith, but of faithfulness.
I can not agree with your assessment "There is no mistaking the touch of God." Evidence to support that idea beyond a reasonable doubt simply does not exist from my explorations. And before you think I say that in ignorance, please understand that I was raised by an amazingly wise and inquisitive theologian and Lutheran minister. At about 16 I began questioning the narrative (with much healthy debate with that minister, my father). At about 20 I began studying all the worlds religions in depth. By 30 I had come to the conclusion that no one knew shit, and most were still searching, even those that believed they were not.
The most important conclusion that I came to, was that despite all my years of studying science, philosophy, religion, spirituality, history, despite all my degrees, despite all my years of solving problems internally and professionally, despite all the incredibly wise people I learned from, spoke to, debated with, read from; I knew that I knew absolutely nothing about ANYTHING, and every time I found an answer to a question, and the more "expert" I became, the less I knew. The second most important conclusion I came to was that not a single other person knew anything either.
That is why the jury is still deliberating, because the question can not be answered by mere mortals to the level of "beyond a reasonable doubt" or even "preponderance of evidence" without a much better body of evidence.
Having said that, I fault no one for their faith. In fact, I think it is a wonderful tool to allow oneself to take comfort there. I know that feeling. I had it for the first 16 years of my life. I doubt I will ever have it again, but I am ok with that as well.
Perhaps when I die I will find out more, perhaps while I live conclusive evidence will present itself. Perhaps when I die I will simply cease to exist. But none of those prospects really holds more importance to me than any other. The only thing that ever exists is the moment. Each moment is to be appreciated. When I remember that, tomorrows answers or lack thereof are meaningless, and there is more comfort in the appreciated moment than any faith can ever provide.
You are free to disagree with my assertion for you, but know that it has no bearing on me.
I literally saw 'the light', and whilst I could try and describe it, any description I gave would only demean what I experienced. The sense of knowing I experienced was like nothing else in my entire existence. It was like tearing a hole in the fabric of my reality and seeing that there was a light shining behind it.
There is a point where some individuals have direct witness of God. For those people, their knowledge obviates faith. For anyone who has not had direct experience, I agree that their faith can simply be the product of intellect or belief. I was agnostic for many years, later acquired intellectual belief, grew in faith even as a doubting Thomas, but was blessed by direct contact that was truly unmistakable. I don't have any material evidence to share, but offer my testimony for what it's worth. It is possible that you may receive the proof you seek. If you are like me, the form will surprise you.
Bill Maher is no atheist like he claims. He is a Luciferian.
Actually, the 1958 Book "Pawns in the Game" said many Luciferians claim to be atheists.
Nonetheless, Atheism seems to be a natural and sincere conclusion for many people in their search for truth.
I consider myself to be an agnostic: a person who recognizes they are not wise enough to answer the question of whether or not there exists an "aware" creator of the universe, i.e. the jury is still deliberating.
As such I have belonged to groups with, and had many conversations with Atheists. Some believe they know the truth, and the truth is there is no creator. I have turned several of these people into Agnostics by the simple logic of how their beliefs are also not based on fact but on faith: their main complaint against the popular creator stories.
Most "Atheists" however are actually agnostic, with a slant very specifically against the tenants of Christianity (because its the most popular creator narrative in America). Their primary objections against these narratives are very logical conclusions against the stricter beliefs that don't pass muster against available evidence, they are not against the wisdom of the teachings.
I'm just putting that out there from the perspective of one who has been involved with those that call themselves "Atheist." That doesn't go against the OP. Atheism as a religion (those that fall into the first category above) could very well have been a Luciferian psy op.
So I recently started praying, not sure what pushed me to this, being spiritual but not tied to any "belief system."
So far I feel comfortable with this, feels more intimate to me. But when I admitted this to TDW a bit back, many were encouraging, but poignant to make it clear I should consider church. Thing is, most around me are questionable from a distance. So I am keeping to my solo prayer for now.
Absolutely disagree. Why would you steer clear of the body of Christ?
Churches are by no means perfect, but small, unaffiliated groups have their own set of problems.
I was Agnostic until God reached out to me via his messenger. There is no mistaking the touch of God, at that point it is no longer a question of faith, but of faithfulness.
I can not agree with your assessment "There is no mistaking the touch of God." Evidence to support that idea beyond a reasonable doubt simply does not exist from my explorations. And before you think I say that in ignorance, please understand that I was raised by an amazingly wise and inquisitive theologian and Lutheran minister. At about 16 I began questioning the narrative (with much healthy debate with that minister, my father). At about 20 I began studying all the worlds religions in depth. By 30 I had come to the conclusion that no one knew shit, and most were still searching, even those that believed they were not.
The most important conclusion that I came to, was that despite all my years of studying science, philosophy, religion, spirituality, history, despite all my degrees, despite all my years of solving problems internally and professionally, despite all the incredibly wise people I learned from, spoke to, debated with, read from; I knew that I knew absolutely nothing about ANYTHING, and every time I found an answer to a question, and the more "expert" I became, the less I knew. The second most important conclusion I came to was that not a single other person knew anything either.
That is why the jury is still deliberating, because the question can not be answered by mere mortals to the level of "beyond a reasonable doubt" or even "preponderance of evidence" without a much better body of evidence.
Having said that, I fault no one for their faith. In fact, I think it is a wonderful tool to allow oneself to take comfort there. I know that feeling. I had it for the first 16 years of my life. I doubt I will ever have it again, but I am ok with that as well.
Perhaps when I die I will find out more, perhaps while I live conclusive evidence will present itself. Perhaps when I die I will simply cease to exist. But none of those prospects really holds more importance to me than any other. The only thing that ever exists is the moment. Each moment is to be appreciated. When I remember that, tomorrows answers or lack thereof are meaningless, and there is more comfort in the appreciated moment than any faith can ever provide.
You are free to disagree with my assertion for you, but know that it has no bearing on me.
I literally saw 'the light', and whilst I could try and describe it, any description I gave would only demean what I experienced. The sense of knowing I experienced was like nothing else in my entire existence. It was like tearing a hole in the fabric of my reality and seeing that there was a light shining behind it.
There is a point where some individuals have direct witness of God. For those people, their knowledge obviates faith. For anyone who has not had direct experience, I agree that their faith can simply be the product of intellect or belief. I was agnostic for many years, later acquired intellectual belief, grew in faith even as a doubting Thomas, but was blessed by direct contact that was truly unmistakable. I don't have any material evidence to share, but offer my testimony for what it's worth. It is possible that you may receive the proof you seek. If you are like me, the form will surprise you.
I don't think there are as many atheist anons anymore as you think. People change.