There are a number of phrases that Christians use that stop them from questioning their faith. These used to drive me crazy when I was trying desperately to retain my faith because I wasn't getting answers to my questions. Maybe you all can think of a few more.

1. It is part of god's plan.
2. We will understand when we die
3. Your human understanding can not comprehend god's greatness.
4.God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.
5. You need the faith of a little child(So stop asking questions)
6.God won't give you more than you can handle

7. Your problem is not with me but god
8. If you were a real/true Christian....

Once you hear phrases like these then the conversation for the Christian is over.

Most people want and need platitudes in order to maintain belief in things which boost selfesteem, but have no fundamental reasons to be true.

If your SO asked you how she looks, you would know.

I will pray for you

Really? Am I that fucked up that I need your fake concern, or do you want to hear more gossip so you can "contribute" to the prayer list?

(November 25, 2014 at 10:19 am)Chuck Wrote: If your SO asked you how she looks, you would know.

My SO has a penis. I'd probably go into shock if 'she' asked me how she looked.

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(November 25, 2014 at 10:59 am)polar bear Wrote: I will pray for you

Really? Am I that fucked up that I need your fake concern, or do you want to hear more gossip so you can "contribute" to the prayer list?

Sometimes, I will pray for you also means, fuck you.

(November 25, 2014 at 10:59 am)polar bear Wrote: I will pray for you

Really? Am I that fucked up that I need your fake concern, or do you want to hear more gossip so you can "contribute" to the prayer list?

Improving your attitude toward prayer is something about which I feel the need prayer for you. :-)

As far as I'm concerned, the conversation is basically over the moment anything from this list of common xtian clichés appears.

God is always at your side, guiding you. Yeah right...

When it comes to retaining your faith, don't forget the anti-atheist platitudes! Apparently, there are none in Fox holes for one thing, so they are really someone to look down to - nothing you would want to become.

Not sure whether it qualifies as a platitude, maybe a cliche, but if you're a preacher and the kid from sunday school tells you they are not sure about what's with God, you have to answer - "everyone has doubts, even me. Jesus had doubts too, that's a normal part of growing in your faith. It's best to ask God, you'll find Him in your heart."

Yeah, "the Lord works in mysterious ways" is a very common one, that is similar to many of the ones from your OP. It's nothing but a hand wave to "answer" the hard questions in a way that doesn't actually answer anything.

This is why parody religions are so great. You talk about the FSM, and when they call it stupid, you go on about your faith in his mysterious ways.

"You couldn't have been a true Christian."

"I'm here because I want to save you from evil."

"God didn't create pain and disease and suffering, we did through our sin."

These and others are said to avoid sticky philosophical questions that might arise. Because sticking your fingers in your ears and going "lalalalala!" makes the bad facts go away.

(November 25, 2014 at 10:06 am)Nope Wrote: There are a number of phrases that Christians use that stop them from questioning their faith. These used to drive me crazy when I was trying desperately to retain my faith because I wasn't getting answers to my questions. Maybe you all can think of a few more.

1. It is part of god's plan.
2. We will understand when we die
3. Your human understanding can not comprehend god's greatness.
4.God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.
5. You need the faith of a little child(So stop asking questions)
6.God won't give you more than you can handle

7. Your problem is not with me but god
8. If you were a real/true Christian....

Once you hear phrases like these then the conversation for the Christian is over.

to break these
1. It is part of god's plan. - logic ]if he exists were just some pawn and some game to him.
2. We will understand when we die - logic we won't yet one day we will.
3. Your human understanding can not comprehend god's greatness. - logic and reasoning and basic human intelligence and a will to learn god is simple if he existed. Also easy to figure out his motives the being is evil.
4.God doesn’t give you more than you can handle. - logic bullshit he gives everyone way to much if he existed
5. You need the faith of a little child(So stop asking questions) - logic and reasoning and a the will to question is powerful do not hinder it because it hinders learning.
6.God won't give you more than you can handle <- refer to 4