Quitting church

[SteveII]

My advice was predicated on the assumption that Erica had encountered arguments that illustrated to her that her parents were wrong. I doubted a 17 year old is aware there is 2000 years of philosophical thought/justification (in tens of thousands of books) that backs up the beliefs of her parents. I also doubt that she realized there are no new arguments against Christianity--so the idea that we have somehow discovered "truth" lately is completely false. 

Regarding seeking truth, there would be no way to evaluate the truth claims of Christianity without understanding the doctrines thoroughly (including answering the age-old objections to them). 

It is your opinion that my religious beliefs are a lie. You could not possibly know that.

Hahahahaha omg you amuse me. Books that back up the Christian faith? You do know a lot of stupid people write books right? You do know that the whole idea of following an old book *cough*thebible*cough* just because it is old is just silly and naïve.

Glad I could brighten your day.

I do know a lot of stupid people write books. Smart people write stupid books as well. 

Do you really think that people follow the Bible 'just because it is old' or because of the content? I started a thread awhile back where I articulated why I thought people became Christians (and, by extension, follow the Bible): http://atheistforums.org/thread-42941.html

It has come up in another thread that natural theology (philosophical arguments) are not the reason once becomes a Christian. Natural theology should be properly understood as support for the direct revelation and personal revelation from God (the Bible and personal relationship respectively)

I believe, especially for an adult not raised in a Christian home, it is the appeal of Jesus as a person coupled with his teachings that draws people. Why do these things resonate with a large number of people? 

It is obvious that we are somehow wired to believe in God/higher power/supernatural/purpose/destiny etc. Of course you will say this is a product of our evolution. There are several theories centered around the adaptive values of religion (social solidarity for one). However, these theories presuppose naturalism. So the result of this reasoning is that if God did exist or did not exist, we would still be wired to believe God exists. 

I think another reason this resonates with people is Jesus' main message that forgiveness, personal peace, a relationship with God, and eteral life is possible. 
a. there are a lot of people, who have had tough experiences that find the forgiveness and internal peace very appealing.
b. when you meet someone who has been a Christian a long time and exemplifies Jesus' teachings and shares how God has been a constant comfort and support to them in their daily lives, that is very appealing as well.
c. eternal life, how can you beat that? This component also helps you make sense/cope of the shortness of life, tragedies, and pain endured while we are here. 

Another appealing quality of Christianity is having the question of purpose and place in the universe answered. 
a. with atheism, at best, you are a happy accident with no overall purpose that will very shortly die and cease to exist.
b. contrast that with the purpose of man is to "Glorify God and enjoy him forever". We were created for a reason and daily life has purpose and you really want others to know what you have found. 

In addition, Jesus modeled his teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness for your fellow man and in doing so set an example that, if aspired to, would result in a very fulfilling life. Perhaps you are not old enough, but once you contemplate the brevity of life, finding fulfillment becames important.

While I know the one-liners will start flying in a moment, please contemplate the point I made at the beginning: It is not the KCA, or where did life come from, or arguments about origins of morality that converts people to Christianity, it is Jesus and his message that does that and I thought it important to make that clear.