What are the Characteristics of a NT Christian?

[brewer]

Evidence, but not convincing evidence, at least not for me and many others. 

If jesus was god (that whole trinity thing) and god can do anything (that whole omnipotent thing) then it should not be a problem for god to show up and put an end to the lack of convincing evidence. Evidence any anyone holding any belief would be able to say "that is god, I'm convinced". 


So SteveII, why doesn't this happen?

1. Most people do not start with "there is no God". We are wired to believe in the supernatural--and most humans do. That is why a reading of the NT and the genuine changing power of a conversion in a persons life (other people's testimony) is compelling to many people every day  (there are millions of adult conversions every year). 
2. Whether or not you are aware of the formal natural theology arguments, most people can understand deep down that the universe calls out for an explanation. Conscienceless calls out for an explanation. Morality calls out for an explanation. You have to develop alternate explanations to support atheism--I don't think they are intuitive.  
3. Regarding what God could have done a better job convincing, a few points:
  a. It is not clear that ongoing flashing, crowd-convincing miracles would not be coercive to free will. I believe that minor miracles happen every day and many Christians are convinced of the same. 
  b. God is not concerned if you believe he exists. He is only interested in having a relationship with you. If your heart is searching, there is more than enough evidence that he exists.

1. Wired, maybe. But then quite a few grow up mentally and recognize fantasy for what it is, fantasy. Millions of conversions, maybe. Is that because a fantasy savior/protector/golden ticket holder allows then to deal with life/death easier, probably. Fantasy escapism can be very powerful for some people. How many adults per year raised christian reject christianity? Check our Pew research. Is it because society as a whole is out growing the need for a fantasy?
2. The people that require a made up explanation for every little thing are simply insecure. Most want to search for explanations, that's part of the human condition. However, when an explanation is not immediately forthcoming there is no need to make up and believe in a fantasy, unless you're insecure with "we don't know yet". 
3. I didn't ask for a miracle, I asked for god to show up. And it would not be coercive, it would allow me to make a decision on the reality vs fantasy of god. I think your "minor miracles" are yet another example of fantasy, attaching god to whatever suits the fantasy. And I think that if your version of a god is real based on it's book, then it is very concerned that I believe. Otherwise it would have not made it's first 4 commandments addressing that very issue. And my mind searches (not heart) but finds very little satisfaction in a fantasy god.