Why I'm Still a Christian

[Jenny A]

What I have discovered is there has been quite a change since that day. I found that it can be very scary to venture out of the comfortable world that you've come to accept and face new possibilities.

Indeed it can be. If absolutely nothing else I admire the bravery of theists who are willing to venture out into this forum for serious discussions.

Here's some things that have changed since Dec 14, 2013:

I was a progressive creationist and I am now an evolutionist. I've acquired a greater appreciation for what science can teach us.

And proved you have the ability to learn, even if it contradicts your beliefs.

Although I was never a biblical literalist, I am now more convinced that the bible is true and inspired, but it was not written to be a scientific or historical textbook, and so it can't always be relied to be specifically accurate in that regard.

Certainly it is neither scientifically or historically accurate. What is it about it, that makes you think it was divinely inspired?

Early church fathers supported views of hell other than eternal torment, but because the catholic church embraced that view, it became the prevailing view. I believe that, although the bible does definitely teach of hell as a place of torment, I don't believe that it teaches that one's time there will be eternal.

Parts of it do support eternal hell. The Bible does tend to contradict itself. Nor is it particularly clear.

I have come to believe that those who haven't been able to hear of Christ , but truly seek God will be with him.

Kind thought, but what makes you think so? And why would those who seek be more deserving that those who don't.

I was against gay marriage and civil unions, but I now support civil unions, but not gay marriage. I don't think the government has any business in marriage. I have come to realize that we are not a christian nation, but a secular one. Because of that all citizens are deserving of equal treatment under the law. I still think that homosexuality is sinful, but I think a lot of things people do are sinful, and this doesn't effect whether or not I care for an individual.

Two separate topics. Sorry you still feel that way about gays. But regardless of how you feel, marriage is not a religious institution. It existed long before Christianity, exists in countries where Christianity has made few if any inroads, and frankly religion has nothing legitimate to say about it any who are not of the particular faith doing the saying.

I realize that we can't count on God to always directly intervene in our affairs. Jesus didn't tell us if we believe in him he will make sure our lives are without trial or suffering.

Doesn't appear to do so at all. In any case you theists often want diametrically opposed things, so no god could serve you all.

Sorry to you non-christians and non-theists, but when I look around and see who is carrying out works of mercy locally and in the world, it's mostly christians. I believe that if a person possesses the truth, it will emanate from him or her.

Actually, I see many secular charities and many of the people I know participating in them are atheists.

Lastly, I have come to understand the atheist point of view on most matters. If I didn't believe in God, I would have the same views concerning faith, the bible and worldview. Unfortunately, I can't say I've made any friends here, but I think if we could meet in person that would happen. In this forum christians and atheists discuss their differences and not their similarities, so we don't have a rounded view of each other. The problem is that we discuss and re-discuss the same issues with no resolution because we can't claim any common ground. So sometimes I wonder if it's all a waste of time, but when I look back, though, I can say that it's been a benefit to me.

If you've learned to value science and that the Bible is accurate you've learned a great deal.

My advice for searching christians, or anyone for that matter, is not to take anything in a forum as final, but to check it out for themselves using multiple sources, and not just one side of the issue.

That would be my advice to anyone anywhere.

As for me, I see myself as being a more enlightened christian, and will most likely be one for the rest of my life.

You are a Christian with greater secular understanding than you had before. Congratulations.

You are also civil. That is a very good thing. But I think you always were.