Ehem.

[Eldora]

I'd like to make an announcement, folks:

I am no longer an atheist. This whole change took about three weeks max. One day I was cheering on atheists and arguing their side of the fight, the next day I was praying and trying to welcome God into my heart, and it worked. Yup, totally did.

My best friend, a Christian, told me tell my problems to God.

I prayed to God and asked him to give me the open mind I needed to read the Bible; next day I was sitting at my grandma's reading passages out loud to her and reading various stories that my friends recommended me. I loved reading it so much that simply reading my Bible didn't satisfy me; I started copying verses like crazy, haha. I asked for verses that would help me feel more at peace with the troubles I'd been having, and I somehow found them...?

I told God that if he helped my life be less stressful, then I would pray for salvation and repent and make an effort to be a good Christian. I ended up getting saved even before he had given me what I'd asked for, last night. I'm afraid of my house, and I could have sworn that something was in my room, so I just started praying and it comforted me so much that next thing I did was start repenting and asking for salvation, not even remembering what I'd asked for.


This morning I woke up, my ex and I spoke for the first time in nearly a month. I laughed with one of my worst enemies, I became the leader of my group in Health class. I sang myself hoarse in Spektrum/Chorus class. I made better friends with a girl that I once thought hated me. At work, my ex came to visit me and simply made my day. Everything today felt so wonderful, and everything that I'd prayed would happen happened. My best friend said I'd been blessed.

I totally get where you Christians are coming from now. This isn't something you can understand from an outsider's point of view: It's something you have to experience firsthand. To you atheists: I have no clue what happened, but suddenly I am so sure and happy and everything's going so well that I just felt the need to share it with you guys.

Psalms 37:23-24
23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD : and he delighteth in his way.
24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

It looks like we've lost one to the dark side. Hopefully you find whatever you were looking for and it'll be interesting to see when on TH, you debate against atheists and non-Christians.

[ReluctantPegasister]

Ditto ^^^^

[~Mr. Self Destruct~]

^^ Ditto ^^ X2

[Brandon]

[Toz]

So you had a religious awakening, eh? It sounds like you got emotional, and it filled a hole, and suddenly your life became much better. But look at the bigger picture: does it make sense that an omniscient, infinitely loving God let you tumble about as an atheist, while all the things you said just started going well for you were formerly terrible? You say that it's something you have to experience to believe in, but I don't see that as a substantial claim. I don't need to do a line of cocaine to know that it's terrible for me, and addicting.

[Sythan]

Glad you've found what suits you best Best of luck

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by Sythan

Glad you've found what suits you best Best of luck

And see: This is the attitude I was hoping for. Thank you, Sythan.

I'm not a judgemental person; it's against everything I have learned and have been taught. I'm not going to go about debating atheists and non-Christians, because I know that other people have different ways, and I'm entirely unaffected by their presence in the first place.

It's not the dark side, by the way. It's simply a different way. Maybe you're all more closed-minded than you originally thought to be. Christians simply have a different way of believing, and who's to say who's right or wrong? I'm willing to be on this site side by side in peace, rather than throwing stones at each other because we have different beliefs.

[Iris. ♥]

Originally Posted by Eldora

I'm not a judgemental person; it's against everything I have learned and have been taught. I'm not going to go about debating atheists and non-Christians, because I know that other people have different ways, and I'm entirely unaffected by their presence in the first place.

It's not the dark side, by the way. It's simply a different way. Maybe you're all more closed-minded than you originally thought to be. Christians simply have a different way of believing, and who's to say who's right or wrong? I'm willing to be on this site side by side in peace, rather than throwing stones at each other because we have different beliefs.

I love this attitude! I wish there were more Christians out there that held a similar view of the world. Anyways, I'm so excited that you decided to come to know who God truly is. Reading this was a great start to my day.

[thebigmole]

Originally Posted by Eldora

And see: This is the attitude I was hoping for. Thank you, Sythan.

I'm not a judgemental person; it's against everything I have learned and have been taught. I'm not going to go about debating atheists and non-Christians, because I know that other people have different ways, and I'm entirely unaffected by their presence in the first place.

It's not the dark side, by the way. It's simply a different way. Maybe you're all more closed-minded than you originally thought to be. Christians simply have a different way of believing, and who's to say who's right or wrong? I'm willing to be on this site side by side in peace, rather than throwing stones at each other because we have different beliefs.

To respond to the close-minded comment, I'm pretty sure the first few posters on here were just joking/being over dramatic. Believing what we believe we just tend to roll our eyes at things like this, but it shouldn't matter to you and it's good that you are happy.

However if you truly wish not to debate I wouldn't post on this section much, because it's kinda a debating section. I mean not this thread, it was obviously not meant to be a debate. I just mean for the future. It just drives me crazy when people comment on the debate threads and then say they don't want to debate.

[chickenonsteroids]

Yo, I've never understood the idea behind posting on a forum then replying to the only post that was the answer you're looking for. That's like telling examiners they are rubbish if they mark your exam then hugging the examiner that gives you a good mark even if you probably didn't deserve it.

It's nice that you've become happier but don't do that again. It's stupid.

[Toz]

Close-minded? I think that it's pretty close-minded of you to immediately dismiss what I say, just because you didn't agree with it. But alright. If you've chosen to shut the eye of reason, that's entirely on you.

[dr2005]

chickenonsteroids and Toz: Please consider being a bit more respectful about a person's choice of religious beliefs (whether they have them or not) and usage of the forum in future. There is no need to accuse someone of stupidity, or irrationality, or emotional insecurity, simply because you don't agree with their position or how they choose to express them. Ana has explained why she felt as if her experience was one of God, and while you may not draw the same conclusion there is no need to throw about claims of delusion or seeking cheerleaders. A little tolerance goes a long way.

Anyway, I will respond to the OP in exactly the same way I would for anyone else undergoing changes in religious belief: I am glad that you have found a position you feel fits you and your life better, and hope that you find what you are looking for.

[chickenonsteroids]

Dr2005... I said nothing offensive towards his change in beliefs. I said I was happy for him. It's just his selective responses and his attitude towards them that annoyed me.

If you want to point out where I've been explicitly rude or offensive please feel free to do so.

[dr2005]

Originally Posted by chickenonsteroids

Dr2005... I said nothing offensive towards his change in beliefs. I said I was happy for him. It's just his selective responses and his attitude towards them that annoyed me.

If you want to point out where I've been explicitly rude or offensive please feel free to do so.

I would refer you back to the last line of your post:

Originally Posted by chickenonsteroids

It's nice that you've become happier but don't do that again. It's stupid.

Admittedly I should have been clearer that I was referring to usage of the forum in your instance, as opposed to response to her beliefs, and apologise for not making that clearer. Nonetheless, I feel this remark was unwarranted and hence flagged it up.

[chickenonsteroids]

Originally Posted by dr2005

Admittedly I should have been clearer that I was referring to usage of the forum in your instance, as opposed to response to her beliefs, and apologise for not making that clearer. Nonetheless, I feel this remark was unwarranted and hence flagged it up.

Oki doki, if you feel that was necessary it's all good.

[Liz94]

To OP I am so happy for you.

I had a very simular experience 5 years ago when I found God and since then I have had experiences with God that fill me with warmth, love and hope.

I agree with about the whole athiest and Christian debating thing. I do have a debate and stick up for myself, but at the end of the day people have different opinions and beliefs all of which should be repected and accepted.

I hope your relationship with God grows stronger and stronger.

XX

[Toz]

Originally Posted by dr2005

chickenonsteroids and Toz: Please consider being a bit more respectful about a person's choice of religious beliefs (whether they have them or not) and usage of the forum in future. There is no need to accuse someone of stupidity, or irrationality, or emotional insecurity, simply because you don't agree with their position or how they choose to express them. Ana has explained why she felt as if her experience was one of God, and while you may not draw the same conclusion there is no need to throw about claims of delusion or seeking cheerleaders. A little tolerance goes a long way.

Anyway, I will respond to the OP in exactly the same way I would for anyone else undergoing changes in religious belief: I am glad that you have found a position you feel fits you and your life better, and hope that you find what you are looking for.

It's a necessary evil.

[dr2005]

Originally Posted by chickenonsteroids

Oki doki, if you feel that was necessary it's all good.

Originally Posted by TeenHelp Code of Conduct

General Posting Guidelines

• All users should be treated with respect at all times, regardless of any negative feelings you hold towards them or whether or not provocation occurred. Hateful descriptions or images will not be tolerated anywhere on TeenHelp, and neither will insulting or aggressive behaviour towards anyone. All users should help to maintain the positive environment of TeenHelp.

Just trying to keep things civil. This place gets heated enough as it is.

Originally Posted by Toz

It's a necessary evil.

I think we can consider that a good example of "agree to disagree".

[MadPoet]

Lost another to the dark side? I'm sorry, but was there really a need for that? The OP is sharing her personal experience and her decision to become a Christian. If you don't agree with that, fine. But I don't think she was asking for opinions.

I'm really happy for you Ana, and I think it's great that you've let God into your life. It's one of the biggest decisions to make in life, and probably the most important. Being a Christian isn't always easy, and I've been known to become fed up with God in the past. I stopped believing in Him for awhile, but once I reinstated God in my life, things started to improve. God isn't some magical being that will grant our every wish and make our lives perfect, but He will make them a little bit easier when we need Him. Try not to let anyone or anything sway you from your beliefs, because there's a reason you made this decision.

Good luck in the future, and I hope your faith will stay with you always

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by dr2005

chickenonsteroids and Toz: Please consider being a bit more respectful about a person's choice of religious beliefs (whether they have them or not) and usage of the forum in future. There is no need to accuse someone of stupidity, or irrationality, or emotional insecurity, simply because you don't agree with their position or how they choose to express them. Ana has explained why she felt as if her experience was one of God, and while you may not draw the same conclusion there is no need to throw about claims of delusion or seeking cheerleaders. A little tolerance goes a long way.

Anyway, I will respond to the OP in exactly the same way I would for anyone else undergoing changes in religious belief: I am glad that you have found a position you feel fits you and your life better, and hope that you find what you are looking for.

Originally Posted by Liz94

To OP I am so happy for you.

I had a very simular experience 5 years ago when I found God and since then I have had experiences with God that fill me with warmth, love and hope.

I agree with about the whole athiest and Christian debating thing. I do have a debate and stick up for myself, but at the end of the day people have different opinions and beliefs all of which should be repected and accepted.

I hope your relationship with God grows stronger and stronger.

XX

Originally Posted by MadPoet

Lost another to the dark side? I'm sorry, but was there really a need for that? The OP is sharing her personal experience and her decision to become a Christian. If you don't agree with that, fine. But I don't think she was asking for opinions.

I'm really happy for you Ana, and I think it's great that you've let God into your life. It's one of the biggest decisions to make in life, and probably the most important. Being a Christian isn't always easy, and I've been known to become fed up with God in the past. I stopped believing in Him for awhile, but once I reinstated God in my life, things started to improve. God isn't some magical being that will grant our every wish and make our lives perfect, but He will make them a little bit easier when we need Him. Try not to let anyone or anything sway you from your beliefs, because there's a reason you made this decision.

Good luck in the future, and I hope your faith will stay with you always

Thank you three, for defending my change in opinion. Just how much I appreciate it can't really be expressed through words, haha. My faith can't grow weaker, only stronger. I'm not one to undertake these decisions hastily; but I just can't ignore the fulfillment of my prayers. To me, it's like a huge neon sign that says: "Oh, hey, Ana! I'm God, and I'm right here!" Lol.

It's really quite comforting.

[chickenonsteroids]

Originally Posted by Eldora

Thank you three, for defending my change in opinion. Just how much I appreciate it can't really be expressed through words, haha. My faith can't grow weaker, only stronger. I'm not one to undertake these decisions hastily; but I just can't ignore the fulfillment of my prayers. To me, it's like a huge neon sign that says: "Oh, hey, Ana! I'm God, and I'm right here!" Lol.

It's really quite comforting.

good for you. Salvation (however you get it) is the best you can do for yourself.

Yet I urge you to never close your mind to other points of view. That's the worst thing you can do to yourself as a human.

I'm just warning you because it could happen, if you lose your faith again. It will be difficult but does it matter? it just depends on how you react to it.

Also I'd recommend reviewing your position in a few weeks.

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by chickenonsteroids

good for you. Salvation (however you get it) is the best you can do for yourself.

Yet I urge you to never close your mind to other points of view. That's the worst thing you can do to yourself as a human.

I'm just warning you because it could happen, if you lose your faith again. It will be difficult but does it matter? it just depends on how you react to it.

Also I'd recommend reviewing your position in a few weeks.

I'm not going to lose my open mind. I've been an atheist and before that, a pagan; I've known what it means to have my opinions shot down because supposedly that's the only way. I know that my beliefs are only my beliefs, and while I'd love for everyone to be saved, I don't think it's my place to press my beliefs on others. I know what it feels like... And for that reason, I will not allowmyself to become so closed-minded as some others who share my religion.

I'll review my position, maybe, but only if I feel it needs reviewing. And I don't think it will.

[~Mr. Self Destruct~]

A couple of things first:

Originally Posted by dr2005

I would refer you back to the last line of your post:

Originally Posted by dr2005

Admittedly I should have been clearer that I was referring to usage of the forum in your instance, as opposed to response to her beliefs, and apologise for not making that clearer. Nonetheless, I feel this remark was unwarranted and hence flagged it up.

I do see what's your trying to convey Dave, and it's perfectly reasonable. But I do feel the need to point out that Chickenonsteroids (for lack of an actual name ) was labelling her being selectve about the responses she received as "stupid". Although that's still probably unwarranted in mosts' views, I want to stress that he was not attempting to stigmatize her beliefs.

Secondly:

Lost another to the dark side? I'm sorry, but was there really a need for that? The OP is sharing her personal experience and her decision to become a Christian. If you don't agree with that, fine. But I don't think she was asking for opinions.

That was quote patently a light-hearted joke. I'm very sorry if you're so hyper-sensitive as to not see that, combined with having an entirely selective system of interpretation.

Now, on to what I wanted to ask.
When you had this "awakening" of sorts, was this neccessarilly the Christian/Abrahamic God you were praying to? Because it simply seems you sought comfort in a deity without spefication. Now, I could be wrong, for lack of seeing any specificity in your posts, but would this not seem more like deism (ignoring the psalms quotes in your first post)? If not, could you please clear this up. It would be much appreciated.

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by ~Mr. Self Destruct~

A couple of things first:



I do see what's your trying to convey Dave, and it's perfectly reasonable. But I do feel the need to point out that Chickenonsteroids (for lack of an actual name ) was labelling her being selectve about the responses she received as "stupid". Although that's still probably unwarranted in mosts' views, I want to stress that he was not attempting to stigmatize her beliefs.

Secondly:



That was quote patently a light-hearted joke. I'm very sorry if you're so hyper-sensitive as to not see that, combined with having an entirely selective system of interpretation.

Now, on to what I wanted to ask.
When you had this "awakening" of sorts, was this neccessarilly the Christian/Abrahamic God you were praying to? Because it simply seems you sought comfort in a deity without spefication. Now, I could be wrong, for lack of seeing any specificity in your posts, but would this not seem more like deism (ignoring the psalms quotes in your first post)? If not, could you please clear this up. It would be much appreciated.

I clearly prayed to the Christian God when I prayed. My Christian best friend suggested that I pray to God and tell him my troubles; normally I wouldn't have, but I was pretty depressed. So I did. And things are looking up.

Dunno if it's a coincidence or not, but if it is, this coincidence had some pretty good timing, haha.

[ALLorNOTHINGforCHRIST]

welcome to the family of God.

[~Mr. Self Destruct~]

Well, albeit the fact that "things are looking up" after praying is absolutely, on no grounds, evidence for a deity, it does seem you did indeed pray to the Abrahamic God.
I'd like to point out the whole Jesus thing though. You would have to accept that doctrine to be a Christian. I don't know if ou do or not, I'm simply pointing that out.
Just remember, not everything that makes you feel good is in itself good or neccessarilly true. My humble advice, heed it or not, it won't determine a particular path for you. Just a bit of wisdom from me.

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by ~Mr. Self Destruct~

Well, albeit the fact that "things are looking up" after praying is absolutely, on no grounds, evidence for a deity, it does seem you did indeed pray to the Abrahamic God.
I'd like to point out the whole Jesus thing though. You would have to accept that doctrine to be a Christian. I don't know if ou do or not, I'm simply pointing that out.
Just remember, not everything that makes you feel good is in itself good or neccessarilly true. My humble advice, heed it or not, it won't determine a particular path for you. Just a bit of wisdom from me.

I know all about it; I was actually raised in a Christian household. I'm studying the doctrine, to make my own opinions on the text; there are many different interpretations, and I want to interpret it my way, haha.

And I'll keep your wisdom in mind. Thank you.

[dr2005]

Originally Posted by ~Mr. Self Destruct~

I do see what's your trying to convey Dave, and it's perfectly reasonable. But I do feel the need to point out that Chickenonsteroids (for lack of an actual name ) was labelling her being selectve about the responses she received as "stupid". Although that's still probably unwarranted in mosts' views, I want to stress that he was not attempting to stigmatize her beliefs.

I know, don't worry - it was more down to a poor choice of wording on my part that I created the opposite impression, hence my apology to him in my follow-up post. It was more meant in terms of criticising Ana's use of the forum - my error was in not proofreading my own post properly. Everyone has off days I guess.

[Of Mike and Men]

My sister, my prayers for you, in the name of Jesus. It is my prayer you do not become captive to the Angel of Light, that is, Satan, as so many in our time, even those professing Christ in vain. I pray you grow strong. I ask that Love maintains you until the resurrection. And may the Author and Finisher of your faith keep you humble. For after pride, comes a downfall. And after security, the evil one attacks. Do not, like me, and so many others, be driven away by the cares of this world. But, look to Him who feeds the sparrows, and clothes the lilies. Do not love riches or wisdom, but love the poor and foolish things of this world, these are what pleases Him. May His peace and love surround you, now, and forever. Blessings. May you seek the face of the G-D of peace.

Hopefully forever your brother by Him who calls,
michael

[Baxter]

...I didn't know this was the debate forum.

Anyways, good luck, hopefully your decision helps you and improves your quality of life.

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by Of Mike and Men

My sister, my prayers for you, in the name of Jesus. It is my prayer you do not become captive to the Angel of Light, that is, Satan, as so many in our time, even those professing Christ in vain. I pray you grow strong. I ask that Love maintains you until the resurrection. And may the Author and Finisher of your faith keep you humble. For after pride, comes a downfall. And after security, the evil one attacks. Do not, like me, and so many others, be driven away by the cares of this world. But, look to Him who feeds the sparrows, and clothes the lilies. Do not love riches or wisdom, but love the poor and foolish things of this world, these are what pleases Him. May His peace and love surround you, now, and forever. Blessings. May you seek the face of the G-D of peace.

Hopefully forever your brother by Him who calls,
michael

Thank you for your prayers. That was inspiring, and very beautiful and poetic. You sound very knowledgeable, haha.

[ReluctantPegasister]

Originally Posted by Baxter

...I didn't know this was the debate forum

I really should let this go but.... yes, this is not the debate forum. And yes, OP most likely did not want her specific thread to turn into a debate. That said, the OP, as well as many of the members above, have debated in this forum over the many facets of religion. For example: just a month ago OP was debating with other (here unnamed) members on the merits of Evangelism.

My point is that debates can and do happen of the 'Religion and Spirituality, Science and Philosophy' forum all of the time- just maybe not on this thread.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Originally Posted by Eldora

It's not the dark side, by the way. It's simply a different way. Maybe you're all more closed-minded than you originally thought to be.

A mere joke on my part doesn't make me feel more or less close-minded. I'm aware I have some close-minded views. I suppose next time I'll have to write, "BAZINGA" for you to realize it's a joke.

Originally Posted by MadPoet

Lost another to the dark side? I'm sorry, but was there really a need for that? The OP is sharing her personal experience and her decision to become a Christian. If you don't agree with that, fine. But I don't think she was asking for opinions.

If you get offended over a harmless joke, not my problem. I'm aware she was asking for opinions and I gave my own, both in the form of the joke and in a slightly more sincere form when I gave the OP a good luck statement of maintaining your beliefs although it will be fraught with difficulties. Since you were unable to locate that part of my post, I quoted it for you:

"Hopefully you find whatever you were looking for and it'll be interesting to see when on TH, you debate against atheists and non-Christians."

[Revolution]

My tip to you in your spiritually journey, wait no, everybody, Christians, Atheists, and everybody in between: Question everything. Always question. Question why, question why not. If you are an Atheist who have never asked what if, or if you are a Christian who have never asked what if not, you are not a true believer, true faith requires questioning and finding what you truly believe in. I'm glad that you've come to your own personal conclusion. Mine just ended in the exact opposite direction as you. So let's coexist and hug on it.

[thebigmole]

Originally Posted by Coffee❤

My tip to you in your spiritually journey, wait no, everybody, Christians, Atheists, and everybody in between: Question everything. Always question. Question why, question why not. If you are an Atheist who have never asked what if, or if you are a Christian who have never asked what if not, you are not a true believer, true faith requires questioning and finding what you truly believe in. I'm glad that you've come to your own personal conclusion. Mine just ended in the exact opposite direction as you. So let's coexist and hug on it.

Quoted for emphasis. Soooo very important to always be questioning and looking at things from other angles. That's why Socrates was such a great man/philosopher.

[Gymnophoria]

Everyone here needs to start being more respectful towards others' views and I recommend you all reread the code of conduct.

[Dont3verLooseHope]

I Basically Ignored everyone comments .. No offence peeps !! Hey .. Eldora !! PRAISE JESUS for opening your eyes !!! <3 God loves you ever so much <3 message me sometime?

amen God bless xxxx

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by The Man And XX Master

A mere joke on my part doesn't make me feel more or less close-minded. I'm aware I have some close-minded views. I suppose next time I'll have to write, "BAZINGA" for you to realize it's a joke.



If you get offended over a harmless joke, not my problem. I'm aware she was asking for opinions and I gave my own, both in the form of the joke and in a slightly more sincere form when I gave the OP a good luck statement of maintaining your beliefs although it will be fraught with difficulties. Since you were unable to locate that part of my post, I quoted it for you:

"Hopefully you find whatever you were looking for and it'll be interesting to see when on TH, you debate against atheists and non-Christians."

I'm sorry, I admit I didn't see that last bit.

Like I said, I'm not debating against atheists and non-Christians. This is the path I have chosen; I'm not going to force it on anyone else. Everyone believes differently, and I accept that. I might be a Christian, but trying to convince non-Christians and atheists that they're "wrong" would still be against my personal set of morals.

Besides, there is no possible way I could prove to you that my God exists. It's just something that relies solely on faith, and if you don't hold God's word as truth, then there's really no reason in trying to quote scripture at you (that you don't believe in) to make you believe in something (that you don't believe in).

[~Mr. Self Destruct~]

Originally Posted by Gymnophoria

Everyone here needs to start being more respectful towards others' views and I recommend you all reread the code of conduct.

May I ask who was openly being offernsive or disprespectful to another's beliefs?