Originally Posted by
Blackwater
Don, there is some truth in what you say, but in most of it, you describe the problems of humanity, and not of Christ or of religion itself. Many who believe have great difficulty in following Christ's directions and advice. But they believe, and if they're truly trying, and just combating a bit of a too haughty spirit within themselves, they they are still Christians, but just very poor examples of real Christianity. And yes, it is indeed sad that so many cannot really describe or relate to a non-believer all the reasons they believe. But sadly, that's the state of far too many modern believers. We all have jobs and family and often, pastimes, that limit our time to spend studying. But when the weekends come, when we DO have some time, we often spend that time doing something else. Is it any wonder then, that so many sputter, stutter and go " ....mmmm" when they're asked WHY they believe? Of course not. The problems are all within the PEOPLE, and not with religion, or with Christ. It's with our ignorance, which we do far too little to cure. So that should never turn anyone away from a search for the real and unfailing Christ.
Instead, why not look at the best among us, rather than the dregs???? I know you've recently come to belief. What was that experience like for you? Was it as if some sort of other-dimensional portal was opened, and you at once KNEW that it was Christ standing before you, reaching out His holy hand, and inviting you to partake of His forgiveness, His grace, and His mercy? That's a real "conversion experience," and I use that word "knew" in the full and complete meaning of the word. One CAN know things by means beyond what our temporal world commonly realizes. Those who've never had such an experience cannot possibly relate to it. Only those who've had it can really understand what I speak of here. But it's very real, and it's not limited to anyone. It's available to all who truly seek, and who do it with a humble and sincere spirit. Only then is it possible for the Lord to speak to people, and truly become very, very real to them. Again, those who've not had such an experience cannot possibly relate. But for them to say it can't and never did happen is ridiculous on the face of it. You can't know something you're not seeking, and are actually averse to even thinking or talking about. This is why some non-believers dismiss such things out of hand. They think they have seen all, and know all, and that nothing is possible beyond their meager human experience. Silly of them, I know, but they do it. We seem to have, as humans, a capacity and taste for the ridiculous far too often. God speed to all here.