God. - Page 14

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

@JAXS mom wrote:
Housecat, I'm so sorry that people have misread your posts and are wrongfully assuming that you're trying to convert your dad.

Well, what else would you say that the suggestions of "watch this", "listen to that", "bring clergy in", is, if not to try to get him to convert?

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

@Mominohio wrote:
@Karnerblue wrote:
I think you either believe or you don't. It's called faith. You either have it or you don't, No one can change a person's mind or make them believe. It has to come from within. How educated you are has nothing to do with this. My only suggestion would be to talk with a priest.
I disagree with this. There are many who want to believe, or believe more deeply, but something is blocking that. It isn't as simple as you either believe or you don't. Many people struggle with it, in varying degrees.

And OP has stated, that he 'wants' to believe. I think what is needed is the right religious leader. It may be from his Catholic past, but most likely not, because that didn't stick the first time. He may need the counsel of just the right minister that can help him get past whatever is blocking him being a full believer.

And unfortunately at his age, time is of the essence. He is, with what he has expressed to the OP, looking and searching. I think that especially at his advanced age, he may need some help, and hope that OP can find the right person to help.

Actually, the o/p said that her said said, "I WISH that I could believe".

And I wish that I could be in my 20's again.

jubilant · ‎06-10-2010

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
@seaBreeze wrote:
Plaid Pants,
You're right .... but look at the consequence if you're "wrong."

That's not your concern, is it?

This is still the U.S. of A., where we are free to CHOOSE for OURSELVES, correct?

And just because what *I* choose isn't what you would choose, does not make my choice automatically "wrong".

It's interesting how people get all frantic when they find out that someone is a non-believer.

Has an Athesist ever tried to convert you from believing?

So, why the need to try and convert a non-believer to a believer?

See how it works both ways?

You leave me to believe what I believe, and I'll leave you to believe what you believe.

oceantown · ‎03-10-2010

When someone says that they wish they could believe in God, I believe that person is searching. If they look at things in an intelligent or scientific manner, they may have the impression that they cannot have faith in God.

Some believe that they need to understand it all, in order to have faith. I believe that we come to God with child-like faith. Instead of understanding bringing about faith, maybe it is better to look at it as our faith, bringing understanding.

If a person has thoughts that they wish they could believe in God, then I would sure want to talk to them and discuss these spiritual matters. I would not say, leave them alone and don't preach to them. This is not preaching. This is a discussion. Discussion is good.

There are some good books, the video I already mentioned, God's Not Dead, and of course a person could read or listen to the scriptures. For instance, start at the book of John.

If someone is searching for truth, and finds it, well then the search was certainly worth it!

NoelSeven · ‎03-09-2010

I went through this with a good friend, and later, a couple of others I knew.

My friend told me she wished she could believe. I asked what that meant and she said. from what she saw, believers had an easy time of it, didn't have to worry about death, etc. and seemed so sure of what they believed.

Whereas she questioned everything. She said she would never believe, she was an atheist, but she envied people who seemed to feel so sure. Years later, she continues to not be a believer and never did an open search to do so.

Not for a minute do I think those who "wish" really mean they want to.

A Thrill Of Hope The Weary World Rejoices

nomless · ‎03-10-2010

Very thoughtful post, Oceantown. Nicely done.

jubilant · ‎06-10-2010

I must have hit a wrong button posting above...sorry. Oh well, while I am here I would like to say that just because we express what we believe does not mean we are trying to force it on others. My own personal belief is that God does not force himself on anyone. I see nothing wrong, however, with answering a question that was asked and using what has helped me and others along the way. If it happens to be my beliefs....so what? Maybe you are not open to it....but when someone else is you have no right to come in and attack those who want to help. I see no one twisting anyones arm here. What I do see is someone who hates our beliefs so much they cannot even stand to hear them expressed. Well we have a right to believe what we believe, same as you do. If you were encouraging the Atheist way of life or another religion or telling this woman to pray to Buddha and not saying one thing about God, I would keep my mouth shut. She asked for opinions. Were giving them.

NoelSeven · ‎03-09-2010

@jubilant wrote:
I must have hit a wrong button posting above...sorry. Oh well, while I am here I would like to say that just because we express what we believe does not mean we are trying to force it on others. My own personal belief is that God does not force himself on anyone. I see nothing wrong, however, with answering a question that was asked and using what has helped me and others along the way. If it happens to be my beliefs....so what? Maybe you are not open to it....but when someone else is you have no right to come in and attack those who want to help. I see no one twisting anyones arm here. What I do see is someone who hates our beliefs so much they cannot even stand to hear them expressed. Well we have a right to believe what we believe, same as you do. If you were encouraging the Atheist way of life or another religion or telling this woman to pray to Buddha and not saying one thing about God, I would keep my mouth shut. She asked for opinions. Were giving them.

*****************************

Jubilant, we do it all the time. Maybe not those of us here, but others sure do.

I only have to point to one example: Kim Davis.

A Thrill Of Hope The Weary World Rejoices

SHIRAZ · ‎06-27-2010

If someone says he wishes he could believe, that necessarily means that he can't believe. He simply envies the peace and contentment that the believers feel - or at least claim to feel.

It is always a more challenging path to be a critcal thinker and think for oneself rather than just accepting the dogma espoused by society/ family/church, etc.

“Don't be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.“
—Steve Jobs, “Commencement Address at Stanford University“ American Rhetoric (delivered June 12, 2005)

"It doesn't matter if the glass is half-full or half-empty as long as you still have the rest of the bottle."

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

@NoelSeven wrote:
I went through this with a good friend, and later, a couple of others I knew.

My friend told me she wished she could believe. I asked what that meant and she said. from what she saw, believers had an easy time of it, didn't have to worry about death, etc. and seemed so sure of what they believed.

Whereas she questioned everything. She said she would never believe, she was an atheist, but she envied people who seemed to feel so sure. Years later, she continues to not be a believer and never did an open search to do so.

Not for a minute do I think those who "wish" really mean they want to.

Exactly, Noel! Thank-you!

Just because someone says "I wish..." does not mean that they want to suddenly believe.

And "discussing" is preaching.

I would ONLY bring "the word", if they ASKED FIRST.

And saying, "I wish" is NOT asking.