He was forthright in his teaching that He came from God, that He is the Son of God, and that to reject Him is to reject God himself. As a theology and religious studies teacher in a high school, Ive had the privilege of walking with numerous teenagers and young adults as they sought to reconcile their longing for God with the inadequacies of religion and the individuals that make up their communities. Christianity teaches that God will give you the strength to follow Him - you're not just following a bunch of rules. For the past few months, I've come to a very strong belief that, while Jesus was an awesome guy who cared about people and wanted them to turn to God, he was NOT the son of God nor was he our Savior. This is dishonesty at its most egregious level. Bruce pastored Evangelical churches for twenty-five years in Ohio, Texas, and Michigan. Many other beliefs can be incorporated in agnostic theism, including fideism, which is the notion that knowledge is dependent on faith or revelation; however, not all agnostic theists hold to this belief system. We believe in a God who watches over us and protects us from troubles, and occasionally answers our prayers if weve done enough good deeds to earn His favor, but we dont want to believe in a Savior who calls us to account for our sins. I ask you to locate a peaceful place where you may read it aloud and pray it with an open mind and heart. Does Having Faith Mean We Have to Turn Off Our Brains? I say my prayers each morning and each night." Or, "I believe in God. Two: What you are currently thinking and living out in your lifein opposition to God, are the result of your not knowing or understanding what the truth is. But, why Christianity or Jesus? But when he saw Christ, his doubts vanished and he immediately exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). John 6:36. If these historical things are not true, then Christianity is a false religion. Unitarians believe that mainstream ( Nicene) Christianity does not adhere to strict monotheism, but by contrast, Unitarians do, by maintaining that Jesus was a great man and a prophet of God, perhaps even a supernatural being, but not God himself. Because of the lack of a strong religious group, spirituality becomes completely personal, centered on my own ideas, wishes, and whims. What does it mean to believe in God? | GotQuestions.org Do You Have to Believe in God to Go to Heaven? - BibleMesh Jesus Christ is that very One! Wicca allows for the belief in a supreme being (or beings), or an impersonal force. Date of joining: November 8, 2004 250 messages have been sent. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, God bless you. If you believe this, you will be at rest. Christian Vs Catholic Beliefs: (10 Epic Differences To Know) And to the Hindu, he is a guru or an avatar, no less the son of god than anybody else. Always been a Christian. Please help. When one believes to be saved, its believing because they were already saved, but believing makes it experiential. Can a Christian Not Believe in the Resurrection? | CBN.com To believe in God includes an acknowledgement of His existence, of course, but true belief in God is more than that. Sebastian Franck, a Lutheran clergyman in Germany, had had enough of organized religion when he chose to resign in 1528. I think that there was a guy named Jesus who was a wonderful leader and teacher of peace and God, and that he was genuinely crucified as a result of his actions. And to the Colossians, he adds that in Him (Jesus) the whole fullness of deity dwells, (Colossians 2:9). And if we skip a few Sundays, its easier to miss the next few. It will provide you with a general notion of where you could fit in. Is Believing in God Enough? - JA Show Articles Once upon a time, a great spiritual guide taught me that religion is dead without spirituality, and that spirituality is lost without religion is lost. After that, I didn't believe anymore." 10. But I dont want to be sacrilegious and infringe on the religious beliefs of others. +470 points based on 470 votes It all depends on what you define by the term resurrection. I think that the Spirit of Christ manifested to His disciples in whatever physical form God chose to make it evident in the first place. Islam is the most widespread religion in Asia, followed by Buddhism. 2 such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. Jump to content. I would like to invite you however, to come on in the the chatroom, where we can probably give you some answers in real time, and respond to other specific questions that will come up, as you explore the topic. Not all Unitarians believe in God, or even use the word God, in the traditional sense. Why I'm no longer a Christian - Life Lessons According to telephone polls conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2018 and 2019, 65 percent of American people identify as Christians when questioned about their religious affiliation. Yes. Christians and church communities are not immune to the threat and power of addiction. Grace & Glory: 50 Days in the Purpose & Plan of God. Date of joining: September 27, 2004 28,667 messages have been sent. As Jesus put it, religion has become whitewashed tombs beautiful on the exterior, but filled with the remains of dead people on the inside. Hollows in the ground, filled with straw, would typically be found near the family living space, where the animals would be fed while the family was at home. Your email address will not be published. We know them as Pharisees and Sadducees. 1 timothy 4:1-3 "the spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Something is Out There, But Not a Christian God Benedict one that I feel everyone, religious or nonreligious, may pray, regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs. Date of joining: November 8, 2004 250 messages have been sent. 14:6; Acts 4:12 Jesus is the only way, truth, life because He is God-Man, risen from the dead. Please correct me if Im wrong, but Im aware that some adherents of the Jewish faith feel that Jesus was not the savior as well. Unitarians believe in the moral authority of Jesus, but do not necessarily think that he is divine. brokenGirl, It is the belief of Oneness Pentecostals that Jesus Christ is the name of God, and that they should therefore be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in the manner prescribed by Jesus Christ in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or . The first is disciple, which is translated from the Greek mathts; this word describes a learner, a pupil, or one who follows the teachings of another. Rom 8:7, Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of. The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead., We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. The cross as a symbol of sacrifice The sacrifice of Christ is regarded as the most perfect sacrifice ever offered. In this state of innocence both Adam and his wife Eve had fellowship with God as they were both naked and were not ashamed(Genesis 2:25). You'll be so glad you did! Agnostic theism is defined as believing in the absence of information, as seen in purple and blue (see Epistemology). Joseph F. Rutherford succeeded him in 1917.Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God exists as a single individual, known as Jehovah. Unitarianism - Wikipedia 104) Regards, Scott Likex 1 (Scott Likex 1). Date of joining: November 8, 2004 250 messages have been sent. It appears as though you are in a similar predicament. I believe in the existence of God with all of my heart. The Churchs teachings on politics, money, and moral concerns dont sit well with me.How can I narrow my choices down to just one religion? There are so many options, how can you choose the best one?And if I choose one, am I implying that I believe all other religions are incorrect or that I believe I will burn in hell? Nonetheless, despite all of their doubts, my friends tell me that they have a deep sense of belonging to something greater than themselves in their hearts. [2] First, we must ask ourselves if the Bible indeed God's Word. While it may sound tolerant and loving to believe in the god of your choosing, in the end it will lead to destruction and an eternity separated from the Most High God who created you to worship Him, and sent His Son to tell you how. As varied as these religions are, they all approach Jesus through the lens that suits their particular practice. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. Is it possible that I am a hypocrite who talks the talk but doesnt practice the walk? However, their works were a demonstration of their faith. This Content Has Been Reported This material has not been approved by Odyssey HQ and only reflects the views and opinions of the author who has not been compensated. In fact, there is no clear distinction between the two. She and her husband lead Around The Corner Ministries, which serves to equip Christ-followers to share the gospel where they live, work and play. I really want to believe in God and in Jesus, but I just can't conquer Jehovahs Witnesses further reject the historicity of the core event of Christianity, Jesus bodily resurrection, teaching instead that the resurrection was a strictly spiritual event. Learning about what the Bible says about ghosts can get confusing, especially when our culture has warped our view on what a ghost looks . But, why Christianity or Jesus? He was, in fact, their war of god and was made in their image. Is it possible to be a Christian while still rejecting Christ? Without Christ Jesus man cannot enter into the (family of God). Crystals and Christianity - Are You Going To Hell? Alycia Wicker Jesus was the very first creation of Jehovah. There's nothing wrong with having a personal, unique relationship with/belief in God. In fact, many people identify as spiritual but not religious, or SBNR, as academics have labeled this group. Close. I've never particularly disbelieved in the existence of a god. It seems for such people, God doesn't fall under the category of being supernatural or paranormal. You should look for what makes you feel the most comfortable. :biglaugh: Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Likex 1 but not the same as Similar to Like. God cursed Adam for eatimg from the forbidden tree and he cursed the ground. For our sins, he made a sacrifice on our behalf. I don't need church to believe in God or to be a good person. It took the blood that Jesus shed on the cruel cross as he was the sacrifice God gave to to the world to cover our sins taking them out of the way. Addiction, whether to substances or to behaviors, threatens or affects just about every family in modern society. As now he would have to work the land for his food amidst thorns and thistles by the sweat of his brow. To an extent, I agree it is our job to show His love. These religions were polytheistic and one may treat them as religions without gods because the pagan gods were anything but gods. Nevertheless, I have three reasons that work well for me: truth, beauty, and goodness. Christianity is unique because it is revelation from the true God. If we say or mean one must believe to get saved, that makes it a condition one must meet before God saves them. Read, research, debate, pray, and worship. This is critical, regardless of whether you are religious or not. Eve further said that God had told them, #1) Ye shall not eat of it, #2) and shall not touch it,. (Genesis 3:2-3). I may be able to find some of these on my own, but in order to really move deeper in my spiritual life, I require community, and they require my assistance in doing so. Here are some things to consider as you search for faith in God. Using this as an example, Seidner emphasizes the importance of Frankls depiction of the unconscious.According to certain interpretations, agnosticism is an acknowledgment that it is impossible to provide sufficient evidence to support ones belief in a deity in order for it to be regarded known.There are several reasons for this, including the fact that they regard faith to be a prerequisite of their religion or the effect of plausible-looking scientific or philosophical critique Christian Agnostics adhere to a specific sort of agnosticism that is limited to the qualities of God and nothing else. Unitarian Universalist, perhaps? And, seeing that there is an entire . I should have done a bit more study before I made my comments, though. Why I no longer believe in the Christian God - Medium Many people, however, continue to experiment with rituals and prayers that depend on established religions, such as Christianity, for inspiration. A Christian must believe He was who He said He wasthe Son of God. A number of devotionals, including Just Pray: God Isnt Done With You Yet, Grace & Glory: 50 Days in the Purpose & Plan of God, and her most recent release, Open The Gift, have been written by her.She has also written Going Around the Corner, a Bible study for small groups who want to reach their communities for Christ.In conjunction with Multiplication Ministries, their ministry also provides disciple-making materials like as One-To-One Disciple-Making and other resources. Romans 2:6 " (God) will render to every man according to his deeds.". Regards, Bruce, Date of joining: September 27, 2004 Messages: 28,667 Likes: +2,656 Ratings: Just out of curiosity, do you have a gut instinct that is causing you to feel this way? 9 Reasons People Don't Believe In God - City On A Hill Studio So, there is nothing in the definition of God that commits a Christian to the belief that God created the world. What Does Sowing and Reaping Look Like in Gods Economy? Do Christians Believe In Ghosts? The Biblical Answer - Just Disciple Stopped Believing in Religious Teachings In philosophy, agnostic theism, also known as agnostotheism or agnostitheism, is a philosophical position that embraces both theism and agnosticism. Believing God | Christian Forums @ Christianity Board Jesus said that all who fail to honor the Son consequently fail to honor the Father (John 5:22-23). But what exactly does this term imply in practice? When the cross confronts us with our guilt, it is difficult for us to acknowledge that we are sinners who are separated from God and in need of redemption. In My Fathers house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. Non Trinitarian Faith Groups That Reject the Trinity - Learn Religions Religion becomes what Jesus referred to as whitewashed tombs pretty on the outside but a rotting corpse on the inside. They have made up a god who serves them, instead of serving the God who created them. Verse Concepts. Believe in God but not the Bible? - College Confidential Forums Good! I believe that far too many Christians believe that judging others is the best way to persuade them to accept Christianity, while in reality, all it accomplishes is to make people feel hated and discriminated against. What Are Signs and Wonders of the End Times? One of the most beloved scriptures is John 3:16, when Jesus says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The word used in the original Greek translation for "believes" is pisteun, or pisteu, which means to believe, entrust, or have faith in. Pantheism holds that God is everything and everything is God, as the saying goes. However, as a Unitarian Universalist, I like adopting rituals from other religions that have importance for me, as well as creating my own rituals, and this is perfectly OK. Please give me reasons of why Jesus is real and why I should I believe in Him. Youll find a link to Belief-o-matic at the top of the website, on the left-hand side of the screen. Copyright 2022, Bible Study Tools. There are many beliefs in God/gods. She has written several devotionals includingJust Pray: Gods Not Done With You Yet,Grace & Glory: 50 Days in the Purpose & Plan of God, and her newest one, Open The Gift, as well asGoing Around The Corner, a Bible study for small groups who desire to reach their communities for Christ. You can call yourself a "deist" - "believer in a God" Agnostic "A believer in that there is a god, but not any god that's connected to a religion." +30 out of 100 ratings What would you call a person who believes in God, but does not necessarily believe in Jesus Christ? The way you describe it sounds like a wonderful way to concentrate prayer and meditation, and I would imagine that anyone who knew you did it for that reason would be sympathetic, regardless of their religious affiliations. Despite our belief in a God who watches over us and protects us from difficulty, and who occasionally answers our prayers if weve done enough good things to win His favor, we dont want to believe in a Savior who demands that we repent of our sins and accept His forgiveness. But is it possible to believe a different version of Jesus and perhaps accept his moral teachings without all of the messy cross and sin talk? Those who are spiritual but not religious tend to be self-directed searchers who pray, meditate, practice yoga, and engage in other spiritual activities beyond the limits of a specific religious tradition. Today, many people who claim the religion of Christianity believe it is their job to save others, and convert them to Christianity. 1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. Personally, I do not see how I can possibly do the topic justice, entire books are devoted to that topic. If you want answers, you must seek them out. ----------------The creation of God is all around us as it is the "evidence" that there is a Creator who is God. Christianity teaches that our good works are useless as far as eternal life is concerned. 1:25 NIV). Our modern chat room. This is idolatry. Thank you, Maize, for providing the link. I will not allow anybody else to dictate how I should or should not identify with a religious tradition. He opened blind eyes (John 9:6-7), healed the sick (John 5:7-9), fed thousands with a few fish (John 6:11-14), cleansed lepers (Luke 17:11-14), turned water to wine (John 2:6-9), walked on water (John 6:19), cast out demons (Matthew 12:22; Luke 8:26-33) and even raised the dead (John 11:38-44). "When You Believe in God, but Won't Forgive 7.) A widespread practice or rite in the biblical tradition was the offering of sacrifice. I believe you should discover something that is meaningful to you and that is significant to you in order to be successful. There is so much to learn and so much to share. And the Father, who sent Me, has given His testimony about Me, John 5:37-38.You have never heard His voice, nor have you ever seen His physical presence.You do not have His message ingrained in your being because you do not believe Him who sent Him, says the prophet. Meet Those Who "Love Jesus but Not the Church" - Barna Group I think I covered this somewhere in your first question. God made Adam and Eve clothing to cover their nakedness from the animal skins(Genesis 3:21). The Abrahamic faiths, which include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Bah Faith, are so named because they all embrace the tradition of the God (known in Hebrew as Yahweh and in Arabic as Allah) who revealed himself to Abraham. So He sent His perfect Son to pay that price for sin, which is death of the perfect sacrifice - the death of His Son, Jesus. Pantheism holds that God is everything and everything is God, as the saying goes. You can touch the trees, hear the dogs barking, people talking, birds singing. Believing Jesus is the Son of God isn't enough to save demons. Sri Lanka is indeed a beautiful place. I invite you to find a quiet moment to read and pray it with an open heart and mind. I changed your group to seeker. This brings me to the crux of the matter. Many believe it is a sin to be gay, or transgender. Some or all of the following opinions about Jesus will be held by Unitarians who continue to see him as a major figure in their religious beliefs: Although Jesus was a human being, rather than a divine being, he was a Jewish prophet with a mission of reconciliation.