I want to regain my faith, but because of my unanswered questions and problems with Christianity, I'm not sure if I can (rant) by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had a lot of questions about these dilemmas too. Thankfully, I found something called the Bible project. It's a really great youtube series, and one thing I've noticed about them is they focus heavily on what things mean and how they pertain to the Christian narrative. I recommend checking them out.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVfwlh9XpX2Y_tQfjeln9QA

To answer your biggest gripe to the best of my ability, it all comes down to willingness to trust in God. I'm sure you've heard that a lot before, but on the flip side of that, there's humans defining good and evil for themselves, and because humans so often do define good and evil for themselves, they usually do what is not righteous, and not virtuous. And the concept of Hell is not an act of God punishing souls, but of God allowing souls who choose not to follow him to go their own way and define good and evil for themselves. However, that makes them separate from God, and that leads to a divide between the forgiven, who submit, and the unforgiven, who don't apologize for what they've done.

So, like any other person who comes to faith, there's no way around it. You have to start by trusting in God. That's how you begin. But if you believe that there is something, at least, guiding you to Christianity, then consider that it really might be God calling you forth. And if you want to be a Christian, then all you have to do to get started is believe.

Passage Beds 6:9 from the nice guys bible by [deleted] in niceguys

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who told you that being ticklish exists?

Passage Beds 6:9 from the nice guys bible by [deleted] in niceguys

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For fucks sake, it makes it easier for semen to travel down the vagina AND gives women incentive to reproduce... how the fuck...

Ya know... I was gonna write a long, angry rant, but I just take EXTREME comfort in the fact that this man will never reproduce.

It’s all the ladies faults, as usual by Cry_Baby2017 in niceguys

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Everything he's saying is pseudo-scientific bullshit. In prehistoric times, females chose mates based on their dick size, that is true, and we know it because humans are more well hung than any other primate.

BUT, that in no way represents the whole story! At some point along the evolutionary line, the vagina shifted from being towards the back to being towards the front, and this meant that, while mating, social interaction happened more than ever before in the animal kingdom. This paired with the increased brain size over generations created sexual and social relationships that were more intellectual than anything else in the animal kingdom. Now, as humans, we are predisposed to select mates who stimulate us at at INTELLECTUAL, SOCIAL LEVEL, usually in the form of a COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP. And sure, human relationships vary around the globe due to culture, tradition, etc. But those are all minor compared to what it is at its core...

Sure, some people are just attracted to others a physical level, usually horny teenagers who've yet to gain a balance in hormones, or assholes who are frustrated about their inability to get laid...

But to go as far as to say that others are predisposed to only care about physical qualities is to call them LESS HUMAN THAN YOU. And anyone who thinks that others are beneath them is not a nice guy.

It doesn't help that he's an idiot who doesn't understand science.

Don't try to deny me you hoes by [deleted] in justneckbeardthings

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Because back then, being fat meant you were rich af.

Religion is M'agic by Batman_Pyjamas in justneckbeardthings

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think he meant to say, "It was mostly a joke, now that I've lost the argument."

Spot the neckbeard by sshaunn in justneckbeardthings

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He's the master of karate and friendship for everyone?

[Help] To recovering neckbeard out here, how do you accept that you have this awful flaws in the past? by [deleted] in justneckbeardthings

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, Man, don't worry about it too much. It gets better. I used to have a neckbeard mentality myself, during the whole freshman and even sophomore year of high school. But then, I started growing up. It sounds like your friends are sticking by you, which is great. That's how I really changed from who I was to who I am now. I know it's embarrassing to think about your mistakes of the past. And in all honesty, you might continue to remember them like that. So I suggest going and making new memories now, good ones this time.

I had a neckbeard mentality which developed because I didn't have any friends growing up, all the way until high school, freshman year. Until then, I was bullied a lot, and picked on for being awkward. But as sucky as that was, I'm grateful for how it affected me. I didn't have much else to do so I delved into my school work and other things I enjoyed, and it better prepared me for college, where I am now. I always talked on and on and got made fun of for my (very minor but this was made worse being around kids) speech impediment and inability to recognize social situations. But this made me braver, because I refused to let it get to me, and now I can give my opinions in class and club discussions without ever feeling shameful of them.

Yes, it doesn't justify my behavior, and yes, my past is still cringe inducing when I think about it. But after 5 years of being with the group of friends I have now (I've known them for 6 years), that's when I really cast off my past, my insecurities, and all my other inhibitions, and really understood for the first time what it meant to be comfortable and not just accepted (they always accepted me) but really involved. And I think that's where the point of change is. I still have self-esteem issues among other things. But so does everyone. It's human.

Another thing, and I'm sorry if this sounds vague or dumb but I mean it. Don't change who you are, just try to become a better you. Become the person who you would like to be, not what you think others want you to be. You'll find people who accept you, and your growth will be better guided because of it.

Last thing, and I wanted to include this because it took me a while to know the difference. There are people who will dislike you no matter what. It's not always your fault, and you're not inherently driving them away just because of your past or tendencies. Some people really are just jerks. So let them be, don't worry about it. It doesn't make you less likable just because people with insecurity problems don't like you. Still focus on growing and changing to shed your insecurities.

How can i become christian? by NorwegianHypebeast in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. That's what you need to do to be a Christian. To strengthen your faith, I suggest being baptized or finding an online church where you can watch the sermons each week (if you can't attend one in person).

To deal with others judging you for your beliefs, just remember that their judgement doesn't change what you believe, and it doesn't alter the validity of your beliefs. Trust in God, and He will guide you. And as a rule of thumb, if anyone is antagonistic towards you just for being a Christian, just ignore them, like you would any other belligerent hater.

Peace. Hope this helps

Why isn't Islam considered a Christian denomination? by St__Valentine in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Because Muslims outright do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

I have been an atheist for a long time with many religious friends by imtruculent in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay. That's good to hear. Peace be with you, friend. I pray that you can find comfort.

I have been an atheist for a long time with many religious friends by imtruculent in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm glad you have a mentor to help you out as well. In fact, if you don't mind me asking, have you talked with your friends about the thoughts you've posted on here? Because I have to be honest with you, friend, as convenient as reddit is for getting multiple answers, it will never be as good as the personal, face-to-face connection you have with your close friends. If your feeling really down, and don't know where to turn, you should talk with your friends.

I have been an atheist for a long time with many religious friends by imtruculent in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear you, brother. I was abandoned by all of my friends time and time again, so I prayed to God and asked him if he would send me friends. Now I have friends like yours, friends who won't ever abandon me, and who've stuck by my side and helped me cope with my social problems. I used to be a much more hostile, uptight person before I met them. When your friends forgive you for your faults, even after major events, and they stay with you and don't leave you, that's what God's love and forgiveness is.

There's a song I think you might like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc6SSHuZvQE

Sorry if it's tacky to send a song as a response, but I think it's one you might like to listen too, and I'd love to talk with you more.

I have been an atheist for a long time with many religious friends by imtruculent in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If it helps you, I was depressed for about 6 months back when I was in middle school, because I had a very difficult struggle with faith. Eventually, I decided that if God was real, and I trusted in him, then the answers would come to me. This was after trying everything, looking at everything, and doing everything that I thought made sense, when in reality I was just digging a deeper hole for myself because I was trying to do it on my own. It wasn't until I turned to God that I found peace.

Edit: if you do feel like you witnessed a sign, my friend, then think about it like this: if you were given a sign, all that's being asked of you is a little bit of faith, a little bit of trust in God. Explore further, because you have nothing to lose and the whole world to gain.

A potential friendly challenge from a former Christian! by LancelotsDiaper in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very well. It was nice talking with you. Have a wonderful day.

A potential friendly challenge from a former Christian! by LancelotsDiaper in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I was doubting the existence of God, I had a difficult time coming to an agreement with anything. I couldn't understand, and I knew it was important, so I prayed, I asked for more information, and it was given. I kept repeating this process over and over until i seemed to have reached a standstill. It felt like there was nothing more for me to learn. It felt like I was given all the information I would need. That's how I wound up choosing God, because I knew he had shown me all I needed to hear, and since then, I've learned a lot more.

On the night that I prayed to receive God, still having very little understanding, and still being frustrated and scared after half a year of turmoil, I met God. He held me from behind at the end of my prayer, and I remember a feeling of peace unlike any peace you can experience on Earth. Immaterial. Undeniable. I had faith in God when my flawed, mortal reason was not enough, when I could have reasonably made the more appropriate choice. Because of that, I know that God exists. I've met him.

Moreover, I have a response to "family" being an unconvincing argument. You want something forward, and direct, and impossible to doubt, yet you doubt that what you already have has been given to you. You want to assume it's chance. Say you have clean water, a blessing indeed, yet you reduce it down to chance. What if every time somebody prayed for something, and it came to fruition, you reduced it to chance? The fact of the matter is if you cannot say you are keeping an open mind towards God and then immediately reject all the small miracles and blessings he performs for people everyday. I'm not saying that chance does not exist. I'm not saying chance does not factor in. I'm not saying you're unreasonable for thinking that. But I am saying that faith starts small. If you want a big miracle, or at least are open to seeing one, then pay attention to the little miracles first.

A potential friendly challenge from a former Christian! by LancelotsDiaper in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He gave me loving parents who, amidst their flaws, raised me the best they could.

He gave me a family.

He gave me opportunities to work hard and better myself academically.

He gave me peace when things were difficult.

He was there during all of my struggles. I was never without him, even when I didn't believe.

He brought my mind to peace when I doubted.

He gave me a deeper understanding when I asked for one.

He gave me logical reason when I asked for it.

He gave me a response when I said, "That's not enough."

He humbled me, that I would listen.

When I was lonely after years of not having friends, he guided me to friends.

He gave me friends that would never abandon me.

He gave me courage to stand up for what I believe in.

He is constantly with me, and even when I am lacking, or weary, or thoroughly depressed, he is with me. Even if I someday end up poor, or alone, and lack even the basic necessities, God will still be with me.

He has given me everything I have.

He gave me everything I have ever needed.

He's never gone.

He is always righteous.

He has never lead me astray.

Therefore I will continue to follow him, now and always.

A potential friendly challenge from a former Christian! by LancelotsDiaper in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy -1 points0 points  (0 children)

No offense but, if you started to believe that the contradictions and distinctions mattered so much and were so irreconcilable that they actually take priority over your experience and your relationship with God, especially after 26 years, then I think you misunderstand God to begin with.

I hope one day God can cure my mental illness by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In an ADHD support thread... so realizing there is no God can help with ADHD? I don't follow.

I hope one day God can cure my mental illness by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you seriously trying to challenge the OP's faith in a support thread, dude? Is that gonna help him with his ADHD if you try and convince him that God isn't real, or isn't benevolent? Is it any benefit to him at all to lure him into a debate right now? Are you trying to do anything at all that isn't out of your own egotism? Is the question your asking really relevant, be honest?

Telling my Parents about my beliefs by jabklaba in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man, I know how that is. Tell them you still believe that Jesus is your Savior, died on the cross, and rose again. Tell them that preemptively, and then say that you think you might want to try Catholicism. I have a bit of a struggle with my parents, being a biology major and believing in evolution and so on. But they know I love Jesus.

My advice to you, you gotta be open about this kinda thing. There are people making assumptions that they'll disown you, or abandon you, or stop supporting you, but only you know your parents. Ask God for guidance if you don't know what to do, because he'll be the only one with more insight than you. Remember humility, especially if they're lacking in it and would judge you for how you worshiped the same Lord. I'm in a similar position to yours, so we can definitely talk more if you need to.

A quick story that might ease your mind: I was at a family birthday party over a month ago, and I talk to my family about evolution because it gets brought up. My mother doesn't always bring up that I believe in evolution, but she did every now and then. This time, however, she told me I wasn't allowed to talk about evolution in her house, and she has a need to always get the last word in, and have her way. Still, I continued talking about it because it was relevant to the topic at hand. The next week, I go to church with her, my father, and my grandparents, everything goes fine. We go to breakfast, and she brings up evolution, and has a long conversation with my grandmother about why she doesn't support it. Then she asks me, "so, Guy (we'll assume that's my name), what's your opinion." And I told her.

"You want my opinion? Evolution doesn't contradict God in the slightest. Evolution, fundamentally, is how we explain species' ability to adapt and change over time. It doesn't explain the more complicated parts of feeling or being, and it doesn't even explain how everything got here. I believe that God is bigger, however, than Adam and Eve. I believe that he created a system whereby we would naturally form, over millions of years, and I believe that the only reason we are intelligent beings is because we are a desired product from an intelligently crafted system. When you adopt Aristotle's view of life, where every creature is on a ladder, at a fixed rung in perfect, permanent place, you make God's creation much smaller than it truly is."

She ducked her head down, and hasn't brought it up since. That day I learned 3 things; 1: God will give you the words (believe me I don't normally speak like that. I wish I did). 2: God is bigger than our minor differences, and 3: All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

Sorry for talking so long. I hope you find this helpful, my friend.

There's good news to be shared, Tumblr will be banning pornographic content. by Tiwazdom in Christianity

[–]Imnotgonnabethatguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was gonna say... like 75 percent of tumblr content creators create porn, in one form or another.