A prayer for atheists

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:05pm #1

I have recently joined this forum in order to preach the word of God. I have posted a few times in the atheist section. Hoping that they could change there ways. That hope is being slowly dented:( and I was wondering would anyone here on the Christian thread like to engage in a prayer session with me?

I fear for atheists and there morality if they do not accept the word of jesus Christ but I will do my best to convert them!:D all I need is some help!

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 22-09-2011 5:09pm

Isn't it a bit arrogant to believe that you are more moral simply becasue you believe in God?

I know many very moral and wodnerful people who are athiests.
Consequently, I know plenty of "Christians" who are anything but Christian in their behaviour.

PS - for the record I'm not an atheist.

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:12pm

Ikky Poo2 wrote: »

Isn't it a bit arrogant to believe that you are more moral simply becasue you believe in God?

I know many very moral and wodnerful people who are athiests.
Consequently, I know plenty of "Christians" who are anything but Christian in their behaviour.

PS - for the record I'm not an atheist.

No I dont believe that. What do they base there morality on? I base mine of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Look at the senarios where there was a godless culture in communist Russia and cambodia. There was mass genoicide and corruption.

philologos · 22-09-2011 5:19pm

A noble aim, but you won't convert anyone. God is the one who will bring people to Him, perhaps allowing us to serve Him in doing so, but it is His work.

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:20pm

philologos wrote: »

A noble aim, but you won't convert anyone. God is the one who will bring people to Him, perhaps allowing us to serve Him in doing so, but it is His work.

Do you think I am being too drect and arrogant about it?

obliviousgrudge · 22-09-2011 5:22pm

so you base your morals on a man who makes people kill their children as a sacrifice to him?

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 22-09-2011 5:23pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

No I dont believe that. What do they base there morality on? I base mine of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Look at the senarios where there was a godless culture in communist Russia and cambodia. There was mass genoicide and corruption.

I think you'll find that there are other reasons than religion that prompted the atrocities. Ireland in the second half of the last century was both corrupt and Christian. Conversely, Scandanavian countires are basically Athiest and soem of the best people-orientated counties in the world.

You base your ethics on Jesus, others have other sources. Again, what makes yours better?

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:23pm

emmetmcl wrote: »

so you base your morals on a man who makes people kill their children as a sacrifice to him?

When did Jesus Christ make people kill there Children?

Geekness1234 · 22-09-2011 5:23pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

I have recently joined this forum in order to preach the word of God. I have posted a few times in the atheist section. Hoping that they could change there ways. That hope is being slowly dented:( and I was wondering would anyone here on the Christian thread like to engage in a prayer session with me?

I fear for atheists and there morality if they do not accept the word of jesus Christ but I will do my best to convert them!:D all I need is some help!

Atheist forum is for atheists,preaching to them will only bring a world of pain.Learn to tolerate.

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:24pm

Geekness1234 wrote: »

Atheist forum is for atheists,preaching to them will only bring a world of pain.Learn to tolerate.

I understand, but I find it sad they are throwing there life and afterlife away.

antiskeptic · 22-09-2011 5:24pm

emmetmcl wrote: »

so you base your morals on a man who makes people kill their children as a sacrifice to him?

Source?

Cybercelesta · 22-09-2011 5:25pm

Every morning I offer prayers in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered throughout the world for the conversion of sinners (both believers and non believers.) God always answers those who pray for conversion of sinners. Our lady at Fatima also asked to pray for sinners. It will happen in God's own time - some are even converted on their deathbed!

FATIMA PRAYER: Most Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - I adore thee profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences whereby He is offended. And through the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners.

"Let this prayer be echoed all over the world." - Mary

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:25pm

It was just an idea rattling around in my head. If anyone is still interested please pm me.

Tordelback · 22-09-2011 5:25pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

Look at the senarios where there was a godless culture in communist Russia and cambodia. There was mass genoicide and corruption.

Whereas virtually every other genocide in history was perpetrated by either a country with an institutional religion, or by a religious organisation itself. By all means assert your belief in the superior morality of the Christian faithful, that's your prerogative as an individual, but please don't do so by distorting history. It certainly won't get you very far with converting atheists, who are rather fond of demonstrable facts.

smcgiff · 22-09-2011 5:27pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

I understand, but I find it sad they are throwing there life and afterlife away.

Whereas atheists believe you are throwing your one and only life away. However, I appreciate it is your belief that you are called to preach.

Doesn't mean atheists have to listen though.

Geekness1234 · 22-09-2011 5:29pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

I understand, but I find it sad they are throwing there life and afterlife away.

So you are trying to save people like me,and my after-life even though you have no proof for any form of afterlife.And no I am not throwing my life away.

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:29pm

Geekness1234 wrote: »

So you are trying to save people like me,and my after-life even though you have no proof for any form of afterlife.And no I am not throwing my life away.

I have proof.

Geekness1234 · 22-09-2011 5:31pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

I have proof.

Enlighten me.

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:33pm

Geekness1234 wrote: »

Enlighten me.

I have had a very personal experience. Most people call them NDE's. I am utterly convinced.

Robert ninja · 22-09-2011 5:34pm

Let's not go there, lads!

To OP's question. I think he/she should totally do a group prayer for me and the rest of the heathens ^_^ Less posting on these forums... more praying. Any volunteers to document the results?

Geekness1234 · 22-09-2011 5:36pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

I have had a very personal experience. Most people call them NDE's. I am utterly convinced.

Once again,Enlighten me.

jimmycrackcorm · 22-09-2011 5:38pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

Do you think I am being too drect and arrogant about it?

Put it this way, if they came to you to convert you to atheism, how would you react? Like you, they view you as in the wrong.

Two opposing forces as science would compare it...

Turtwig · 22-09-2011 5:39pm

At least you have something in common with the atheists over on other the side some of them want you to change your ways too. Try to empathise and start to build a dialogue from there. In any case, sometimes having the best intentions doesn't mean the goods are going to be delivered. I understand that you probably mean well but starting a thread like this are often seen as bait.

Rented Mule · 22-09-2011 5:41pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

I have had a very personal experience. Most people call them NDE's. I am utterly convinced.

I call them 'mushrooms'. Soundtrack was provided by Pink Floyd.

philologos · 22-09-2011 5:41pm

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

Put it this way, if they came to you to convert you to atheism, how would you react? Like you, they view you as in the wrong.

Two opposing forces as science would compare it...

That happens on this forum, and on others on boards.ie. Arguably it is the prevailing mindset on boards.

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:43pm

Geekness1234 wrote: »

Once again,Enlighten me.

When I was 19 I had lost my way religion wise. My parents (Who were Catholic) went to mass each Sunday, I went infrequently. I had kind of lost my faith. Unknown to me I had an undiagnosed heart problem, which well walking in Cappagh park I had a heart attack. I was consious at this time and remember the ambulance collecting me. On the way in I noticed myself floating up into the air, I could see my body below me and felt happy and at peace. I went down a long tunnel at the end I could see my grandmother, when I reached it she smiled at me and said I am not ready yet and to help preach the word of our lord when I returned. Alll of a sudden I found myself floating back toward the ground when I got back into the ambulance I could feel myself floating over everyone and could see the paramedics working trying to revive. My mum was roaring crying and all of a sudden I jumped straight back into my body. That started my adventure. (Not catholic now though by the way)

MrStuffins · 22-09-2011 5:45pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

When I was 19 I had lost my way religion wise. My parents (Who were Catholic) went to mass each Sunday, I went infrequently. I had kind of lost my faith. Unknown to me I had an undiagnosed heart problem, which well walking in Cappagh park I had a heart attack. I was consious at this time and remember the ambulance collecting me. On the way in I noticed myself floating up into the air, I could see my body below me and felt happy and at peace. I went down a long tunnel at the end I could see my grandmother, when I reached it she smiled at me and said I am not ready yet and to help preach the word of our lord when I returned. Alll of a sudden I found myself floating back toward the ground when I got back into the ambulance I could feel myself floating over everyone and could see the paramedics working trying to revive. My mum was roaring crying and all of a sudden I jumped straight back into my body. That started my adventure. (Not catholic now though by the way)

Whoa............ I think I know you! :eek:

Either that or you're a ridiculously good troll who has the same name and the same story as someone I know!

Geekness1234 · 22-09-2011 5:46pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

When I was 19 I had lost my way religion wise. My parents (Who were Catholic) went to mass each Sunday, I went infrequently. I had kind of lost my faith. Unknown to me I had an undiagnosed heart problem, which well walking in Cappagh park I had a heart attack. I was consious at this time and remember the ambulance collecting me. On the way in I noticed myself floating up into the air, I could see my body below me and felt happy and at peace. I went down a long tunnel at the end I could see my grandmother, when I reached it she smiled at me and said I am not ready yet and to help preach the word of our lord when I returned. Alll of a sudden I found myself floating back toward the ground when I got back into the ambulance I could feel myself floating over everyone and could see the paramedics working trying to revive. My mum was roaring crying and all of a sudden I jumped straight back into my body. That started my adventure. (Not catholic now though by the way)

What that is,is your brain literally trying to think happy thoughts.The whole tunnel thing is fairly debunked.

smcgiff · 22-09-2011 5:47pm

Other cultures have recorded Near Death Experiences and the NDE supports their belief system. So, some saw Buddha, Christ, Old bearded guy etc

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:47pm

Geekness1234 wrote: »

What that is,is your brain literally trying to think happy thoughts.The whole tunnel thing is fairly debunked.

Well I know it isnt debunked.

CiaranC · 22-09-2011 5:49pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

I have proof.

I dont think that word means what you think it means

Geekness1234 · 22-09-2011 5:51pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

Well I know it isnt debunked.

At the risk of sounding like a d###,you mistook what has being explained by science dozens of times as a religious experience.If you choose to believe this, go ahead.

Tordelback · 22-09-2011 5:52pm

That's a great story ChristianJenny, it must have been a very powerful life-changing experience, but seeing as you (thankfully) didn't actually die in anything but the most technical sense, I'm not sure it counts as proof of an afterlife - an afternearlydying, maybe. Also, I'm fairly sure that faith, not proof, is the currency of belief.

ChristianJenny · 22-09-2011 5:52pm

Geekness1234 wrote: »

At the risk of sounding like a d###,you mistook what has being explained by science dozens of times as a religious experience.If you choose to believe this, go ahead.

I have further proof to debunk your theory that I was holding on to. To my knowledge my Grandmother was not dead at the time. Its only afterwards I had found out she had past a few hours before. Howcome I met here at the end of the tunnel?

philologos · 22-09-2011 5:53pm

Tordelback wrote: »

That's a great story ChristianJenny, it must have been a very powerful life-changing experience, but seeing as you (thankfully) didn't actually die in anything but the most technical sense, I'm not sure it counts as proof of an afterlife - an afternearlydying, maybe. Also, I'm fairly sure that faith, not proof, is the currency of belief.

There is no proof of a lot of things.

I don't think faith is a leap in the dark personally. It is entirely possible to become a Christian on the basis of assessing how reasonable it is given what we know and perceive of reality.

I trust Jesus by the means of determining His word to be reasonable.

MrStuffins · 22-09-2011 5:55pm

philologos wrote: »

There is no proof of a lot of things.

I don't think faith is a leap in the dark personally. It is entirely possible to become a Christian on the basis of assessing how reasonable it is given what we know and perceive of reality.

I trust Jesus by the means of determining His word to be reasonable.

The vast majority of these things turn out to be complete b*llocks though don't they?

Monty Burnz · 22-09-2011 5:55pm

ChristianJenny wrote: »

No I dont believe that. What do they base there morality on? I base mine of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Look at the senarios where there was a godless culture in communist Russia and cambodia. There was mass genoicide and corruption.

Look at the morality in Germany where there was a Christian culture - mass genocide and corruption. :rolleyes:

homer911 · 22-09-2011 5:58pm

Welcome to the Christianity Forum Jenny. We should all be praying for atheists, but we should also be praying for those who believe themselves to be Christian, without understanding what it is to be a Christian.

You need a very thick skin to take on the atheists - they wont listen to the Word until their hearts are softened.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+6:52&version=NIV

At the risk of sounding "lazy", but to quote a very seasonal passage, the crops are ready, the workers are few, head for the harvest...

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10:2&version=NIV

philologos · 22-09-2011 5:58pm

MrStuffins wrote: »

The vast majority of these things turn out to be complete b*llocks though don't they?

That the material is the only thing that exists?
That our senses can be relied on and trusted?

Strictly proof only applies in the realm of mathematics. So claiming proof as your standard is dishonest when you're quite happy to discount proof elsewhere.

MrStuffins · 22-09-2011 5:59pm

homer911 wrote: »

Welcome to the Christianity Forum Jenny. We should all be praying for atheists, but we should also be praying for those who believe themselves to be Christian, without understanding what it is to be a Christian.

You need a very thick skin to take on the atheists - they wont listen to the Word until their hearts are softened.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+6:52&version=NIV

At the risk of sounding "lazy", but to quote a very seasonal passage, the crops are ready, the workers are few, head for the harvest...

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10:2&version=NIV

Funny thing is, i'm athiest and I DO listen to the Word. I just don't believe it.

It's normally Christians who don't listen. And when they do they turn away proof because it contradicts their faith driven beliefs!

Not all christians mind, but a lot of them in my experience!

Robert ninja · 22-09-2011 6:01pm

MrStuffins · 22-09-2011 6:03pm

philologos wrote: »

That the material is the only thing that exists?

I never said otherwise but I have no reason to believe in anything the Christian belief teaches.

That our senses can be relied on and trusted?

why would you not trust the senses God gave to you?

Strictly proof only applies in the realm of mathematics. So claiming proof as your standard is dishonest when you're quite happy to discount proof elsewhere.

Well i'm not talking about Mathimatics. I'm talking about obversable testing and experiment. Gravity works, my table is hard, water is wet, none of these things are mathimatical but I know them to be true.

Monty Burnz · 22-09-2011 6:03pm

There was at least one study done on near death experiences where a doctor in an emergency room put some interesting messages on top of cabinets or some such that someone floating out of their body and looking down would see. Of the people that reported a near death experience, not one could say what these messages were, or reported seeing anything at all other than the standard images (much like those captured by aliens).

The conclusion is that it's all in the mind. Pity, I'd love it to be true.

philologos · 22-09-2011 6:05pm

MrStuffins: I think homer911 means that if you really listened to Jesus, you'd follow Him. In so far as you don't, you don't truly listen to Him.

MrStuffins wrote: »

why would you not trust the senses God gave to you?

I do much in the same way that I believe and trust in Christ. There is no proof that the senses are largely reliable, and this has been largely undermined in philosophy. Yet it is still reasonable to believe that the senses are generally reliable just as it is reasonable to believe and trust in Jesus.

MrStuffins wrote: »

Well i'm not talking about Mathimatics. I'm talking about obversable testing and experiment. Gravity works, my table is hard, water is wet, none of these things are mathimatical but I know them to be true.

Then you're not talking about proof. Proof is strictly in the realm of the mathematical.

MrStuffins · 22-09-2011 6:05pm

philologos wrote: »

MrStuffins: I think homer911 means that if you really listened to Jesus, you'd follow Him. In so far as you don't, you don't truly listen to Him.

And tell me, how exactly does Jesus speak to you? Does he communicate straight to your mind as a voice in your head? Does he leave notes? is it just my ignorance that has made me miss Jesus' messages all this time?

philologos · 22-09-2011 6:06pm

^^ Through His word which has been revealed to us.

MrStuffins · 22-09-2011 6:09pm

philologos wrote: »

I do much in the same way that I believe and trust in Christ. There is no proof that the senses are largely reliable, and this has been largely undermined in philosophy. Yet it is still reasonable to believe that the senses are generally reliable just as it is reasonable to believe and trust in Jesus.

Then you're not talking about proof. Proof is strictly in the realm of the mathematical.

Oh yes, I am talking about proof!

"evidence sufficient to establish a thing as true, or to produce belief in its truth." evidence

"the act of testing or making trial of anything; test; trial: to put a thing to the proof."

"the establishment of the truth of anything; demonstration."

There you go my man. I know my table is solid because I just put a glass down on it, thus putting it to the test. proof enough for me

MrStuffins · 22-09-2011 6:10pm

philologos wrote: »

^^ Through His word which has been revealed to us.

You didn't answer my question.

alex73 · 22-09-2011 6:11pm

MrStuffins wrote: »

And tell me, how exactly does Jesus speak to you? Does he communicate straight to your mind as a voice in your head? Does he leave notes? is it just my ignorance that has made me miss Jesus' messages all this time?

Why not pick up the Bible. Christ speaks to those who want to listen.
Even when he was alive there were many who rejected him.

MagicMarker · 22-09-2011 6:12pm

alex73 wrote: »

Why not pick up the Bible. Christ speaks to those who want to listen.
Even when he was alive there were many who rejected him.

Did Jesus write the bible?

alex73 · 22-09-2011 6:13pm

MrStuffins wrote: »

Oh yes, I am talking about proof!

"evidence sufficient to establish a thing as true, or to produce belief in its truth." evidence

"the act of testing or making trial of anything; test; trial: to put a thing to the proof."

"the establishment of the truth of anything; demonstration."

There you go my man. I know my table is solid because I just put a glass down on it, thus putting it to the test. proof enough for me

How do you know the table is solid? because your senses say so? What are your senses, How do you know they don't lie to you? Your own measure of proof and demonstration does not encompass all reality.

A prayer for atheists

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