Joyfilled

I'm going to post this knowing it will be ridiculed and mocked. But if it even begins to convey the joy, hope, and everlasting love that even ONE person can have on this forum, then it's worth it.

The reason it took me so long to become a Christian is that I thought that once I did, I would no longer have any fun. I thought I wouldn't be able to go drinking, live with my boyfriend, dancing, or anyhting i considered fun. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is the EXACT opposite!

Once I received the forgiveness from God, I could still do those things because I was forgiven for them! It is complete and total freedom! But a funny thing happened. Those things started to bore me. What used to be the fun in my life started seeming empty compared to the immeasurable joy, love, thanksgiving, wisdom, peace, gratitude, and hope that comes from knowing I'm unconditionally loved. I can mock Him, turn my back on Him, hate, lie, and I'm still forgiven!!! IT IS FINISHED. His death can NEVER be taken back. People can say it never happened, twist His words, ANYTHING, but His words will never pass away. It is a fact. Therefore, I have zero desire to hate Him, curse Him, or anyone because since He forgave me, then anyone can be forgiven! It is the ONLY love given to us that CANNOT be taken back because His sacrifice is over!

Do you guys not believe that such a love as this is possible? Is that the reason it's so hard to believe? True self esteem comes, not from glorifying our neuroses, but admitting them because we know we are loved anyway! Then there are no games, no reasons to lie, pretend we're perfect, etc. The truth truly does set us free! You don't have to do anything, it's already been done! He has already taken away your sins. He paid the price for them so we don't have to. I can think of no better gift than that.

Heathen Dawn

Lazy lazy lazy! Most people have to work, and you Christians go alazing.

Should you bring it up, no, Christianity is not the only one.

Stacey Melissa

I think it's great that you've had a positive experience in becoming a Christian.

I also hope you recognize that many atheists are happier as atheists than they were as Christians. I happen to be one such atheist.

Goliath

{Edit}

Matrioshka_Brain

Again, many athiests on this board were once christians.

Not to mention, your religoius experiences are not unique to Xtanity.

Godless Wonder

So, in other words, you already believed, you just didn't want to follow the rules of the religion? You badly misjudge your readers. The reason that people here are not Christians is because they do not think that any gods exist. They have seen no evidence whatsoever. You seem to think we secretly believe in your God, but just refuse to become Christians because with think the lifestyle will be oppressive. If that is the case, you are simply wrong.

Postcard73

This OP is nothing more than basic proselytization. Y'all can continue the discussion if you want, but you'll have to do it ~Elsewhere~.

Scott (Postcard73)
GRD Moderator

Joyfilled

I've studied Buddhism. Did Buddha willingly offer his life to take away the sins of humanity? Or do we have to "practice techniques" in order to "muster up" faith? Buddha cannot give us eternal life. On the contrary, we might come back as an ant, if we're lucky.

Heathen Dawn

That’s not the point. The point of Pure Land Buddhism, like that of Christianity, is that the work has been DONE for you, and you just need to transfer your trust to the Higher Power in order to receive it.

The gift of Buddha is escape from the endless cycle of reincarnations.

Mr. Neutron

Then you're not trying very hard.

Personally, I'd prefer a flatscreen t.v.