In one forum, a question is asked, “What made you go from a believer in Christ to an atheist?” I found an answer that is interesting, which I would like to address. Here’s the answer:
When I was about 12 or 13, I attended a Christian summer camp. I considered myself a Christian because that’s what I had always been told. I participated in Awana weekly, went to church every Sunday, and enjoyed memorizing Bible verses. I thought I was destined to follow the Bible and become a minister someday. However, everything changed at that camp.
I experienced a dramatic salvation moment, with my friends and a minister praying over me in a powerful, emotional ceremony. Despite the overwhelming support and affirmation from those around me, I didn’t feel any different internally. I didn’t feel the presence of the Holy Spirit or a profound sense of Jesus’ love.
The next day, I confided in the minister about my confusion. He reassured me and suggested we repeat the ritual, but I still felt unchanged. Not wanting to disappoint anyone, I convinced myself I was saved and enjoyed the approval and pride of my community. However, doubts lingered, and I began questioning the Bible.
I wondered why God would command the slaughter of entire tribes and the taking of their women and children as slaves. I couldn’t reconcile a just, kind God with the idea of condemning billions who had never heard His word to eternal suffering. The answers I received—”God works in mysterious ways”—weren’t satisfying.
I started researching online and discovered numerous contradictions in the Bible. I learned about the Council of Nicaea and Constantine’s conversion to Christianity. It became clear to me that, like other religions, Christianity was based on stories, some possibly inspired by true events but ultimately no different from myths like Athena’s birth from Zeus. That realization marked the end of my Christian faith.
With that, let’s address the issues raised by this forum member through the lens of the Bible. After all, with about 4% of US adults being atheists, this forum member is not alone in his experience.
Real Conversion is not simply an Emotional Experience
Have you ever been to a typical Christian service? If so, you’ve probably witnessed the pastor’s altar call. This is the moment when the pastor invites everyone to give their hearts to the Lord, aiming to bring as many people as possible into the faith. It’s a powerful, emotional moment that can leave a lasting impression on those present. However, you might also notice that some of the people who respond to this call soon revert to their previous ways. Why does this happen? What’s going wrong?
The issue lies in the nature of the altar call itself. While it’s a well-intentioned practice, it often relies heavily on emotional pressure. This emotional setup can lead people to make commitments based on feelings that are unstable and unsustainable. Emotions can be powerful motivators at the moment, but they don’t always translate into lasting change or genuine conversion.
Consider this: during an altar call, the atmosphere is charged with music, heartfelt pleas from the pastor, and the visible responses of those around you. It’s easy to get swept up in the moment and make a decision based on the emotions you’re feeling right then and there. But once the music fades and the emotional high wears off, the real challenge begins. Without a solid foundation and deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ, many find themselves slipping back into old habits.
True conversion is more than a single, emotionally charged event. It’s a lifelong journey that involves learning, growing, and continuously seeking a deeper relationship with God. It requires more than just an emotional response; it demands a commitment to ongoing transformation and spiritual growth.
So, while the altar call can be a meaningful starting point, it’s essential to recognize that conversion is a process. It’s not just about the initial decision but about the daily choices and actions that follow. For a commitment to truly take root and flourish, it needs to be nurtured through prayer, study, fellowship, and a genuine desire to grow in faith.
In short, while emotions play a role in our spiritual experiences, they should not be the sole foundation of our faith. True conversion is a deep, enduring transformation that goes beyond a single moment and becomes a lifelong journey of faith and growth.
Age Plays a Role in Maturity
Notice how the forum member mentioned they were “saved” at the age of 12 or 13. This brings up an important point about age and maturity. In the Bible, we read that those who could serve in the temple were required to be at least 20 years old (1 Chronicles 23:27). This age requirement underscores the idea that a certain level of maturity is necessary for such significant responsibilities.
Most teenagers, though sincere in their intentions, may not fully grasp the profound implications and serious commitment involved in giving their lives to God. Adolescence is a time of growth, exploration, and change. Young people are still developing their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Their emotions and beliefs are often in flux, and their decisions may not yet be grounded in the depth of understanding and experience that comes with age.
While it’s entirely possible for a young person to have a genuine and meaningful spiritual experience, expecting them to fully comprehend and maintain such a commitment can be challenging. The Bible’s guideline of 20 years old for temple service highlights the importance of maturity and readiness for such a significant step.
Therefore, while young people should be encouraged and supported in their spiritual journey, it’s crucial to recognize that their understanding and commitment will grow and deepen over time. Nurturing their faith with patience and guidance can help ensure that their relationship with God is built on a solid foundation that will endure throughout their lives.
Misconceptions Lead Many to Become Unbelievers
The forum member shared some significant doubts that led them to leave their faith. Let’s address these misconceptions with clarity and compassion.
First, they wrote: “I wondered why God would command the slaughter of entire tribes and the taking of their women and children as slaves.”
It’s essential to understand that God is the author of life, and if anyone has the right to take it back, it is Him. In His infinite wisdom, God sometimes commanded the destruction of wicked tribes to prevent further harm and suffering. This was not an act of cruelty but rather an act of mercy. By removing those who perpetuated evil, God aimed to protect the greater good. Moreover, Christians believe in the resurrection, where God will give everyone, including those who were destroyed, the opportunity to learn and follow His ways in a future, just and merciful judgment.
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The forum member also wrote: “I couldn’t reconcile a just, kind God with the idea of condemning billions who had never heard His word to eternal suffering.”
This is a profound misunderstanding, sadly perpetuated by some Christian teachings. The traditional view that those who are not saved will burn forever in a lake of fire is not only misleading but also a misrepresentation of God’s character. The Bible teaches that eternal life is a gift given only to those who are saved. It does not say that the wicked will be granted eternal life to suffer forever in hell. Instead, it says that the incorrigibly wicked will be completely consumed and destroyed in the fire, ceasing to exist rather than suffering eternally (Malachi 4:1-3).
These misconceptions can create significant barriers to faith. It’s crucial to seek a deeper understanding of God’s nature and His plans for humanity. God is both just and merciful, and His ultimate goal is the restoration and reconciliation of all creation. When we understand this, we see that God’s actions, even when difficult to understand, are rooted in His infinite love and wisdom.
Popular Christianity is Not Always Rooted in the Bible
The forum member wrote about discovering numerous contradictions in the Bible and learning about the Council of Nicaea and Constantine’s conversion to Christianity. They concluded that Christianity was just a collection of stories, similar to myths like Athena’s birth from Zeus, which led to the end of their Christian faith.
Firstly, it’s important to clarify that there are no true contradictions in the Bible. The Bible, when studied diligently and contextually, reveals a consistent and harmonious message.
However, it requires a commitment to seek the truth sincerely. Unfortunately, some people may find it easier to accept misleading interpretations or partial truths rather than invest the effort to understand the deeper meanings and contexts of biblical teachings.
Many misconceptions about Christianity arise from historical developments rather than the original teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Roman Empire’s adoption of Christianity significantly influenced the development of the church, leading to practices and doctrines that sometimes diverged from biblical principles. This has resulted in a version of Christianity that can differ markedly from the faith practiced by the early church.
Today, many Christian denominations tend to emphasize traditions and interpretations that might not align perfectly with biblical teachings. For instance, some churches might prioritize rituals or customs over the foundational laws and principles outlined in Scripture. They may prefer to express their love for God in ways that suit their preferences rather than adhering to the ways God has prescribed.
This divergence highlights the importance of distinguishing between popular Christianity and biblical Christianity. When comparing the beliefs and practices of the first-century church to many modern Christian denominations, it’s evident that there are significant differences. The early church was rooted deeply in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, focusing on a faithful adherence to God’s laws and principles.
For those genuinely seeking to understand Christianity, it’s crucial to look beyond popular practices and explore the Bible’s teachings in their purest form. By doing so, one can discover the true essence of the faith, which may differ from the more commonly accepted versions seen today.
From an Atheist to a Believer
In today’s world, we see a growing trend of Christians abandoning their faith and more people identifying as atheists. This is a reflection of the deception prevalent in our world (Revelation 12:9), where many unknowingly follow the father of lies, Satan, who is described as the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).
It’s disheartening to read the forum member’s experience of losing their faith. However, there is hope. God promises to open the minds of individuals and the entire humanity to His truth. Though the number of atheists may increase, we hold on to the assurance that one day, the prophecy in Philippians 2:10-11 will come to pass:
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This prophecy reminds us that eventually, everyone will recognize and confess the lordship of Jesus Christ (Yahshua the Messiah). While current trends may be disheartening, our faith in God’s ultimate plan remains unshaken. We look forward to the day when truth and understanding will prevail.
May God hasten that day!
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