Where do I start?

[Zandy Knope]

Hello!

I've been an atheist for several years now, but I have been hearing some convincing arguments from Christians about morality and have started to question my beliefs. I am open and willing to learn more about Christianity and possibly rethink my worldview, but I'm unsure as to where to begin. Where should I start?

Thank you!

Zandy Knope

Edited March 8, 2021 by Zandy Knope

[BK1110]

Welcome Zandy! Great to meet people who are willing to be open-minded; too few are.

Here's a brief run through that might be a jumping off point (and there are books at the bottom that are referenced which could be good next steps): https://www.namb.net/apologetics/resource/the-moral-argument-for-gods-existence/

John Lennox is a great modern speaker about such issues. Search YouTube for content.

He and other apologists like Hugh Ross, J. Warner Wallace and so on touch on it at points in there work as well, though it is not their primary focus. And of course the writings of C.S. Lewis are excellent.

And do feel free to hang around this forum and ask questions when you have them! God bless you on your journey to truth!

 

Edited March 9, 2021 by Alive
video link not allowed in this area.

[Charlie744]

19 hours ago, Zandy Knope said:

Hello!

I've been an atheist for several years now, but I have been hearing some convincing arguments from Christians about morality and have started to question my beliefs. I am open and willing to learn more about Christianity and possibly rethink my worldview, but I'm unsure as to where to begin. Where should I start?

Thank you!

Zandy Knope

Apparently, you have already started and now your enjoyable journey has just begun. Genesis is good.....Right off the bat, God is introducing Himself to the world.... He is telling us Who He is, What He has done, What He wants from us, on and on.

Now, He did this for a reason; If you believe He is the God of the Universe, the Creator of all things, is Holy and Merciful, and is pure Love then everything is downhill from there.

If the above is not totally embraced and brought into your mind and heart then all the wonderful sayings in Proverbs, or the tremendous stories and messages found within the OT, and even all the things said and done by Jesus Himself will not or never be enough.... you might enjoy the wisdom and morality revealed through the OT and NT, but rule #1 is to believe in the ONE and ONLY True God of EVERYTHING and He is YOUR CREATOR - all of this is found in Genesis. If you are successful in Him (Genesis), you will be able to view His Word the way He wants you to see and know it....

Otherwise, it might just be a bunch of great stories and nice sayings and not much more than an intellectual exercise..... 

 Best wishes and use all the talented, knowledgeable folks within this forum to ask your questions and seek their view and interpretations.... there is NO better subject to consider on earth, Charlie

[Justin Adams]

10 minutes ago, Charlie744 said:

there is NO better subject to consider on earth

Believing Loyalty is at the heart of the Christian faith. Watch this short video by Dr Heiser. If the link is deleted, search the following on YouTube: "Salvation Depends on Believing Loyalty NOT Correct Doctrines" - Dr Mike Heiser

 

 

Edited March 9, 2021 by Alive
video link in wrong area.

[Alive]

2 minutes ago, Justin Adams said:

Believing Loyalty is at the heart of the Christian faith. Watch this short video by Dr Heiser. If the link is deleted, search the following on YouTube: "Salvation Depends on Believing Loyalty NOT Correct Doctrines" - Dr Mike Heiser

 

 

I understand the desire to help, but we all must adhere to the rules equally. If its good for one than it is good for all.

[enoob57]

He borrowed that from the three musketeers

 

[Tzephanyahu]

Hello @Zandy Knope

I hope you're well.

In this day and age, there are too many places to start!  It can make the journey ahead seem confusing and requiring caution.  Therefore, I say the best and only place to start is with the Bible. 

It's great to see you have an open mind...

20 hours ago, Zandy Knope said:

have started to question my beliefs. I am open and willing to learn more about Christianity and possibly rethink my worldview

With this same spirit, allow yourself to explore a thought experiment.  An internal paradigm shift, in order to get right to the point of all.

IF there was a God who created everything and IF He sent His Son to take away our due punishment, and IF the Bible is literally the inspired words of that Creator to lead me to the truth of all things - what would He have me do first?

The Bible has changed the world - one soul at a time.  Now the World likes to say "Yes, but look at all the harm that has come from it!", never stopping to equally focus on all the good has done.  People have lived by the Bible and died for it and to save it.  It can turn a death row inmate into a compassionate, empathetic charitable man and nearly 50% of all world religions are based upon it.  It's no mere book.

Therefore, no other book or teacher should come between you and the Bible.  Keep it an A and B conversation.  You should share and question others about it, of course (how else would you learn), but ultimately it's between you and the Book - or rather you and your Creator.

"Right, where do I start with the Bible then?" you may ask.  I would hope you know the Gospel message at the very least.  If you have only heard it from others but not read it for yourself, start with Mark in the New Testament, for a short read.  If you want a more detailed account, then read Luke for a longer read.

Once you're done with that, I recommend this page to further guide you on how to start reading the rest of the Bible in a helpful order.

Anyway, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  If you do have many questions, that's a very reassuring sign, don't worry.   Keep asking and keep searching, always.  There are many answers and proofs for all you'll read.

May the Creator guide your steps and your heart in your search.

Peace.

[Charlie744]

Zandy, in very short order, you have already witnessed the kind of folks that will support you in this journey and you will be amazed at the breath of knowledge and abilities these folks bring to this site.

Best wishes, Charlie

 

[Tristen]

Hi Zandy, and welcome.

I'd firstly “start” with the “God, if you are real, I want to know” prayer. “If I need to be saved, then God, please save me, and give me faith in you – even if it means working around my established biases and agendas” - that kind of prayer. But do an honest self-assessment first to make sure you mean what you are praying. Insincere prayers are a waste of time.

Then I'd 'continue' with whatever is on your mind. What about Christianity do you find interesting, and want to know more about? Ask God questions (i.e. prayer). Ask Christians questions (on forums like this, or at a local church etc.). Do your own research etc. - always endeavouring to stay fair-minded.

According to Christianity, the Bible is God's highest authoritative communication to humanity. So the Bible is obviously also a good place to learn about the Christian God and the Christian paradigm in general.

That should get you on your way.

May God bless your journey.

[Who me]

On 3/8/2021 at 7:02 PM, Zandy Knope said:

am open and willing to learn more about Christianity and possibly rethink my worldview, but I'm unsure as to where to begin. Where should I start?

 

Welcome to the forum.

               May I suggest you check out the Christianity explored web site for churches in your area who run this course and contact the nearest.

 

The course allows you to meet with people and discus/argue that meetings topic, it also allows you to get to know local Christians and to decide whether you would like to attend there church services.

Otherwise was the Bible, start with the New testament and ask questions here.