An atheist who longs for God?

Originally Posted by Rick O'Shez

Hmm. In the UK the number of faith schools is increasing

Rick

Even so in Canada, the growth is mostly a response to disdain over the content of some of the Public School curriculum. Christians flee the public system not because of what is taught or not taught (creationism as you say) but because of what is done. I myself kept my daughter in the Public System and stayed involved with her education and thought life. I think it's better to not abandon the public schools.

On more than one occasion though teachers (more one in particular than others) had my daughter in tears deriding her for her beliefs (high school - she's a married adult now). Ironically they only reinforced her faith by making the attack personal. It was an interesting and difficult time that we both learned from.

Originally Posted by meezly

yes you have a good point there. but please note that in your quote of what I wrote I started it off by saying "Some Christians...".

Point taken.

Originally Posted by meezly

I'm an atheist member on an atheist forum, and I definitely have issues with Christianity, so if you want a wide range of opinions, I'm afraid you'll have to get used to mine, just as I'll have to get used to yours.

No worries at all actually, this Daniel knows he's walkin' around the lions.

Originally Posted by watchayakan

To be honest, I consider how some Christians would form that perspective. To many of them, it seems (hasty generalization avoidance move ahoy!), Christianity is a worldview. I can understand how we'd come off as fairly ...alien. I've interacted with a lot of Christians, mostly on the Internet, and a fair bit of them actually just don't understand us. Maybe they want to, maybe they don't, I have yet to discern that.

I think this has less to do with understanding and more to do with a sort of aloof mentality (that frankly both worldviews are guilty of) coupled with a generally guarded posture that can be perceived as arrogance or hard-headedness. This I think comes from an inability of most people of fatih to articulate their beliefs to others who do not share them. An unfortunate situation as we are to able to provide a response to such a question as "why do you believe that?". Christianity is a worldview informed by an intimate relationship and is therefore unique among religions. It requires care and thoughtfulness in how it is shared and explained.

Originally Posted by watchayakan

However, I'd still say that one can be an atheist but wished they could belief. I felt this way for a while when I was in early pubescence and going through some rough time. For a while now though, I've felt as though I really don't need a god whatsoever. If there is one, good for him/her/it.

Most people who come to faith encounter G_d at a time and place of need. If someone does not have a need to seek him they will not find him but more so if there is nobody there to help. This is not meant in any way to critical of your position. This is highly personal stuff, the thread in the fabric of who we are... I wish you could believe also, faith is a gift, a balm, a refuge and a joy, at least it is for me. Wishing you well.