Quote Originally Posted by Nerdsrock22 View Post
My approach to faith begins first with my understanding of morality. From my own observation of the world, I see what appears to me to be a general universally accepted code of morality, that is very different from animal instincts. That is, most humans will acknowledge that stealing and killing is a wrong thing to do, whereas, a cougar, for example, will challenge another predator for a meal, and kill them if necessary. And not feel any guilt about it. Most of us would not kill another human for a meal.

From there, by mixing that seemingly universal code of morality, with the extreme complexity of the universe, the human mind, etc., I decide to believe that life as we know it was both created and designed by something. This belief in a higher power, let's loosely call it religion, awakens a desire to worship (that I believe is present in all of humankind, be it a worship of God, of science, of cars, women, etc.)

I then must choose what faith to believe, what God to worship. In examining the world religions, I am drawn to the person of Christ. I think the virtues of selflessness, humility, unconditional love, and forgiveness. It is completely counter-culture, but it is exactly what the world needs. Now I'm sure you are thinking that all religions teach those values, and they probably do. But Christianity is the only one that teaches that the creator became man and walked in our shoes, and lived out the "perfect" life.

All that to say, there was still an unexplainable spiritual awakening. Everything I just said is simply mental, that is, faith in Christianity "makes sense" to me. Faith, however, is more intangible. My Christianity did not spring forth out of logic, but is rather enforced by it.

Hope that makes sense, I appreciate your honest questions.
After reading you post, i can accept much, but not all of it. I understand that there is a moral code, but it definitely varies between cultures and social groups. You are correct, however, where it does seem to completely contradict our animal instincts. I just happen to accredit this to the presence of emotion. Compassion, sympathy, and guilt for instance.

And here is where you lost me. Im unable to see where you make the jump from a complex universe to that meaning that it was created by a superior being.

Your reasons for choosing christianity are noble. It's obvious to me that you thought it out and you stress the "good" parts of the religion. You truly enjoy that it makes you live as a better person. But to me, all those things are part of the moral code, not a code instilled in us by a church. I practice forgiveness, selflessness and the lot because my mother did a darn fine job in raising me. I admire you for your recognizing the importance of these virtues, but for the atheist that practices them despite not having a preacher and a book to live by, it makes all the other things that go along with religion seem strange.

Mainly, I cannot wrap my head around this:
Christians claim to have a merciful god. Yet he demands that you worship him and only him, or you'll suffer forever. He demands that you live by these virtues so that you will be rewarded with heaven. No disrespect intended, but is this not the grounds of bribery?

I live a life directed towards bettering myself and all that around me because i think it is the right thing to do. (not saying you dont, ive just heard some christians slip with "if i werent a christian id beat your ass" or the like. Its sickening)

I guess what im trying to say is that i dont feel a need in faith for a superior being to be fulfilled. I fulfill myself through music, relationships, and the simple things. Ive been to church many a time and never have i come out feeling even close to as full of ecstasy and joy than when i step out of my car after a weekend drive with the windows down, or when i strum my final chord and the crowds applause rolls over me.

I just dont feel the void, you know? Maybe thats where im different than most. I dont need questions answered, and i dont have a yearning to worship a creator.