/christian/ - Christian Discussion and Fellowship

I don't know. Why do you think you're incapable of developing your faith?

>>732453

If you're having trouble believing why don't you read Aquinas, or CS Lewis if Aquinas sounds too scholastic for you. The proofs for God exist. You just have to read them and get over that feeling of atheism being the "default"

>Something supernatural by the modern definition created the universe

—You are here—

>that thing is personal

>that thing cares about you in particular

>that thing is God in the Christian sense

>Christianity

Everything feels so hopeless in the long run. I feel alone. I don’t feel as if there is anything after this life, and I’m a solid loser by material and social standards. By my own worldview, I’m total scum and miserable, not that that necessarily changes adopting Christianity. Every time I do inch toward Christianity, it gets nipped in the bus by my atheist apologist acquaintances. My Christian friends seem by and large the happier and more accomplished of the bunch (save for those I know who carved out successful niches and romances in shady, degenerate corners of the Internet), but I can’t seem to make the leap to clear the hurdle of abject hopelessness. I’m down for going the whole nine if I knew it wasn’t a goose chase, but I can’t get to that point if knowledge.

>>732469

If God is omnipotent, which He is since this a deterministic universe designed by Him, then He personally designed and crafted you and planned out your entire life path. Sounds pretty personal to me.

>>732481

Determinism is at odds with free will an instead implies predestination, though.

>>732485

Hi, newfag.

Bye, newfag.

>>732485

That’s not what I said

>>732482

STAHP, your definition of free will is all screwy and unchristian.

>"When those things come to pass which will bring on the triumph of the Church, then will such confusion reign on earth that people will think God has permitted them to have their own contrary will and that the providence of God is not concerned about the world. The confusion will be so general that mankind will not be able to think aright, as if God had entirely withheld his providence from mankind, and that, during the worst crisis, the best that can be done would be to remain where God has placed us, and persevere in fervent prayer." -Father Nectou, S.J

>>732494

Nice St. Peter’s cross

>>732456

>I don't know. Why do you think you're capable of developing your faith when that's the Holy Spirit's job?

FTFY

>>732497

where to begin studying Logos? I'm just patiently waiting for EMJ's book on it to be honest…

>>732453

Yes. Also, stop being Catholic.

>Is everyone actually feeling the same way?

Obviously not.

>>732523

>obviously not

Sorry, but I do honestly often wonder if everyone is as miserable and terrified existentially as I am and we’re all just keeping up a good face for the sake of collective sanity

>>732525

I wholeheartedly believe in God Jesus Christ and I'm convinced that many others on this board do, however atheism is symptomatic of Catholicism. Go to an Orthodox mass and you will find God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7WMuf9xaoA

>>732519

If you wouldn't let Him in, He wouldn't enter. Hence everyone should find within themselves what causes their lack of humbleness and submission. Whether you will find a faith in God or not is another thing, the most important thing is to try.

Real faith isn't loud, obnoxious displays of emotion. It isn't warm fuzzy feelings all the time. It isn't blind belief either.

It is steadfast loyalty unto death. Carrying out your mission and purpose, even when you in your darkest moments. It is when you mind is racked with fear, doubt and despair, yet your body keeps forging ahead recklessly, motivated by some unseen force you can not explain.

Under extreme conditions, soldiers feel despair, they lose focus of their goals and values. As is human nature. But the great warriors carried out their orders regardless. A Christian needs to be like that. THAT is what faith is.

And please, don't buy into the modern idea that Christianity is like some sort of self help program that can help you get your life in order and make you happy all the time. This is how Christianity is sold these days, but the truth is that it is all about "taking up your cross and following Christ". It can bring you joy and peace of mind, but only as a biproduct. It is not the purpose of Christianity.

We are Christians not because we want to be happy, but because we have been called, given a mission to carry out.

So if you are willing to take up the cross, go to church, praise God, acknowledge your sins, and most importantly, build the Kingdom of God by carrying out works of mercy. Even if you aren't throwing up your hands and weeping like an evangelical.

>>732453

Fake it till you make it is basically larp re-worded

Faith is believing. To develop faith you have to read God's words to see His miracles and powers and pray to Him daily, or at any possible time. It's just letting go of your ego and believe like a child.

>>732469

If you read the Bible you'll see that we will win in the end and Satan will be defeated.

>I'm a loser

David was a shepherd, the youngest in the family, which means that he was probably considered the least in the family. Jesus's apostles weren't scholars or anything, they were simple people. You are great only when you follow God despite your circumstances, not the other way around.

>By my own worldview

That's your problem buddy. You look through the world with YOUR own lens, not God's. You look at the world focused on the physical, the flesh, but not the spirit in faith and hope.

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (It's better if you know the context)

See how Paul focused on the spiritual side and longing for wisdom of God, and love and patience, instead of the flesh and materials? Paul had a thorn in the flesh but that doesn't make him miserable, so why do you let your thorns in the flesh made you miserable?

>My atheist friends

Because of your lack of faith and knowledge from God, you let your friends dissuade you. Read and study the Bible, or you'll be the seed sown in the rocky places Jesus taught about

> My Christian friends seem by and large the happier and more accomplished of the bunch

The Christian life is not a happy 24/7 life. It's a promised land that will make your life meaningful, but there's also going to be trials, wars, conflicts, test. But after all, how can you be better if you don't go through trials and tests, like how gold is made? Don;t be fooled thinking it's a feel-good blissful life all the time,and then discouraged when conflict happens

I hope I can help you in any other way anon, just let me know. I really do hope your post is not a trap

>>732543

>Haha Christianity is stupid

>Let's realign our morality to some made up character in some movies

gtfo fag

>>732519

>just sit back and do nothing, if you're going to be saved then the Holy Spirit will come upon you regardless of whether or not you seek God!

But if it's not meant to be then too bad, see you in Hell

>>732453

If it helps you to 'develop faith' you should go to church.

Unfortunately nowadays some churches actively harm faith, in that case Bible and prayer (and writings of Saints) will be enough until you find a good church.