Meet the atheist … who believes in God

By The CNN Editors  Opinion by Frank Schaeffer, special to CNN  (CNN)

 -- All the public debates between celebrity atheists and evangelical pastors are as meaningless as literary awards and Oscar night.  They are meaningless because participants lack the objectivity to admit that our beliefs have less to do with facts than with our personal needs and cultural backgrounds.  The words we use to label ourselves are just as empty.  What exactly is a “believer?” And for that matter what is an “atheist?” Who is the objective observer to define these terms?  Maybe we need a new category other than theism, atheism or agnosticism that takes paradox and unknowing into account.  Take me, I am an atheist who believes in God.  Let me explain.
 Read more of this post: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/06/10/meet-an-atheist-who-believes-in-god/#more-46455

Our brains are not highly evolved enough to reconcile our hunger for both absolute certainty and transcendent, inexplicable experiences.

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Called Christian

DISCIPLES FIRST CALLED CHRISTIANS

It is noteworthy that our Lord never gave a name to His people, but called them disciples -- pupils, learners. The Apostles have applied to the Church various terms; such as, "Church of the living God," "Church of God," "Church of Christ," "the Church." But gradually the name Christians, identifying God's people with their Redeemer, came to be the general name everywhere.

It is a pity that any have thought it necessary to adopt any other names than these, which are common to the entire Church of Christ, or to use these names in a sectarian manner. Evidently the name Christian should represent one who trusts in Christ as the Messiah -- one, therefore, who trusts in Him as the Redeemer and who accepts all the fundamental doctrines of the Scriptures. These doctrines are based upon three declarations: (1) That all were sinners, needing to be redeemed before they could be acceptable to God. (2) That the believer accepts God's forgiveness through the precious blood of Christ. (3) That he has accepted the Leadership and name of Christ and henceforth will seek to walk in His steps.

There was a start toward sectarianism in the early Church, some saying, "I am a Christian, but of the order of Paul." Others said, "I am a Christian of the order of Apollos;" still others, "I am a Christian of the order of Peter." St. Paul promptly rebuked this spirit, assuring them that relationship in Christ was all that was necessary, that neither Peter nor Paul had redeemed them, and that neither Apostle could therefore occupy the place of a head to the Church. Furthermore, the Apostle calls attention to the fact that such a spirit on their part was an evidence that much carnality still remained, much of a worldly, partisan spirit, contrary to the teachings of the Holy Spirit.--`1 Corinthians 1:10-13`; `3:1-7`.

It is to be regretted that ever since the Reformation this spirit has prevailed to a large extent, some taking the name of Luther, others, Wesley, Calvin, others non-personal, sectarian or party names such as Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, etc. We are not claiming that those who do so are wholly carnal, without the Lord's Spirit; but with the Apostles we do claim that a disposition to such partisanship is contrary to the Spirit of the Lord, and to that extent is carnal, fleshly, and should be overcome by all who would be recognized of the Lord as overcomers.

What we ought to have is one Church, one Household of Faith, accepting the plain fundamentals of Scripture, and with limitations as to acceptance of more or less conjectural views outside of those fundamentals-- all fellowshipping each other, and all known as Christians, and thus separated from all who deny the Atonement, from all who deny the results of the Atonement in the resurrection, and from all who deny the propriety of a newness of life in the present time. In this view of the matter, each individual Christian would have an independence as respects his own thought, aside from fundamentals which are clearly stated in the Scriptures.

 - ZWT - 1916 R5888 : page 122:April 15, 1916
C.T.Russell

+++
 

2014 January update: Related articles

• Being Submitted
• Christian Martyrs
• Those who believe the bible - The World Mission Society Church Of God (WMSCOG)
• Thomas Helwys, the Baptist Church, and the Churches of Christ
• In Defense of Parity, Chapter 9
• The Scandal of Division
• The Apostle verses Disciple Difference as explained by the Universal Life Church
• Newman: the conversion of St Paul

Be an Encourager

Be an Encourager
March 16, 2009

By Rose McCormick Brandon

Discouragement often knocks on the door of the lonely, sick and elderly. For
decades Hope interceded for her family, church and community. Through her
strong witness many came to Christ. Now Hope sits alone in her living room
lamenting that her life is unfruitful. Poor health and several falls prevent
her from attending church. Few from the congregation call.

"I don¹t know why the Lord doesn¹t take me home," she says. "I'm no good to
Him any more."

Encouraging the Hopes of the world is a significant part of our work for
God. The first gift we can offer them is an empathetic ear. They often need
to unload their painful feelings. Sometimes the simple act of expressing
their thoughts lightens their darkness. Being a kind, nonjudgmental listener
is an offering believers can give one another.

In her prime, Hope prayed for, called and visited many. "Now I'm alone and
everyone has forgotten me," she says.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ" (Galatians 6:2, NIV).

After listening, raise the focus upwards by reminding the person of their
royal position.

"God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms
in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6).

Tell of His unconditional affection and the promise of His continual
presence. Read Scripture and pray together. Allow a spiritual bond to
develop. This restores the person's sense of belonging to the body of
Christ.

Paul expressed this in Romans 1:11,12: "I long to see you so that I may
impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong ‹ that is, that you and
I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."

Even God's heroes become discouraged. Elijah, a miracle man, was so
miserable he wanted to die. An angel came, cooked him a nourishing meal and
told him to lie down and rest (1 Kings 19:1-8). What kindness the angel
showed the depressed prophet.

The angel's actions demonstrate the practical side of being an encourager.
Simple acts of kindness sooth despairing souls and remind them they're
loved. It's only human to grow old, tired, hungry and lonely. James wrote of
Elijah, "[He] was a man just like us" (James 5:17).

Christians often don't allow for human weakness. We consider the high points
of our faith journey and believe we should always live on those
mountaintops. Some may even believe that becoming disheartened, discouraged
or depressed is a sin.  An encourager dispels that myth.

Could someone you know benefit from an uplifting visit, phone call or letter
from you today?
‹ Rose McCormick Brandon writes personal experience essays, Bible studies,
news articles, profiles and devotionals from her home in Sault Ste. Marie,
Canada.