My Conversation with an Atheist

Recently I had an interesting conversation with an individual who stated, "I do not believe in God." I asked them why they didn't believe in God. For me, it was surprising to hear someone say they didn't believe in a power higher than themselves. One that allowed them to breath the air of life. Who did they believe shook them open alive that very day? I had to wonder about that. Maybe that wasn't an observation by them, but it definitely wasn't lost on me.

Anyway, the response that was ringing in my ears was that "there are different religions and I do not believe that I have to subscribe to one."

Okay, I can see their point but I never subscribed to the thinking that one religion is better than another one. My mind got to thinking all kinds of thought relating to my spiritual walk and faith so I had to ask another question. "So I guess that means you do not go to church either?" And they said, "yes, that is right!" The person immediately thought because I do believe in God that they should have not told me that they really don't believe in God. I felt a shift in the conversation but I wanted to know more so I let them know that I appreciated them sharing their thoughts on religion. I also wondered how many other people had different opinions on faith, spirituality and religion. Did it really matter?

Ending that quick conversation got me to thinking about all sorts of things. Have we lost all sight of what spirituality, religion or having a personal relationship with God means? By all means, I am not saying you must go to church every Sunday. Attendance to church every week does not mean that you are 'saved', and it certainly doesn't mean you are any better than anyone else going to church.

I think there's a difference between worshipping, having a personal relationship with God and being faithful to him and his commands.

To me, faith is what you make it. Either you believe or you don't. And if you don't believe in God, who do you believe in?

Well, apparently there are quite a few religions in the world, 19 to be exact. There are also over 34,000 identified Christians who do believe, pray, and worship God. Within this vast area is also a group of churches who are more independent and do not subscribe to the major religions at all. Depending on your faith, you could be a Christian, Baptist, Protestant, Catholic, or other identified religious affiliation. Even though there are high numbers of those who are spiritual, or religious, there are 12.7% of the population that do not believe in any God at all. 2% of those in the non-religious groups are Atheists (they do not believe in God at all).

Just so we are clear, atheists do not believe in prayer, whereas the spiritually guided do believe in prayer and healing affects of it on their lives. Atheists only relies on their self knowledge, whereas religious affliated individuals use the Bible as their guiding force and uses the teachings of Christ to guide their lives. That knowledge is the key to their salvation.

Common areas of interests between Atheists and the religious people of the world lie in helping their fellow man. But when the subject to heaven comes up, Atheists believe that heaven should be sought, right here on Earth, while Christians believe they will 'get to' heaven after they die.

Indeed, very interesting is this believe of faith, loving your fellow man, having conviction and relations with God.

Whether you believe in a God or not, you do have to have faith in something in this life. Some people have faith in their husband or wife, children to their parents, schools have faith in the educational system, etcetera.

But for all purposes of this conversation, only you, and your inner spirit will know what faith can and will do in your life. I challenge you to see it out and ask yourself how it applies to your walk in this life.