Comments on: How did a gifted Christian Minister become an atheist?

By: Chris Goswami

Chris Goswami — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 11:42:37 +0000

In reply to Lisa. Hi Lisa Thanks for commenting. I dont think the free will argument has logical holes: So, how much then should "a good God" intervene? Should he stop all wars and destruction caused by people? How? Should he stop the driver on his phone who is about to drive into a child? How? Aside from the free will thing of course there are other awful things in the world inc natural disasters and disease. And I don't want to understate these. They are there and they are awful as you say. There is of course the important point that even here we (people) could, if we wished divert our wealth to for example help the poorest people in the world get vaccinated and move away from flood plains etc. But leaving all that aside the Christian faith teaches that we do live in broken, I would say even traumatised, world, where things are not as they should be. We can do much to alleviate suffering ourselves if we really want to, and I appreciate that Christ himself understands suffering and, ultimately, will bring all suffering to an end.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 22:30:01 +0000

I’m an atheist after 45 years as a Christian. The thing that started the change was getting tired of making excuses for God’s passivity in the face of the horrors that happen to people. Good parents with no religious beliefs would never find a reason to do nothing if their beloved children were being tortured. Yet a loving, all powerful God does this with his human creations thousands of times over every day. Stands by and does nothing. The idea that he can’t do too much or it will limit free will is so full of logical holes! Since then many other ideas have developed holes. I do wish there was an all powerful, completely good being who was looking out for humans and our world. Unfortunately there is too much evidence that this is just a pleasant fantasy.

By: Chris Goswami

Chris Goswami — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 08:21:40 +0000

In reply to Richard Keller.

Thanks for reaching out Richard and for your kind thoughts and words.
I think ultimately, yes it has to be down to God’s grace and mercy. I think the passage on apostasy is in Hebrews (Hebrews 10?)
However, I increasingly feel there is much more to how Christ can reach people than our limited understanding allows. I think there are scripture texts to support this idea.
So yes, we pray for those we know who have not responded to the gospel, or even responded and for some reason let go of their faith.

By: Chris Goswami

Chris Goswami — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 08:13:20 +0000

In reply to Payl. Hi - you are talking about the extreme - and utterly unbiblical - doctrines of the deep south and that was in fact the start of the American civil war. I don't think you can blame God for man's inhumanity against man

By: Payl

Payl — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 15:35:09 +0000

In reply to Shuggy. The Old Testament God is an utter disgrace who perpetuated slavery in the Caribbean and deep south of the US. He is a horrible, nasty, reactionary character.

By: Richard Keller

Richard Keller — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:59:27 +0000

I came across your site. Very interesting. I also read your post about Seth, the minister who became an atheist. His story is understandable, yet is still sad to me as well. What happens to a person like Seth when he dies? Do they go to hell because they have turned their back on their faith in God or does God, who knows all that can be known, show him mercy in the end?
I have bookmarked your site and will return to read some more of your writings. Good site my brother. Thank you for it. Have a tremendously blessed day and weekend.

By: Chris Goswami

Chris Goswami — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:28:04 +0000

In reply to duncan. Thaks for your thoughts here Duncan

By: duncan

duncan — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 17:17:58 +0000

Living in a spiritual war zone is tough, and many many christians become ill spiritually and physically as a result as sometimes we think it will be easy street, but its not. its tough. Most times when I have stepped out at Gods bidding to do something in faith.. there comes a spiritual backlash via a source not foreseen, as the Devil hates us doing Gods work and knows how to attack us.. so we need one another to step out onto the parapet and trust God that he has out backs.. look at what Jesus did.. he met people in the worst streets, look at what his disciples did.. they actually saw the dude, watched his miracles, yet scattered when the Devil went boo… its hard, yet joyous, like giving birth.. no pain no gain (as a man I have to say I have never experienced birth), but have seen the joy in a new creation.

By: Chris Goswami

Chris Goswami — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 20:12:43 +0000

In reply to David Brewer. Thans - Re the estate work I have done- yes indeed but I don’t feel I saw the same extent of poverty as Seth. I think that’s because he lived in his community (I didn’t) and he lived on possibly the toughest street in that community. Tremendously brave and definitely incarnational, but … it broke his faith. And yes I am sure your experience is shared by others also.

By: Chris Goswami

Chris Goswami — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 20:01:45 +0000

In reply to Chevaan. Great to see you here Chevaan and thx for the comment. I hope all is well back at the ranch" :-)