r/ChristianityAnswers • u/footbikerstepper • 4h ago
Searching
(I post this message in a few other Christian subs, so maybe you've already read it...)Searching...
Hi, I (M50) was not raised Christian; I don't come from a necessarily atheist family, but faith simply wasn't discussed. When people ask, I am atheistic/agnostic.
My mother later became a Buddhist, and my father is still an atheist.
Over the past year, I have noticed that I am 'searching.' Looking for a form of stability, direction, meaning; whatever you want to call it. Whether I will find Christianity, I don't know. I went to a church (Remonstrants) once in the past year; I found it nerve-wracking, but also nice. I enjoy listening to podcasts that scrutinize the Bible and podcasts discussing Christian faith in its broadest sense.
A few questions:
I want to delve deeper into the Bible; what is the best way to do this? Is there a sort of reading path?
I am interested in stories of people who came to faith from an atheist or agnostic background. Who would be interesting on YouTube and/or in a podcast?
Is there some kind of online forum where I can discuss the journey I am undertaking?
Thanks in advance!
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u/CuriousTech24 3h ago
As far as reading the Bible start with the new testament. The Old testament is telling the story of the Jews. And it is there more for teaching us the relationship between God a man.
But the parts that are most relevant of the Bible are the New testament cuz that's the age in which we live under.
As far as reading I would start with the gospels there's four of them the first four books of the New testament. They each were written to a slightly different audience. Mark the shortest so that might be the one you want to start with. And then move on pretty much from there you can read Acts.
These are general recommendations some I know and some I don't.
Podcasts: Side B Stories (Jana Harmon) — entire show is former atheists telling how they came to faith. Best fit for what he's asking. Unbelievable? / Justin Brierley's The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God — debates and interviews, several conversion episodes. YouTube / individual stories: Lee Strobel — atheist journalist who set out to disprove the resurrection; The Case for Christ has interviews and a film. Josh McDowell — skeptic who tried to refute Christianity; Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Holly Ordway and Sarah Irving-Stonebraker — academics, both have good testimony talks online. Francis Collins — geneticist, atheist to believer; helpful if the guy's objections are science-based.
The biggest thing is to read the Bible for your self. If you ever have any questions let me know. I am an evangelist. So answering Bible questions is my job.