I'm moving this discussion to a new post because it has commandeered another post that needs to stay more on topic.
THG says to my point:
" He has a chance every second. My mind is not closed, just aware.
DF
hg> Deep, when YOU seek Him, then He will reveal Himself to you"
THG, when YOU seek the FSM, then He will reveal himself to you. Don't you see how this works? Isn't it at all clear that the gods are things we talk ourselves into and fool ourselves into believing?
hg> nope, even aside from my belief, i've seen Him work in my life and others too many times to deny that He is God!
Your one sentence demonstrates both things quite concisely.
If I were to seek a unicorn, I would first have to believe that unicorns exist, or else I'd have to admit I was on a fool's errand. If I first convince myself that there is a god (or gods) only then can I do something as silly as invite him into my heart. You must understand I remain unconvinced of this necessary prerequisite.
hg> i do understand. you must understand that He pushes Himself on no one, therefore there is no way to 'prove' to you that He exists, other than you meeting Him yourself. it's all your choice, part of the freedom He gives us all.
I love my cat. He exists, and did so before I came to love him. It's just necessary.
hg> not with God...we can only love with a human heart through our existence in 'time'. God doesn't base His love on who we are or what we've done or what we do for Him. He loves us because we are the shining star of His creation. He loved us before the world began. He's known us since before time was created. He has loved us all every moment of every day, and will do so throughout eternity.
That's why when I see people who make the sadly laughable statement "Christianity is not a religion, it's a personal relationship with Jesus" I cringe. Jesus is dead. Has been for almost 2000 years.
hg> well here comes another *sad laugh cringe* DF...when i got saved, i was 'just a Christian', believing that God was a master who doled out rules from His throne on high, and punished us accordingly, trying to keep us out of hell. i wanted to go to Heaven because i didn't want to go to hell. i don't remember a time that i was taught about wanting to be in Heaven because Jesus was there. that was the rigid 'religion' i lived under....
but while devastated in circumstances beyond my control, God revealed to me that He loved me unconditionally, and would never leave or forsake me. i realized that Jesus did indeed live in my heart, and He became my closest friend. i no longer live under laws that restrict my freedom in Him. i really have given up 'religion' for a personal relationship with Him. it's a totally different life.
I'm not an atheist, I just have a personal relationship with sanity.
DF