Can any Christians help? Suddenly curious about God after an entire lifetime of atheism

[BlackcurrantTea]

Hello,

I'm not sure why but after being cynical of all religion since I was a small child (I prayed to God to save my kitten's life after he was hit by a car - the kitten died and I took that as absolute proof of no God/no benevolent God) I'm suddenly questioning my views.

I think it was partly prompted by attending a church baby group and everyone being lovely, and reconnecting with an old friend of mine who is a passionate Christian, but I sort of don't know what to do with this feeling. Can anyone recommend any resources for any adults wanting to explore Christianity a bit? Or any advice?

Thank you so much.

Can I recommend books by Tom Wright, a bishop and theologian. Type him into amazon and he has written lots of titles, but maybe simply Jesus or broken signposts might be a good start.

Start with the gospels?

I’m an ex-Christian who lost her faith, but I’m finding the world so crazy right now, I’m finding Christian values a helpful focus to keep a sense of perspective.

I’m not quite sure I follow the logic of your reasoning here, OP.

How does the death of a kitten disprove the existence of a supernatural deity? And how does meeting a group of nice, friendly people at a baby group make the existence of said deity more likely?

I'm a Christian, help run our baby/ toddler group and as a team, we serve the mums and babies as a way to show God's love. So if you're finding it in your group that's a wonderful thing. It's absolutely ok to just enjoy that, and not 'do' anything with it. Kindness isn't about evangelism, just love.

I would ask about Christianity explored, which I didbefore becoming a Christian as an adult. Similarly to you my interest was piqued after having a baby and striking up a friendship with our then curates wife who had a baby the same age as mine. if you ask one of the group leaders I'm sure they'll be happy to point you in the direction of one (Alpha was a bit full on and scared me a bit).

@Allsizes8to14

Also there is an alternative course to an alpha course also often run by churches called Christianity explored. It’s 6 sessions I think and gives a good overview of what it means to be a Christian. I’d probably start with chatting with your friend you’ve reconnected with about her faith, am sure she would be really happy to chat and help you with questions. Could you maybe go to church with her?

I had forgotten about this course. I am doing Alpha and it is really not working for me. I feel bad saying that though.

I would start by reading the gospel of Luke.
Bits at a time. Think it through yourself.

I like the Church of England’s evening prayer service. There is a prayer in it that made me think of you and the baby group:-
“ Jesus, our companion,
when we are driven to despair,
help us, through the friends and strangers
we encounter on our path,
to know you as our refuge,
our way, our truth and our life.”

Thank you to everyone who has replied with kindness! Will explore all suggestions

I am sorry you are feeling lonely and lost. Im glad you've found comfort in the group.

Why not attend one of the church services, see what's going on there? Ask your friends at baby group if they go (They might not go or not go often). It may be different because of Covid. Still, worth a look.

I like The Reason for God by Timothy Keller. Was quite good for me as an atheist returning to faith.

Hi BlackcurrantTea! I just wanted to encourage you because I first started exploring Christianity after joining a toddler group at my local church. I do believe God reaches out to us through other people's kindness. As a Christian I believe God's spirit lives in us and He can work through us.

When I first started thinking about faith I loved reading anything by Philip Yancey and I find his books very readable and down to earth. "What's so Amazing About Grace?" is probably a good one to start with, also "The Jesus I Never Knew". Good luck and as a poster above says, there is no rush to believe everything at once. Take it one step at a time. Faith is a lifelong project!

I’m very similar, OP. I got back into religion just before the first lockdown. I took a course at my local church - I can’t fit the life of me remember the name now! But it was amazing to be able to sit and chat with our local priest. He’s such a bright and lovable man.

During lockdown it was obviously impossible to visit churches, so I joined an online group that’s run by a different church. It’s about following the AA 12 Steps (which are very religious) but it’s revolving into a general “sort your life out and be a lovely person” weekly catch up. :)

I feel some imposter syndrome with religion. It feels so shallow to enjoy it because of the beauty of the buildings and the moving language used in the services, but they’re what really draw me.

I read some of Tim Keller’s books when I was first exploring Christianity, Conversations with Jesus in particular really helped me a lot.

He’s very American and a bit evangelical and I don’t agree with everything he says, but he explains things in a really accessible way and his passion shines through in a way I enjoyed.