Faith Is a Choice
Apologetics, anyone?42 total reviews
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
If only we could live and let live and allow people to have their opinions without being criticised for it. We might fight our corner but in the end we have to allow people to believe in what they want to believe in and the world will be a much more peaceful place to live. A poignant write Mary, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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If only we could live and let live and allow people to have their opinions without being criticised for it. We might fight our corner but in the end we have to allow people to believe in what they want to believe in and the world will be a much more peaceful place to live. A poignant write Mary, love Dolly x
Comment Written 07-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2022
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Thank you, Dolly, for your honest, kind and excellent review of my post. I have since reworked it, and even given it a different title, so that it would, as I hope, be clear that this is an attempt to debate and inform, and not to criticize.
Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinions or beliefs. Yet if we feel we can help someone come around to partake of the joy we have discovered in our faith, I cannot help but share it. May you be so blessed!
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
It's great you had a chance to express your faith, and what it means to you. I live by the principle that one's religious beliefs are personal, and I leave it at that. I was raised in the church by two parents who never, hardly ever practiced the tenets of Christianity. It soured me against organized religion. However, I do believe in God. The numerous false prophets make everyone who is searching for guidance run the opposite direction. There are millions of Americans who idolize and worship at the feet of a particular political leader. This has caused many youths watching run the opposite direction of worshipping anything or anyone. By calling him out and getting all the strong Christians on this site (many who worship at the feet of an obviously flawed man) to surround you is for me not the best approach. I would have sent him or her a private message and said my piece and then been at peace. You need not worry about the atheist. Just let your life shine and illuminate your faith.
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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It's great you had a chance to express your faith, and what it means to you. I live by the principle that one's religious beliefs are personal, and I leave it at that. I was raised in the church by two parents who never, hardly ever practiced the tenets of Christianity. It soured me against organized religion. However, I do believe in God. The numerous false prophets make everyone who is searching for guidance run the opposite direction. There are millions of Americans who idolize and worship at the feet of a particular political leader. This has caused many youths watching run the opposite direction of worshipping anything or anyone. By calling him out and getting all the strong Christians on this site (many who worship at the feet of an obviously flawed man) to surround you is for me not the best approach. I would have sent him or her a private message and said my piece and then been at peace. You need not worry about the atheist. Just let your life shine and illuminate your faith.
Comment Written 06-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Thank you very much, Sandra, for your honest, thoughtful and excellent review of my post. I am so sorry that you experienced so much hypocrisy, in the examples set by your own parents. As personal as your faith is to you, please keep in mind that if Jesus and his early disciples had kept their teachings to themselves, there would be no Christianity, no church, no awareness of what Jesus said and did.
Jesus would have not carried out His mission of love for humans everywhere. All the charitable organizations and many deeds launched out of Christian love would not have come into being. Yes, I know that much evil has also been done "in the name of God," but that is not God's doing and was never His intention.
I am grateful that you still believe in God, even after such a confusing upbringing. I want you to know that I gave your review a lot of thought, and came to the conclusion that I should have continued my discussion with "the atheist" privately. Because I was passionate about the points I wanted to express, I should have written an entirely new post, as I felt moved to share them with others.
Since I couldn't go back and undo my initial approach, I reworked my post to remove all, or virtually all personal references. I didn't think it was permitted for a FanStory writer to change the title of a post, weeks after posting it, having it reviewed and ranked etc., but I did that, also. I do feel better about this gentler approach to expressing my faith.
It was not my intention to "call him out," but simply to give him the opportunity to respond. And while I am grateful for the loving support of other Christians on this site, it was not my intention, either, to get them to surround me, nor to create an "us vs. them" (or worse, an "us vs. him") atmosphere. That is not the purpose of apologetics, nor is it an effective way to persuade others of my beliefs.
Will reframing this post make a difference to the person with whom I disagreed? I have no idea. He may not even be aware of it. I didn't think a private message would be helpful at this stage, as it might seem as though I was harassing this individual. Sometimes you can't "unring" a bell; so after doing what I could, I am leaving the rest in the hands of God.
I apologize that it took some time for me to answer your review, but my life has not been easy now for quite some time, and I interact on FanStory insofar as I am moved, and when I am able.
May God bless you, Sandra. You exemplify the virtues of honesty and dealing fairly with others, and express yourself with courage. Love, Mary Kay
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You are welcome. I don't recall this review. However, reading my view to you I said my piece and we are at peace. You and I are fine. Blessings!
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Thank you, kind lady. You're a fine person, Sandra, and you brought a smile to my face, tonight.
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I'm glad. Enjoy your weekend.
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Thank you, and you also!
Comment from Pam (respa)
-Beautifully done, May Kay, from the photo to the reply and information, plus the notes.
-Your writing flows effortlessly, and you are honest, and give many good examples to support your beliefs and feelings at certain time periods.
-You are also polite, don't call this person out, and you do not criticize or rant.
-You show some of the obstacles you had to over some, and how you did that. With your faith, even though you had forsaken it for a time.
-You also tell us about changing your faith even though you were brought up in the Catholic church.
-I am amazed by your knowledge of all kinds of theories and history.
-The two closing paragraphs are excellent and make a fitting conclusion to your story.
-I am glad you shared this, and I hope that things improve for you soon.
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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-Beautifully done, May Kay, from the photo to the reply and information, plus the notes.
-Your writing flows effortlessly, and you are honest, and give many good examples to support your beliefs and feelings at certain time periods.
-You are also polite, don't call this person out, and you do not criticize or rant.
-You show some of the obstacles you had to over some, and how you did that. With your faith, even though you had forsaken it for a time.
-You also tell us about changing your faith even though you were brought up in the Catholic church.
-I am amazed by your knowledge of all kinds of theories and history.
-The two closing paragraphs are excellent and make a fitting conclusion to your story.
-I am glad you shared this, and I hope that things improve for you soon.
Comment Written 06-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Pam, you are so kind. I deeply appreciate this beautiful, detailed, supportive and exceptional review of my post! I am glad you found it uncritical, but a few reviewers did think it was confrontational, or that I was "calling out" the person I disagreed with, so ... I reworked it so that I could still express my views and my faith, without directing it to anyone personally. I thought that would be a more loving approach.
Thank you for remembering my personal situation so kindly, and for hoping it improves. It's still very tough, and in multiple ways, but "those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength..." so I'm not letting go of Him! May His blessings fill your life, my sister in Christ.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
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You are very welcome and deserving of the exceptional rating and review, Mary Kay. I appreciate your reply, and am very glad it was meaningful to you. Have a good day and upcoming weekend.
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Thank you, Pam. I hope you're having a beautiful weekend, too.
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You are welcome, Mary Kay. It is a bit rainy from the tropical storm Ian, but nothing that bad. Have a good day!
Comment from LovnPeace
Thank you, for posting this. Your experiences trying to find truth mimics much of what I experienced. I turned from God for a time because I felt unworthy. I was unworthy, but now know He forgave me and loves this sinner. Our Salvation is in Accepting Jesus our Savior. From there it takes Faith. IMHO. Blessings, Barbara. Xo
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Thank you, for posting this. Your experiences trying to find truth mimics much of what I experienced. I turned from God for a time because I felt unworthy. I was unworthy, but now know He forgave me and loves this sinner. Our Salvation is in Accepting Jesus our Savior. From there it takes Faith. IMHO. Blessings, Barbara. Xo
Comment Written 06-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Hi Barbara,
Thank you so much for your beautiful, supportive, very personal and exceptional review of my post! Please forgive my delay in responding. Life hasn't been easy, lately, but "I know whom I have believed"!
I really appreciate your tremendous support, the six stars and your sharing of your personal story. It is very encouraging. May God continue to bless you and light your path like the sunshine!
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from Anne Johnston
Thank you so much, Mary Kay, for posting this detailed answer to the one declaring himself an atheist, who wrote the original post. I read his post and hoped someone would counteract it. So thankful that we know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Redeemer. It is hard to believe that anyone in this age, could deny the existence of God. May the Lord bless you for doing this.
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Thank you so much, Mary Kay, for posting this detailed answer to the one declaring himself an atheist, who wrote the original post. I read his post and hoped someone would counteract it. So thankful that we know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Redeemer. It is hard to believe that anyone in this age, could deny the existence of God. May the Lord bless you for doing this.
Comment Written 06-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Dear Anne, thank you so much for your honest, supportive excellent and exceptional review of my post! I am sorry for my delay in responding.
I have since reworked my article somewhat, so that I got my points across, (hopefully) without seeming confrontational. I didn't want it to seem like an attack against a person, but a declaration of my own faith and a debate to refute some arguments.
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(I accidentally saved that before I was finished.) I think you may be among the few who saw the original post I had responded to--some people thought I was replying to a review of my own work, rather than responding to a reply of my review of someone's post. Anyway, I made it less personal and more about the issues at hand. I think I should have written it that way in the first place, and sent the person I was debating a private message. But sometimes we learn by experience.
Yes, I am thankful that we know Jesus as our personal Savior, and joyful that we share that blessed hope. Thank you so much for your encouragement, my sister in Christ! May God bless you, too!
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from nancy_e_davis
I applaud your message to an Atheist, Mary Kay.
I don't know how anyone could not believe there is a God. I was fortunate enough to have been sent to a couple who were Christians and I have believed in Jesus Christ from the very start. I was a Sunbeam first as a child. I was 'saved' and Baptised at the age of twelve. He abides with me all day every day and I talk to him even when I am not praying. He is my friend and confidant. LOL He has helped me get through this life taking care of all my needs. When I have strayed he has forgiven me and called me home. Good Job, Mary Kay.
You have earned my last star. Nancy:)ð???ð???ð???ð???
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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I applaud your message to an Atheist, Mary Kay.
I don't know how anyone could not believe there is a God. I was fortunate enough to have been sent to a couple who were Christians and I have believed in Jesus Christ from the very start. I was a Sunbeam first as a child. I was 'saved' and Baptised at the age of twelve. He abides with me all day every day and I talk to him even when I am not praying. He is my friend and confidant. LOL He has helped me get through this life taking care of all my needs. When I have strayed he has forgiven me and called me home. Good Job, Mary Kay.
You have earned my last star. Nancy:)ð???ð???ð???ð???
Comment Written 06-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Thank you so much, Nancy, for your deeply personal, kindly thoughtful, and exceptional review! I apologize for the delay, as I haven't spent much time on FanStory, for personal reasons. Thank you so much for sharing your own testimony! It's so rewarding, when I express my faith, to have that faith reflected back, and with your own personal flair and your own encouraging story. May God continue to bless you with His Glorious Presence, more and more. Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from John Ciarmello
Hi, Mary. I truly do applaud you for your stance and your dedication to your belief in God. I'm not ashamed to say I am not a devout Catholic, but I believe in my Lord and attempt to follow the right paths that diversity presents daily. That being said, I believe that is all He really cares about in the end. Best, JohnC.
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Hi, Mary. I truly do applaud you for your stance and your dedication to your belief in God. I'm not ashamed to say I am not a devout Catholic, but I believe in my Lord and attempt to follow the right paths that diversity presents daily. That being said, I believe that is all He really cares about in the end. Best, JohnC.
Comment Written 06-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Hi John! Thank you so much for your excellent, honest and kind review. Please accept my apology for the late reply. It is not how closely we follow the traditions of our faith, but how closely we follow Our Savior, that makes the difference in our lives.
And if you are Christian (whether Catholic or Protestant), we have the same Savior!
"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9). May God bless you and your loved ones, and keep you strong, as you follow Him.
- Mary Kay
Comment from estory
I applaud your post here, and your faith, in the face of adversity. Your rebuttal of the aetheist was pretty well thought out and you attacked him on his own ground; with arguments actually rooted in logic. Evolution and the big bang theory and relativity are just that: theories. Same thing with climate change. We can all see the evidence, but science is really just an interpretation of that evidence. The fact that all mobile animals have eyes, nose, mouth and four limbs can be accounted for just as rationally by asserting that they had the same designer, as by the idea that they evolved from a common source. As for the different faiths, Jesus once said "Many will say to me, LordLord, but I will say to them, depart from me, you evildoers, for I never knew you. But those who say, I never knew you, I say to them: whenever you did these things for the least of these, you did it for me." There will be popes who will not get into heaven, but Muslims who will. It all depends on the love in your heart. That was put there by God. estory
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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I applaud your post here, and your faith, in the face of adversity. Your rebuttal of the aetheist was pretty well thought out and you attacked him on his own ground; with arguments actually rooted in logic. Evolution and the big bang theory and relativity are just that: theories. Same thing with climate change. We can all see the evidence, but science is really just an interpretation of that evidence. The fact that all mobile animals have eyes, nose, mouth and four limbs can be accounted for just as rationally by asserting that they had the same designer, as by the idea that they evolved from a common source. As for the different faiths, Jesus once said "Many will say to me, LordLord, but I will say to them, depart from me, you evildoers, for I never knew you. But those who say, I never knew you, I say to them: whenever you did these things for the least of these, you did it for me." There will be popes who will not get into heaven, but Muslims who will. It all depends on the love in your heart. That was put there by God. estory
Comment Written 06-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Thank you so much, estory, for your excellent, thoughtful and affirming review. I'm sorry it took me so long to answer it, but my life isn't easy, these days. Also, I took some time to rework my post so it would be clear that it was a debate and declaration of faith, and absolutely not an attack on anyone. This comes from the love in my heart; and concerning love, you also have expressed that it is vital to our spiritual life. May your life be filled with the love of God! - Mary Kay
Comment from Ricky1024
After reading this I've learned personally here with my writings.
Yes, that the worst thing to do in situations like this.
Is to provoke anger and seek out revenge.
No matter how personal you're written work is to you.
And, how horrible it was reviewed.
Your best bet is just simply blocked the person.
And, we're allowed to block up to six people at a time.
If you revert the other way and fight?
The most likely retort is the person will reach out to Tom the Administrator.
And, you will be chastised for weeks on Fan Story and not be allowed to post.
PS.
I've also noticed this happens a lot with what I called the Newbies.
People who just joined and have not shared a written word.
Yes, but think they're now English teachers.
Doctor Ricky 1024
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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After reading this I've learned personally here with my writings.
Yes, that the worst thing to do in situations like this.
Is to provoke anger and seek out revenge.
No matter how personal you're written work is to you.
And, how horrible it was reviewed.
Your best bet is just simply blocked the person.
And, we're allowed to block up to six people at a time.
If you revert the other way and fight?
The most likely retort is the person will reach out to Tom the Administrator.
And, you will be chastised for weeks on Fan Story and not be allowed to post.
PS.
I've also noticed this happens a lot with what I called the Newbies.
People who just joined and have not shared a written word.
Yes, but think they're now English teachers.
Doctor Ricky 1024
Comment Written 06-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2022
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Hi Doc Ricky. Thank you for your honest and kind review. Please know that while my post may have sounded confrontational, my intention was not to seek "revenge." My intention was to write in a spirit of "apologetics," or debate in the furtherance of discussing my faith, in an attempt to persuade my audience (some of whom could be atheists or agnostics).
However, because of your concerns and those of a few other reviewers, I reworked my article so that I did not direct it personally to anyone, including one who originally may have inspired my declaration of faith.
By the way, I got your little joke, towards the end of your review. Your sense of humor is appreciated.
Blessings to you and your family, and all love in Christ,
Mary Kay
Comment from Fleedleflump
Your well-expressed essay does a wonderful job of articulating your faith and how you were drawn into your belief system. For myself, I'm very glad to not believe in anything other than myself. I've never had any religion in my life, but I also don't feel the need to 'believe' in science. Life is what it is, and people seek answers where they feel the most truth.
One part of your work stuck out to me. I've never thought of myself as eternal in any way. I feel as thought life is pointless and there's nothing beyond death, and I love that. It give me a sense of peace.
Many thanks for posting.
Mike
reply by the author on 24-Sep-2022
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Your well-expressed essay does a wonderful job of articulating your faith and how you were drawn into your belief system. For myself, I'm very glad to not believe in anything other than myself. I've never had any religion in my life, but I also don't feel the need to 'believe' in science. Life is what it is, and people seek answers where they feel the most truth.
One part of your work stuck out to me. I've never thought of myself as eternal in any way. I feel as thought life is pointless and there's nothing beyond death, and I love that. It give me a sense of peace.
Many thanks for posting.
Mike
Comment Written 06-Sep-2022
reply by the author on 24-Sep-2022
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Hi Mike, thank you very much for your excellent, thoughtful and honest review. I just asked a fellow Christian if he feels a sense of eternity within him, and although we share the same Christian faith, he said it was hard to say, as he'd never given it much thought. To be fair, he's not the most introspective fellow, and yet he believes (as I do, for myself) that he has eternal life through Jesus Christ. So apparently there are many individual differences in these matters.
And in the chapter in the Bible that expounds on the meaninglessness of life, it also says that God has "set eternity in the human heart" (Ecclesiastes 3:13), and finally concludes, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."
Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV
It surprised me to read that you derive a sense of peace from believing life is pointless, because it's usually people who are depressed who feel that way! I certainly wouldn't want you to feel depressed, but I found your viewpoint to be very unusual. Thank you for sharing it.
Blessings, Mary Kay