I spent a lot of time and hours studying issues of faith. I was brought up in a Ind. Bapt. Church and of course taught never to question God or baptist doctrine. I spent 3 years in a Bap. college. In my third year studying greek, all sorts of question arose. At that time I didn't put my faith aside, but put my beliefs aside and studied with an open mind. Much of what I believed came apart.
When you study any religion you must study it based on historic and cultural perspective. You must simply use their lingo, understand their words and how they're used in their culture. Sadly, anyone can clearly see
mans hands on all doctrine in one fashion or another, why we have so many denominations and thousands of different doctrines....all claiming to be right of course.
I honestly don't know how any man could be sure of any church doctrine because it's changed so many times for so many reasons to suit the greed of man.
I sat in several atheist groups meetings. The fact is most are sincere. Most want to see the real teachings of Christ even though they may not believe in him, help others, care for the suffering, the poor, the ill.
Whatever God is or isn't, all I can say is I simply don't know. I'm more agnostic now, but if God exist I would expect him to honor my search for him and where it led me.
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