Posted on 08/21/2008 12:23:59 PM PDT by Publius804
The World Is Watching
by Jennifer Fulwiler
8/21/08
It was only a few years ago that I began exploring Christianity after a life of atheism. I'll never forget the time I was up late at night, feeling lost and slightly depressed as I searched around the Internet for arguments in favor of God's existence, and I stumbled across a series of heated debates between atheists and Christians. I eagerly followed their back-and-forth comments well into the night, and witnessing this debate would end up marking a turning point in my life. It was one of the events that kick-started the conversion process that would eventually lead me to the Catholic Church.
Though the Christians (most of whom identified themselves as Catholics) made important, excellent arguments in defense of their faith, that's not what left me scratching my head for weeks to come. What struck me then, which I still remember to this day, is the way the Christians conducted themselves. I've long since forgotten the details of those discussions, but I'll never forget the Christians' seemingly superhuman abilities to make their points with kindness and humility, even in the face of frustrating misunderstandings and personal insults that would drive most people over the edge.
It's not that the atheists were so bad -- they were just acting the way people typically act in heated online debates about controversial issues -- but that the Christians were so extraordinarily loving and calm. They clearly had something that the rest of us didn't; and whatever it was, I wanted some of it.
(Excerpt) Read more at insidecatholic.com ...
Thank you we needed to hear that.
Exciting to see such a thoughtful message of faith.
Apparently she was not following the debate on FR.
Of course, you’re right, but I have to admit I look forward to the annual “Mary is the Queen of Heaven”/”No she’s not!” debates. And the traditional “Sparring with the Infidels” is a sure sign that Christmas is near.
Interesting article - thanks for the ping.
You’re welcome!
I don't think I have found any other place on the internet where Protestants and Catholics go at each other. Most of the forums I have read and contributed have dozens of smug and angry atheists for every Christian. I actually thought that my posts were exercises in futility on many of these forums, but I guess some people actually do read and consider them.
What struck me then, which I still remember to this day, is the way the Christians conducted themselves. I've long since forgotten the details of those discussions, but I'll never forget the Christians' seemingly superhuman abilities to make their points with kindness and humility, even in the face of frustrating misunderstandings and personal insults that would drive most people over the edge.
This struck me as a prompting by the Holy Spirit. Why would she be driven to read lengthy threads through the night? Why would she even notice that they were kind even under pressure? Why wouldn't she attribute this to some kind of "brainwashing" as most atheists do? Her eyes were opened. I wonder if a friend or relative was praying for her.
Our arguments are the same that would be found between brothers and sisters while Mom and Dad are in the room. If you go to other sites and read how they talk to each other or about others, you read vitriolic criticisms. Their arguments are not tempered, but a tiny sample of hell.
Thanks for the post. I’ve been reading at the link for hours..
bttt
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