Why not explore beyond the religion you inherited?
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Defending My Story
You can read a challenge to my deconversion story and my response here.
7 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I read your debate with Jerry Wilson and I was amazed at how rude he was. Instead of offering a debate he just posted insulting statements. I have found that Christians are some of the most rudest people there are when it comes to challenging anything about their faith. I like your web site and it has given me a great place to start my journey away for the Christian world
Mr. Wilson comes across clearly as a rather bitter and deluded fool. His statement, "You're an idiot" instantly removes any credibility he might otherwise have.
Thank you for your site. I certainly can relate to the soul searching agony expressed in your story. Congratulations on your personal triumph! It was hard won.
Hi Merle, I've read much of your site. You and I share such a similar experience I wonder if you weren't sitting in the next pew from me? We're from different countries and churches but I grew up in a fundamentalist church as well. I too used to lie awake at night fearful of hell and if I'd done enough or believed enough to ensure I wouldn't be among the roastees. It never occured to me back then to wonder how an omniscient, omnipresent, all-loving God could either cause or allow such a thing to happen to His creation. But I eventually started to question. Once my mind was released to ask questions the crud of Christianity was inevitably washed away. It couldn't stand up to scrutiny. I applaud you for taking the time and effort to put this site together. I'm pretty certain there are thousands of Christians in crisis who need someone to lend a voice to their struggle. Keep it up!
I'm saddened that the church failed you. God calls us to be loving, and to leave the judging to Him and it sounds like you did not experience that. I hope that one day you are able to see God for God and not for the people who believe in Him. If we judge a perfect God by imperfect people, then we are sure to be disappointed. Furthermore, your references to the Bible regarding the human self do not show the whole story...the point is not that we are to disregard or despise our selves, but that we are not to regard or love our selves without recognizing God as our source. God loves us more than you or anyone can, and He wants us to love ourselves in that way. I hope my little contribution is taken in love.
I am a Christian who believes the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. But it has been thru much questioning and research that I have firmly come to this conclusion. I too questioned my faith once I went off to a secular university. I met many people of different faiths and intellectual beliefs, and had a difficult time reconciling many of the issues at hand, as some mentioned by Mr. Hertzler. Christians should not blindly believe what they are told from the pulpit, but ask, even question and seek answers such as the Boreans of the New Testament. God, the Creator of all humanity is the source of all Wisdom and Truth. Please don't confuse the "wisdom" of the world, for the Wisdom that the Bible speaks of saves souls. Mr. Hertzler, I would suggest continue to seek the Lord Jesus Christ, for he will not with hold any good Wisdom for those who earnestly seek to know the Truth (God). I would petition ask for clarity in your difficulty of the questions at hand, and do not dismay that you struggle with this, for when we struggle with God (as Jacob wrestled with the Lord) for the answers, does true clarity form, one that will not stand on sand but on the solid Rock, Jesus Christ.
And I wholeheartedly disagree with Jerry Wilson (though I do not question his relationship with the Lord)with the way he handled the debate; for as you who proclaim to know the Word and a true follower of Christ, heed these words sir, Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." 1 Corinthians 9:22 "When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some." For these words were spoken by the Apostle Paul.
Understand Mr. Hertzler, we all fall short of the Glory of God, and we are all sinners, Mr. Wilson and I are no different, but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I would highly recommend reading David Platt (The Radical), Frances Chan (Crazy Love), John Piper and Ray Comfort (God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life: The Myth of the Modern Christian Message). They would assist in your questions and outline true biblical living and bringing clarity to Sin & Grace, and redeeming work of Jesus Christ.
7 comments:
I read your debate with Jerry Wilson and I was amazed at how rude he was. Instead of offering a debate he just posted insulting statements. I have found that Christians are some of the most rudest people there are when it comes to challenging anything about their faith.
I like your web site and it has given me a great place to start my journey away for the Christian world
Mr. Wilson comes across clearly as a rather bitter and deluded fool. His statement, "You're an idiot" instantly removes any credibility he might otherwise have.
Thank you for your site. I certainly can relate to the soul searching agony expressed in your story. Congratulations on your personal triumph! It was hard won.
Hi Merle,
I've read much of your site. You and I share such a similar experience I wonder if you weren't sitting in the next pew from me? We're from different countries and churches but I grew up in a fundamentalist church as well. I too used to lie awake at night fearful of hell and if I'd done enough or believed enough to ensure I wouldn't be among the roastees. It never occured to me back then to wonder how an omniscient, omnipresent, all-loving God could either cause or allow such a thing to happen to His creation. But I eventually started to question. Once my mind was released to ask questions the crud of Christianity was inevitably washed away. It couldn't stand up to scrutiny. I applaud you for taking the time and effort to put this site together. I'm pretty certain there are thousands of Christians in crisis who need someone to lend a voice to their struggle. Keep it up!
I'm saddened that the church failed you. God calls us to be loving, and to leave the judging to Him and it sounds like you did not experience that. I hope that one day you are able to see God for God and not for the people who believe in Him. If we judge a perfect God by imperfect people, then we are sure to be disappointed. Furthermore, your references to the Bible regarding the human self do not show the whole story...the point is not that we are to disregard or despise our selves, but that we are not to regard or love our selves without recognizing God as our source. God loves us more than you or anyone can, and He wants us to love ourselves in that way. I hope my little contribution is taken in love.
Great site, hilarious (if maddening at times) debate!
I'd like to see you on YouTube. Your writing reminds me of the YouTube user: ProfMTH.
Keep up the good work!
I am a Christian who believes the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. But it has been thru much questioning and research that I have firmly come to this conclusion. I too questioned my faith once I went off to a secular university. I met many people of different faiths and intellectual beliefs, and had a difficult time reconciling many of the issues at hand, as some mentioned by Mr. Hertzler. Christians should not blindly believe what they are told from the pulpit, but ask, even question and seek answers such as the Boreans of the New Testament. God, the Creator of all humanity is the source of all Wisdom and Truth. Please don't confuse the "wisdom" of the world, for the Wisdom that the Bible speaks of saves souls. Mr. Hertzler, I would suggest continue to seek the Lord Jesus Christ, for he will not with hold any good Wisdom for those who earnestly seek to know the Truth (God). I would petition ask for clarity in your difficulty of the questions at hand, and do not dismay that you struggle with this, for when we struggle with God (as Jacob wrestled with the Lord) for the answers, does true clarity form, one that will not stand on sand but on the solid Rock, Jesus Christ.
And I wholeheartedly disagree with Jerry Wilson (though I do not question his relationship with the Lord)with the way he handled the debate; for as you who proclaim to know the Word and a true follower of Christ, heed these words sir, Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." 1 Corinthians 9:22 "When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some." For these words were spoken by the Apostle Paul.
Understand Mr. Hertzler, we all fall short of the Glory of God, and we are all sinners, Mr. Wilson and I are no different, but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I would highly recommend reading David Platt (The Radical), Frances Chan (Crazy Love), John Piper and Ray Comfort (God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life: The Myth of the Modern Christian Message). They would assist in your questions and outline true biblical living and bringing clarity to Sin & Grace, and redeeming work of Jesus Christ.
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