Curious on how many Christians are on Geekhack (Not a religion argument thread)

[TimIsABat]

I'm just wondering how many other Christians are here on Geekhack. Been a Christian since I was 13 and still going at 23.

Please guys be respectful. I'm not trying to start an argument on religion on here. Just trying to see if I have fellow brothers and sisters.

[ideus]

Grandson of a pastor who took care of me since I was a baby, attending Sunday school since I can remember, occasionally preach at Church, sort of a semi-active member. I believe more in faith than in religion and more in deeds than words. I hate when people tell one thing and do the opposite, which is a sort of common problem we have as believers, unfortunately.

[Joey Quinn]

I have a few friends with pastor dads and grew up with religious grandparents/ some relatives but I'm not religious in the slightest. I like the idea of faith and understand why people turn to religion but it isn't for me.

[trenzafeeds]

Grandson of a pastor who took care of me since I was a baby, attending Sunday school since I can remember, occasionally preach at Church, sort of a semi-active member. I believe more in faith than in religion and more in deeds than words. I hate when people tell one thing and do the opposite, which is a sort of common problem we have as believers, unfortunately.

Wow, that's so interesting, I totally would not have thought that about you (not an insult, just surprised).

[ideus]

Grandson of a pastor who took care of me since I was a baby, attending Sunday school since I can remember, occasionally preach at Church, sort of a semi-active member. I believe more in faith than in religion and more in deeds than words. I hate when people tell one thing and do the opposite, which is a sort of common problem we have as believers, unfortunately.

Wow, that's so interesting, I totally would not have thought that about you (not an insult, just surprised).

LOL. Well I do not know what to say. 

[kurplop]

I became a Christian at 19 and 42 years later still believe.

[trenzafeeds]

Grandson of a pastor who took care of me since I was a baby, attending Sunday school since I can remember, occasionally preach at Church, sort of a semi-active member. I believe more in faith than in religion and more in deeds than words. I hate when people tell one thing and do the opposite, which is a sort of common problem we have as believers, unfortunately.

Wow, that's so interesting, I totally would not have thought that about you (not an insult, just surprised).

LOL. Well I do not what to say. 

I don't know, it probably has nothing to do with anything you've actually said, but when I interact with people online I tend to like make up little stories about them in my head, most of which are usually completely false.

[ideus]

Grandson of a pastor who took care of me since I was a baby, attending Sunday school since I can remember, occasionally preach at Church, sort of a semi-active member. I believe more in faith than in religion and more in deeds than words. I hate when people tell one thing and do the opposite, which is a sort of common problem we have as believers, unfortunately.

Wow, that's so interesting, I totally would not have thought that about you (not an insult, just surprised).

LOL. Well I do not what to say. 

I don't know, it probably has nothing to do with anything you've actually said, but when I interact with people online I tend to like make up little stories about them in my head, most of which are usually completely false.

It would be very interesting to know some about that; but, I am not sure if I want to read them in public, LOL.

[SpAmRaY]

I've been on this journey for ~27yrs far from perfect and not a very good example, believe it or not I've got this piece of paper with the words ordained minister on it.

Don't judge me and I won't judge you.

[ideus]

I've been on this journey for ~27yrs far from perfect and not a very good example, believe it or not I've got this piece of paper with the words ordained minister on it.

Don't judge me and I won't judge you.

I knew it.

[tigersharkdude]

Always have been, always will be.

I do not believe everything in the bible (a book written by man that has been rewrote countless times). And I am a believer in numerous scientific theories, but I do believe in God and Christ. Something had to have made the universe.

[Sent]

/raises hand

I'm a terrible one but I try.

[nubbinator]

Grew up in the church, went to Christian school, and went to a Baptist university where I, for lack of a better phrasing, had a falling out with religion.  I had seen tons of hypocrisy in high school, most of which was fine if you were rich or were related to or knew the right people, but I had a ton of bad experiences at university and churches there that really turned me off.  I spent time discussing things with a religion professor there who didn't try to push me one way and came to realize that I was happier in my life without religion and that I couldn't accept it as Truth, only a truth.

I respect people's faith so long as it is reasoned faith.  Faith is something that should be challenged, not followed blindly and used as a tool for control (both of which were reasons I left the church).  It's why I prefer spiritual to religious.  One is a quest for betterment of self and of self-discovery, the other tends to try and force control and conformity.

[Bomble]

Nah. I went through religious high schooling so I feel I've given it a fair shot (at least for now). Some of the teachings and values are great, and I agree with them - but I still don't feel myself being interested in religion as a whole.

[billnye]

I've been raised going to church, but not really sure what I believe. I've been questioning a lot of things in the past few years.

I plan to take a few religion courses in college and try to get a better understanding of different religions and what it means to believe. Not really sure where I'll end up.

[whmeltonjr]

Nice to see some other believers here. Trying to live it out the best that I can.

[fohat.digs]

I was the most devout Presbyterian little boy that you can imagine until I got to be about 18 and started to see the outside world with the eyes of a sentient man.

In spite of the fact that I loathe religion in all of its forms and rail on it at every opportunity, I think that Jesus was one of the greatest and wisest men who ever lived, and feel that the actual core message that he delivered, stripped of all the magical and supernatural bull****, is as valid today as it was in the Bronze Age.

[heedpantsnow]

I am.  There are a few others around here that haven't posted here.

[romevi]

Guilty.

Although by some of my words you'd think otherwise. I've been struggling with my faith these past few years. I have some friends who know about it and are helping me, but for me personally it's a bit embarrassing considering I'm heavily involved in the church and ministry, and have been for over a decade.

[kurplop]

Grew up in the church, went to Christian school, and went to a Baptist university where I, for lack of a better phrasing, had a falling out with religion.  I had seen tons of hypocrisy in high school, most of which was fine if you were rich or were related to or knew the right people, but I had a ton of bad experiences at university and churches there that really turned me off.  I spent time discussing things with a religion professor there who didn't try to push me one way and came to realize that I was happier in my life without religion and that I couldn't accept it as Truth, only a truth.

I respect people's faith so long as it is reasoned faith.  Faith is something that should be challenged, not followed blindly and used as a tool for control (both of which were reasons I left the church).  It's why I prefer spiritual to religious.  One is a quest for betterment of self and of self-discovery, the other tends to try and force control and conformity.

I appreciate your honesty about your experience. Unfortunately, I think the Church has done a disservice to its young people when it rewards them for performance. Instead of developing the heart and realize that actions should be an outpouring of a maturing and growing heart, we, the Church that is, often train up little hypocrites that are going through the motions with no more motivation than to get the most points or to avoid disapproval.  I'm not sure what the answer is because it would be irresponsible for a parent or leader to not pass on the values they believe and hold dear. I do think that the answer has more to do with a good example than instruction.

The word religious has gotten a bad rap in the last few decades. Today it seems to represent a state of feeling superior to others, hating those who don't agree with their world view, ignorance. and close mindedness. Charges which the religious are sometimes guilty of and made even more prominent by a backdrop of professed high standards.  My concern with professing being spiritual is that it is so convenient. Convenient because one can enjoy the status of being deep, without the discipline of adherence to a fixed standard. "I cheated on my wife because my mistress and I are soulmates", and similar statements are quite common and no one can point a finger at you  because, after all, you're not a hypocrite. You are living within the rules you have established for yourself.

I offer these observations without critical intent but to show a different perspective.

[CPTBadAss]

It bothers me that both in the title and in romevi's post, religion is equated with Christianity. I was raised in a faith different from most people and definitely have an outsider's perspective on things now. There are many other beliefs and religions. I think some people and Christians forget that. Just going to point that out and see myself out of this thread.

[TimIsABat]

Wow, I'm actually pleasantly surprised at how many responses I got on this topic. Thanks for responding guys!

As far as how my faith is, since everyone is sharing, I'm a grandson of a pastor who started several churches after coming to America from the Philippines. My father was my Sunday school teacher, and my mom was Catholic till I was born (born again after I was born). I find that many people who grew up with Christianity embedded within their lives to usually sway and have a fall out with being Christian; however, this wasn't the case with my family. My siblings and I never once denounced God or fell from faith, but as we got older, all three of us have gotten stronger in our faith. I guess it really comes down to how you receive Christianity. My church doesn't shove doctrine down our throat, but have always shown nothing but love in preaching and practice. I've also recently been attending Hillsong NYC, and it really strengthened my faith more and more.

It's awesome going through this thread and seeing people talking about their faith, or how they turned from faith, in such a civil manner. I really can't get that going through social media or talking face to face with some of my friends.

[TimIsABat]

It bothers me that both in the title and in romevi's post, religion is equated with Christianity. I was raised in a faith different from most people and definitely have an outsider's perspective on things now. There are many other beliefs and religions. I think some people and Christians forget that. Just going to point that out and see myself out of this thread.

I understand where you are coming from, but I am explicitly wondering about how many Christians SPECIFICALLY there are on Geekhack to see who is of similar faith. I included the parenthesis as to make sure I don't get a thread full of hate.

I am sorry for any misunderstanding or any offense.

EDIT: I don't want a thread of "I don't like your Christianity cause it talks smack about [insert religion]". Or anything similar. Just wanted to simply see how many people on here are of similar belief.

[romevi]

It bothers me that both in the title and in romevi's post, religion is equated with Christianity. I was raised in a faith different from most people and definitely have an outsider's perspective on things now. There are many other beliefs and religions. I think some people and Christians forget that. Just going to point that out and see myself out of this thread.

Hmm, I don't think I ever mentioned religion, and I didn't mean to. I've always differentiated faith and religion, and for me Christianity is a faith, a lifestyle. I've struggled with faith, hardly ever religion, but I've seen how helpful religion can be for many.

I was just assuming this thread is to gauge how many Christians there are and, subsequently, how many fall in the various branches of it therein. I never doubted there were others of other faiths.

[CPTBadAss]

My mistake romevi. I saw kurplop's post and thought I read your name. Entirely my mistake, I'm sorry. Carry on everyone .

[nubbinator]

I appreciate your honesty about your experience. Unfortunately, I think the Church has done a disservice to its young people when it rewards them for performance. Instead of developing the heart and realize that actions should be an outpouring of a maturing and growing heart, we, the Church that is, often train up little hypocrites that are going through the motions with no more motivation than to get the most points or to avoid disapproval.  I'm not sure what the answer is because it would be irresponsible for a parent or leader to not pass on the values they believe and hold dear. I do think that the answer has more to do with a good example than instruction.

From my own experience, I think a huge problem is that children are indoctrinated rather than challenged with beliefs.  They are told to believe something without challenging their beliefs and are punished when they challenge the beliefs of their parents.  Religion should be something you choose, not something forced upon you.

Then you have the problem of top down hypocrisy.  You have nepotism, leaders afraid to challenge big donors or who hold them to a different set of standards, and higher ups in the church who people are afraid to challenge for fear of losing their position or who have become so full of themselves or so stuck in their ways that no change is possible.

I don't think there is an easy solution to these problems.  It makes me sad because religion can be a major locus for change and can help people.

The word religious has gotten a bad rap in the last few decades. Today it seems to represent a state of feeling superior to others, hating those who don't agree with their world view, ignorance. and close mindedness. Charges which the religious are sometimes guilty of and made even more prominent by a backdrop of professed high standards.  My concern with professing being spiritual is that it is so convenient. Convenient because one can enjoy the status of being deep, without the discipline of adherence to a fixed standard. "I cheated on my wife because my mistress and I are soulmates", and similar statements are quite common and no one can point a finger at you  because, after all, you're not a hypocrite. You are living within the rules you have established for yourself.

Organized religion can be great.  There was a church I visited in Texas that was all about challenging each other and spiritually and intellectually challenging each other.  There were also churches that shamed you if you didn't join home fellowships and shamed you if you didn't go on their mission trip to Mexico and that focused on creating emotional responses, not growing people spiritually.  There were churches that were cliquish and cold to new members or outsiders.  There were churches that cared more about making their congregation feel good about themselves than challenging themselves to be better people.  There were churches that engaged in token charity to make themselves feel like they did something without actually doing anything to truly help people.

With your last example, I think people who do stuff like that are dishonest to themselves and their beliefs.  Spirituality to me is the search for truth, be it truth or Truth.  That can be within a religious framework with or without a church.  Most of the people I knew of who preferred the term spiritual to religious were people seeking to better themselves and who were open to hearing other perspectives that challenged their own in order to better understand their own beliefs.  I differentiate it entirely from the "if it feels good it must be right" to which some people adhere.

[TimIsABat]

Hey guys!

I've been listening to podcasts like an old fart, and I've been specifically listening to Judah Smith and Carl Lentz preach. It's funny, and some of you may find this coincidence but some will say fate, but the two sermons I've listened to really help with understanding the issues that we have discussed here on this thread as far as religion vs. faith goes. Now the sermons aren't directly about the issue, but they really help with understanding what it really means to be Christian and why some are missing the point of Church or have disdain towards it.

I've included the two sermons I listened to here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/friend-of-jesus-part-one/id336817472?i=354411502&mt=2
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/special-guest-carl-lentz/id278831661?i=327136553&mt=2

[njbair]

Really interesting to hear some people's backgrounds so far in this thread, and some really well thought out positions on the topic.

I've been a believer since I was 22 (12 years). I'm on staff at my church on a part-time basis, managing the facilities and technology (both AV and IT). I don't bring up my faith here because it doesn't have much to do with keyboards and nobody likes "that guy." But it's a pretty important part of life for my family and me.

I do believe the Bible is true and that, since God wanted us to have it, he's worked in the universe that he created to preserve it over time. This is not a blind faith for me; it stands to reason that if God created us, it must have been for a purpose. So then, being all-knowing, he must know that we can't be held accountable to that purpose if we don't know what it is. He must reveal it to mankind. I believe the Bible is that revelation.

This is usually where someone will cite a verse grossly out of context and ask if I believe that, too. I'm not here to argue. I don't think there's any point in arguing because you either believe it or you don't.

Anyway, this post is getting long, but just wanted to chime in because I read on Facebook that if I talk about God online he'll answer all my prayers and I'll get rich.

[trenzafeeds]

Really interesting to hear some people's backgrounds so far in this thread, and some really well thought out positions on the topic.

I totally agreed. Despite actually being a pretty hardcore atheist, I'm very interested to hear about people's experiences (maybe my own atheism is what makes it so interesting).

[baldgye]

Went to religious schools, parents never pushed religion on me though my grandparents did. I believed for most of my childhood until I turned 12-13 and began to question it out of curiosity. You can probably figure out the rest...

[Photekq]

I went to a Catholic school and always assumed there was a God, despite not caring too much about that fact. Around the age of 11 I began to question it, quickly coming to the conclusion that I did/could not believe in a God.

That said, I don't view this as a truth; it's only what is true for me at this point in time.

I don't have the typical worldview of an atheist. I don't believe that everything can be explained by science, and I strongly believe that some things are not observable.

[osi]

I was raised growing up in the church until I moved out of the house and went to college. While not true in every case, the amount of bickering, backstabbing and power grabbing that went on behind the scenes ultimately turned me away from it.

There is no hate from me for anyone who practices, but if I ever return to a religion, I'll aim to have a personal relationship with the deity and cut the middle man out of the picture.

[My_Thoughts]

When I was a Uni I was a very strong Atheist.  One of my majors was also comparative religion and I considered doing a masters in that field.  I lean towards Pastafarianism now.

I seem to identify quite strongly as a cultural libertarian, so while I may (or may not) disagree strongly with some things you say, I want you to have the freedom to say these things (In reply to the OP saying "...in such a civil manner. I really can't get that going through social media or..."

and yes I acknowledge the free speech thing is not a problem in the USA

[baldgye]

When I was a Uni I was a very strong Atheist.  One of my majors was also comparative religion and I considered doing a masters in that field.  I lean towards Pastafarianism now.

I seem to identify quite strongly as a cultural libertarian, so while I may (or may not) disagree strongly with some things you say, I want you to have the freedom to say these things (In reply to the OP saying "...in such a civil manner. I really can't get that going through social media or..."

and yes I acknowledge the free speech thing is not a problem in the USA

I really need to invest more time in researching Pastafarianism...

[hwood34]

When I was a Uni I was a very strong Atheist.  One of my majors was also comparative religion and I considered doing a masters in that field.  I lean towards Pastafarianism now.

Lmao

[demik]

When I was a Uni I was a very strong Atheist.  One of my majors was also comparative religion and I considered doing a masters in that field.  I lean towards Pastafarianism now.

I seem to identify quite strongly as a cultural libertarian, so while I may (or may not) disagree strongly with some things you say, I want you to have the freedom to say these things (In reply to the OP saying "...in such a civil manner. I really can't get that going through social media or..."

and yes I acknowledge the free speech thing is not a problem in the USA

Ay, as a pastor from the church of latter-day dude, as long as you're a good person your religion doesn't matter to me.

[Lanx]

It's amazed me the ratio of scientists/engineers i've met irl who are religious.

[kurplop]

It's amazed me the ratio of scientists/engineers i've met irl who are religious.

I'm curious as to why you say that?

[jdcarpe]

Please guys be respectful. I'm not trying to start an argument on religion on here. Just trying to see if I have fellow brothers and sisters.

Please respect OP's wishes. He doesn't want religious debate here, just to recognize others who believe the same as he does.

[romevi]

It's amazed me the ratio of scientists/engineers i've met irl who are religious.

I live near a prestigious university, and the church I attend is loaded with scientists and engineers from that school. How do I know? They're pretty vocal about it. 

[ideus]

It's amazed me the ratio of scientists/engineers i've met irl who are religious.

I live near a prestigious university, and the church I attend is loaded with scientists and engineers from that school. How do I know? They're pretty vocal about it. 

West Lafayette churches are full of scientist and engineers as well; I wonder why we think knowledge automatically should lead to atheism, that is just an arrogant sentiment, that only people less literate could be believers. Another false common assumption.

[Jema]

Does Church of Halverson count?

But no I was raised Christian/Catholic growing up. Went to Christian grade school and Catholic middle school. Same thing- most of the people I went to school with were complete hypocrites drinking on campus, doing drugs, sleeping around (MIDDLE SCHOOL). I liked the stories in the Bible growing up, but I wouldn't say I believe them 100%. I think they're meant to be taken in perspective. I want to believe there is something greater after you die and all that, but I don't attend church or practice a specific faith. As some others have said, I like to do nice things for people rather than sit in a room full of strangers and sing for an hour.

[Phirr]

Grew up a consistent churchgoer but at a progressive mainline church, and kind of fell out of it as I got into my late teens. A lot of good people that did good things and helped others, but for some reason it never really got through to me. I was basically agnostic/ felt that if God existed he wasn't that concerned with us. These feelings coincided with a general philosophical soft-nihilism that kind of pervades the West. Suffered from depression for a long period and was suicidal for a while. SSRI's kept me from trying to kill myself again, but didn't really help the depression and overall ennui.

On a whim one winter break read C.S Lewis' Mere Christianity and it completely transformed me. Ended up reading the whole Bible from cover to cover over the next couple months. Suddenly those word finally got through to me. Finally understood God's love and care for us, the jewel on the crown of His universe. I still have off days, but it's been years, and it's hard to even comprehend some of my former feelings. Don't go to church every week, because I work 40 hour weeks on top of full time school, but when I do, the messages that the pastor preaches fill me with hope and make me want to become a better person, a better Christian, and serve to remind me just how much God's given me.  I'm so glad that I was brought back into the fold. I can truly say that Christianity gave me a new lease on life.

[iri]

hi there Tim

It's amazed me the ratio of scientists/engineers i've met irl who are religious.

I live near a prestigious university, and the church I attend is loaded with scientists and engineers from that school. How do I know? They're pretty vocal about it. 

West Lafayette churches are full of scientist and engineers as well; I wonder why we think knowledge automatically should lead to atheism, that is just an arrogant sentiment, that only people less literate could be believers. Another false common assumption.

Max Planck's evil ghost comes to people, who think that, in their sleep.

[romevi]

It's amazed me the ratio of scientists/engineers i've met irl who are religious.

I live near a prestigious university, and the church I attend is loaded with scientists and engineers from that school. How do I know? They're pretty vocal about it. 

West Lafayette churches are full of scientist and engineers as well; I wonder why we think knowledge automatically should lead to atheism, that is just an arrogant sentiment, that only people less literate could be believers. Another false common assumption.

I've got my master's and was on the track to get my PhD but dropped out due to personal reasons. I've been on the dean's list and have gotten scholarships and publications for academic accomplishments. My wife has her master's and graduated with a perfect GPA, and even was accepted into UChicago.
Yet we're both firm believers and heavily active in both the church and academia.

[heedpantsnow]

Grew up a consistent churchgoer but at a progressive mainline church, and kind of fell out of it as I got into my late teens. A lot of good people that did good things and helped others, but for some reason it never really got through to me. I was basically agnostic/ felt that if God existed he wasn't that concerned with us. These feelings coincided with a general philosophical soft-nihilism that kind of pervades the West. Suffered from depression for a long period and was suicidal for a while. SSRI's kept me from trying to kill myself again, but didn't really help the depression and overall ennui.

On a whim one winter break read C.S Lewis' Mere Christianity and it completely transformed me. Ended up reading the whole Bible from cover to cover over the next couple months. Suddenly those word finally got through to me. Finally understood God's love and care for us, the jewel on the crown of His universe. I still have off days, but it's been years, and it's hard to even comprehend some of my former feelings. Don't go to church every week, because I work 40 hour weeks on top of full time school, but when I do, the messages that the pastor preaches fill me with hope and make me want to become a better person, a better Christian, and serve to remind me just how much God's given me.  I'm so glad that I was brought back into the fold. I can truly say that Christianity gave me a new lease on life.

This is an encouraging story.  Thank you for sharing.

[romevi]

Grew up a consistent churchgoer but at a progressive mainline church, and kind of fell out of it as I got into my late teens. A lot of good people that did good things and helped others, but for some reason it never really got through to me. I was basically agnostic/ felt that if God existed he wasn't that concerned with us. These feelings coincided with a general philosophical soft-nihilism that kind of pervades the West. Suffered from depression for a long period and was suicidal for a while. SSRI's kept me from trying to kill myself again, but didn't really help the depression and overall ennui.

On a whim one winter break read C.S Lewis' Mere Christianity and it completely transformed me. Ended up reading the whole Bible from cover to cover over the next couple months. Suddenly those word finally got through to me. Finally understood God's love and care for us, the jewel on the crown of His universe. I still have off days, but it's been years, and it's hard to even comprehend some of my former feelings. Don't go to church every week, because I work 40 hour weeks on top of full time school, but when I do, the messages that the pastor preaches fill me with hope and make me want to become a better person, a better Christian, and serve to remind me just how much God's given me.  I'm so glad that I was brought back into the fold. I can truly say that Christianity gave me a new lease on life.

This is an encouraging story.  Thank you for sharing.

Man, everyone keeps mentioning Lewis and I've been postponing him for too long. Maybe that's what I should read next month.

[terrpn]

Yes and am ordained..........

[heedpantsnow]

Grew up a consistent churchgoer but at a progressive mainline church, and kind of fell out of it as I got into my late teens. A lot of good people that did good things and helped others, but for some reason it never really got through to me. I was basically agnostic/ felt that if God existed he wasn't that concerned with us. These feelings coincided with a general philosophical soft-nihilism that kind of pervades the West. Suffered from depression for a long period and was suicidal for a while. SSRI's kept me from trying to kill myself again, but didn't really help the depression and overall ennui.

On a whim one winter break read C.S Lewis' Mere Christianity and it completely transformed me. Ended up reading the whole Bible from cover to cover over the next couple months. Suddenly those word finally got through to me. Finally understood God's love and care for us, the jewel on the crown of His universe. I still have off days, but it's been years, and it's hard to even comprehend some of my former feelings. Don't go to church every week, because I work 40 hour weeks on top of full time school, but when I do, the messages that the pastor preaches fill me with hope and make me want to become a better person, a better Christian, and serve to remind me just how much God's given me.  I'm so glad that I was brought back into the fold. I can truly say that Christianity gave me a new lease on life.

This is an encouraging story.  Thank you for sharing.

Man, everyone keeps mentioning Lewis and I've been postponing him for too long. Maybe that's what I should read next month.

I read Mere Christianity and Screwtape Letters every couple of years.  They are on my "classics rotation".  The movie about his life, "Shadowlands" is awesome as well.  PM me if you want more info on him; my wife and I are huge fans.

[kurplop]

C.S. Lewis died on the same day as President Kennedy. With the tremendous influence he's had over the last 80 years and the current surging interest in his works, I wonder if he will have had a greater effect on the world by the middle of this century that our former President.