To the atheist who wanted to be Christian

Rediscovering a Christianity worth living

In the Capturing Christianity Discussion Group on Facebook, a member posted a question:

Hi guys. I was raised a Christian, and eventually became an atheist. I know not everyone is, but I was miserable. I have no idea where to start when trying to rediscover my faith. I’m a recovering alcoholic, and am lost. Can someone please point me in the right way? Thank you.

After taking in the emotion behind the question, I tried to give him some things to think about.

Here’s something to consider…

You probably have people in your life that you love deeply. They are, in some sense, your priority. No belief in God is necessary for you to feel that love. It’s real. It exists. For many people, the people they love are the most important things in their lives.

So, take Christianity’s teaching that God is Love. Fundamental reality, then, is what we are driven towards and desire: Love.

Then, consider what love looks like from a Christian perspective. It looks like self sacrifice, purely motivated for the good of the beloved — as we see in Christ. And we have a pretty clear definition regarding love in 1 Corinthians 13 — where Paul also says faith is nothing without love.

If you’re still with me this far, then here’s the key. Live it. Live it. Live it. Do your best to root out selfish thoughts and behaviors, and love your family like Jesus loves. Meditate on Christ’s form of selfless love, and wake up every day thankful for another chance to love like that. Tell your loved ones that you intend to love them like Jesus loves. And do it.

Get this movement right with your family, and then extend to your local church. Participate. Volunteer. Show love to others in whatever way you are able to.

Here’s the thing: If Christianity is true, you are participating in the life of God by doing all of that (starting with your family). Root out the selfishness, and you will feel a freedom that comes from truly loving… and aligning with possibly the deepest truth of reality.

And if it turns out that Christianity is false, was selflessly loving your family, your community, and God really a bad way to live? I don’t think so.

Start with love. Life will follow.

He responded:

That was beautiful. Thank you so much.