You can count me in, I'm an ex-Atheist, in fact I'm an ex-belief system person all round. These people, as well as many ex-christians, are just substituting one belief system for another. A bit like quitting smoking and taking up heroin instead. Same old, Same old, different label is all.
I think "flow" is my belief system over top the canvas of infinite potential. Comparing this to the christianity I was hoodwinked into in my youth, is like comparing a ball and chain to flying.
IC, I think that if someone was able to give you an answer to your question that was ligit in your mind, i still believe you would find something else to find fault with. I could be wrong but i think a big beef that you have with Christianity(one of them) is with the people, which is totally understandable, Some of the biggest fights ive been in, was with Christians and im a Christian. Your imagination is greater than most and i dont think the average person can answer your questions to your satisfaction, but if its true what these crazy Christians are saying, maybe you could get the answers yourself from Him from the Bible. A verse in the Bible says that "if any of you lack in wisdom let him ask of God and it will be given" So put Him to the test, ask Him to show you the answers that you have questions to. Ask if He's real. And if you read it and God doesnt show himself youve lost nothing.
I have read the bible many times. I used to limit my life experience through a christian filter. I found so many contradictions in the verses and books that it began to lead me out of the trap. The people can't be blamed for falling for it. I love them/you all.
Please don;t take my turning over words as an attack ever on you or anyone else. I personally mean no one any harm ever. I understand how belief systems can snare minds. I used to be in that snare myself. There are many minds and many snares(not just christianity but a multitude of limiting beliefs).
As for 1008005, I mean him no harm either. I just like to have fun when he shows his "christian love." Someday/life everyone will evolve to greater depths of freedom. That much I know. Infinity is a long time. ;-)
BTW, I did ask for help from "god" and had a profound experience. In no uncertain terms god gave me clear sings that its all "god" and there is no separation between anything and what humans term as god. God is...I AM.
When we grasp that all the dogma vanishes. Freedom reigns and the heaven within you is instantly realized.
Thank You Geni for listening.
For what it's worth, open your heart and ponder this...
From reading some of your posts, i have doubts that youre totally satisfied with the infinite potential theory. Before i became an atheist, I wanted God to appear in front of me or give me a dream like he did Akiane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GiNB5DwPRI
Fast forward, after gaining overwhelming evidence of Gods existence, i now look at the whole scenario, and think it was pretty ridiculous for a little ant to command the creator of all things to magically appear, like a little brat in the grocery store commanding his mom to buy him fruity pebbles, and if she doesnt he throws a fit. He did show Himself but not in the way i commanded and not in the time frame.
You may want to reread my posts. I am not only satisfied with infinite potential, I am freed by it. I have no entity to kiss up to to gain a prize while avoiding a penalty.
Even if I were to suspend intellect enough, numb my sensibilities enough to convince myself that there was an entity outside myself who called the shots as in the bible stories, I would rather be snuffed out than to kiss the ass of a barbarian god as represented in the bible. It would be similar to kissing up to hitler to gain his admiration and avoid his wrath.