When we worship something we have made we have fallen into the pit of worshipping a false idol. So I reject all man-made theologies, belief systems and doctrines about God, because I believe it is better to worship no God at all then to worship a false picture of God, a Golden Calf.
I couldn't agree more. I extracted myself from that rabble about 45 years ago. My God is as real to me as my own family members. He interacts in my life and always has. I don't see him in Christendom, (where I grew up) and never did....but I saw him in the Bible and he introduced himself to me when I was quite young....it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
I believe it is God who searches for us as much as we search for him (if we do at all).
At John 6:44 and 65 Jesus tells us that no one can come to the son without an invitation from the Father.
If God has the capacity to "draw" certain people in whom he sees the right qualities and grant them understanding....then he is just as capable of 'repelling' those who don't meet his criteria. They just go on thinking that there is no God because he does not interact with them at all.
Without God, nothing makes sense in this world. I have studied his word for all of those 45 years and I am still learning. I feel for those who give up and 'throw the baby out with the filthy bathwater'. (Acts of the Apostles 17:24-27)
Part of the reason I am an atheist is because I reject all forms of idolatry.
I do too. But perhaps those who worship a false god have more of a chance to change their minds than one who rejects God altogether....?? At least they may have a spiritual nature....something for God to work with? We will all know soon enough I guess.
Nice chatting with you....