I’m running an experiment where I will try to brainwash myself into becoming a Christian. I will remove any atheist content from my social media feed, attend my local Baptist church weekly, will try to read the bible near daily (this may be interrupted by my CPA studying schedule).
Resolves yes if after 6 months (Feb 23, 2027), I consider myself Christian.
Some considerations:
I grew up in a culturally Christian but essentially atheist household. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve attended a church service in my life (including today).
I’ve read most of the bible (entire New Testament and maybe half the Old Testament), and am semi-familiar with the anti-Christian claims made by academic biblical historians, so I’m primed to be skeptical of Christianity.
I will only resolve N/A if my church attendance/engagement with Christian ideas falls off entirely. I’ll make a good faith effort to attend church weekly but life might get in the way sometimes.
I’ll give continual updates about my feelings/engagement with Christianity along the way.
I might also try attending services from other Christian denominations (Baptist just feels the easiest so I’m going with that for now).
People are also trading
Here’s my update after the third week of the experiment (I have attended church all 3 weeks):
When I go to church I would say I feel somewhat connected to Christianity, though I don’t perceive my thinking about religion outside of church has changed much at all.
I’ve been reading the bible and praying most days. I do enjoy reading the bible and am currently (re-reading) the gospel of John.
I’m considering attending a Catholic Parrish or a Mainline Protestant church. Any advice related to this would be appreciated.
@JaundicedBaboon John is a great place to start. I used to know the Executive Presbyter for San Diego County (of PCUSA) and he said a person should read John and ask themselves if the Jesus they find in John is worth following. You might check out the Book of Acts as well. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Google it! 🎁