Can I ask how do you learn Biblical truth? I've been very recently trying to become religious after a long time of being agnostic and if you have books to recommend I appreciate it.
So far I've just been going thru the Bible and going to church, unfortunately not every Sunday.
First of all, study the Bible. A little bit a day, reading good, old, based study guides. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Then, start getting into the Church fathers and older academics. Aquinas, C. S. Lewis, Spurgeon, and some of the newer Orthodox writers (Josiah Trenham is a treat to listen to).
Aquinas. His writing is a bit much to approach directly. But if you're looking for an intellectual approach, IRL I recommend to people Edward Fesser's "The Last Superstition" or "Aquinas". The first a broad response to the "New Atheists" covering a wider intellectual tradition, and the latter more focused on Aquinas himself. To warn you, I have been (accurately) accused of popery, so if that bothers you: CS Lewis.
Listen to bible audiobook, preferably a non-dramatic reading, while doing other stuff. Just make it a habit. The old testament is great to fall asleep to.
Also look into Catholicism and Orthodoxy. No matter how you feel about the current pope the fact that the Church is a continuation of the one founded by Christ's apostles is something worthy.
Faith doesn't seem like something that you reason your way into. As long as you aren't actively rejecting it, then it will eventually find you. One day you will say "I believe" and it won't feel silly anymore.
Also look into Catholicism and Orthodoxy. No matter how you feel about the current pope the fact that the Church is a continuation of the one founded by Christ's apostles is something worthy.
@Galean. If you find yourself drawn to the traditions of the orthodox, rather than Catholicism know this:
About 98% of the Catholic Church is novus ordo, the new 60/70s mass in English/whatever language is spoken locally. 1% is 'the Extraordinary Form/TLM/Tridentine Mass', the old latin form (their high masses are the ones with Gregorian chants and incense, all the good stuff), and its experiencing a revival despite this pope's stance. The final 1% is 'the eastern rites', these are essentially orthodox and easterners (23 church communities, 5 other rites) who have come back into communion with Rome. So if you're drawn to their traditions, depending where you are in the world, it might be possible to have your cake and eat it too.
There's a few other rare ones too of course. There's now a very new 'ordinariate' form, which is essentially anglicans/church of englanders returning to communion with rome.
Can I ask how do you learn Biblical truth? I've been very recently trying to become religious after a long time of being agnostic and if you have books to recommend I appreciate it. So far I've just been going thru the Bible and going to church, unfortunately not every Sunday.
First of all, study the Bible. A little bit a day, reading good, old, based study guides. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Then, start getting into the Church fathers and older academics. Aquinas, C. S. Lewis, Spurgeon, and some of the newer Orthodox writers (Josiah Trenham is a treat to listen to).
Aquinas. His writing is a bit much to approach directly. But if you're looking for an intellectual approach, IRL I recommend to people Edward Fesser's "The Last Superstition" or "Aquinas". The first a broad response to the "New Atheists" covering a wider intellectual tradition, and the latter more focused on Aquinas himself. To warn you, I have been (accurately) accused of popery, so if that bothers you: CS Lewis.
Edit: I recommend Lewis either way really. This channel is fun: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw-kYN6wWXWDyp_lB0wnlxw
Keep at it. As he said Aquinas. Also St Augustine. Check out CS Lewis books as well. Like Mere Christianity
Thank you
Listen to bible audiobook, preferably a non-dramatic reading, while doing other stuff. Just make it a habit. The old testament is great to fall asleep to.
Also look into Catholicism and Orthodoxy. No matter how you feel about the current pope the fact that the Church is a continuation of the one founded by Christ's apostles is something worthy.
Faith doesn't seem like something that you reason your way into. As long as you aren't actively rejecting it, then it will eventually find you. One day you will say "I believe" and it won't feel silly anymore.
I listen to David Suchet. I'm a big fan of his Poirot and I was pleasantly surprised to find out you can listen to the Bible read by him.
@Galean. If you find yourself drawn to the traditions of the orthodox, rather than Catholicism know this:
About 98% of the Catholic Church is novus ordo, the new 60/70s mass in English/whatever language is spoken locally. 1% is 'the Extraordinary Form/TLM/Tridentine Mass', the old latin form (their high masses are the ones with Gregorian chants and incense, all the good stuff), and its experiencing a revival despite this pope's stance. The final 1% is 'the eastern rites', these are essentially orthodox and easterners (23 church communities, 5 other rites) who have come back into communion with Rome. So if you're drawn to their traditions, depending where you are in the world, it might be possible to have your cake and eat it too.
There's a few other rare ones too of course. There's now a very new 'ordinariate' form, which is essentially anglicans/church of englanders returning to communion with rome.