Old Habits die hard?

[OnceConvinced]

For the first time this year, I attended church. (Was staying at my parents place over the weekend and decided to visit their new church - a presbyterian). I thought it would be neat to go, just to observe, rather than be actively involved like I used to as a Christian

I must admit, I was surprised, it was lively and full of youth. They had a great band up there. It reminded me of the apostolic church I went to for over ten years.

They even sang some of my old favourite songs. I couldn't resist joining in. Great songs. You know what? I'd got through a few lines of the song and I could feel the old presense of the holy spirit come upon me (or at least what I used to believe was the holy spirit). There was a strong desire to lift up my hands and close my eyes like I used to. I could feel that warm fuzzy feeling and the buzz, the feeling I once attributed to the presence of the Holy spirit. I knew that if I did, I'd have the same experiences I had as a Christian. There was no doubt in my mind. It was exactly the same. I even felt the urge to pray in tongues later as the worship leader prayed.

Old habits die hard?

It got me thinking. What would Christians have to say about this? Some would claim I have blasphemed the holy spirit so he couldn't possibly be still in me. Others would say that the holy spirit has never left me even though I consider myself an ex-Christian and no longer believe Jesus to be the son of God. The ones who like to exagerate will try to claim that's not the holy spirit at all and that the HS is way more profound.

Of course the unbelievers will probably talk about the hypnotic effect singing and worshiping amongst a large group of people with music playing can have on you. I tend to go with that explanation. It's been my belief for a while now that that's what the "holy spirit" and "God's presence" is, when you're in there in church. It's the atmosphere, nothing more. I think my visit to church over the weekend cemented that fact even more.

So what do you guys reckon?

[Zzyzx]

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Remember, God created us.

Are you not aware that many people reading and posting in this thread do NOT accept that "god created us"?

I realize that may be your opinion, but it is not a fact -- ONLY an opinion. Others have opinions that differ from yours. Some think that other "gods" (numbering in thousands) are responsible for creation. Others find no reason to believe in or worship invisible, undetectable super beings.

What is there for us to "remember"? Are you suggesting that we remember your opinion? Why would we do that?

[AB]

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What is there for us to "remember"? Are you suggesting that we remember your opinion? Why would we do that?

That statement was not directed to you. But you do realized there are a whole lot of mindful people that it does. Agreed?