I'm Leaving LBCLA, So Sorry to Say That

[Alex Phuong]

Hi LBCLA,

Even though I am blessed to have known all of you for the past year, I must admit that my own personal doubts and the lack of religion in my own family have convinced me to stop pursuing the Christian faith.

I have reached the conclusion that I can never fully believe in Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  Personal issues have plagued me for the past couple of months, and my parents will never fully accept the Word of God simply because they will never become believers at all.  I honestly did make an attempt, but I sincerely believe that it is time for me to stop.

Another issue is that an entire year has passed.  The fast rate at which time flies has made me realize that I want to devote more time to my own family while I still can.  My relatives are getting older and increasingly senile, and I want to spend more time with them rather than pursue a belief that my family members will never believe in personally.

I also don't really get to see my family that much anymore since their only day off is on Sunday.  I'm lucky that my parents are both still alive, and the truth is that I think I should spend more time with them while I still can.  I was actually very lucky that my family gave me permission to spend time with LBCLA since they will never become believers themselves.

I know that God has blessed me, and I am thankful for Our Heavenly Father, but now I want to love my family while I still can, especially my own father.

It was a blessing to have known all of you for the past year.  I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Alex Andy Phuong

[kethoticus]

On Nov 26, 2015, at 12:42 PM, 'Alex Phuong' via Shine the Light in LA <shine-the-...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

…I have reached the conclusion that I can never fully believe in Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  Personal issues have plagued me for the past couple of months, and my parents will never fully accept the Word of God simply because they will never become believers at all.  I honestly did make an attempt, but I sincerely believe that it is time for me to stop….

Bro, I’m not sure who you are, but your name is definitely familiar. The only thing I can say is, doubts I understand. It’s impossible to see things from God’s vantage point, and so what looks insane or ridiculous to us… isn’t. It’s just our limited sphere of perception. Nevertheless, I’m a believer still, but my faith is anything but perfect, so I get the whole questioning God thing. 

But, the family thing… I’m not Asian, and I know that folks of far-eastern descent generally have a different relationship with their families than westerners do. We’re usually more independent. The doubts you have I understand, but the family, no. Never let your family dictate truth to you. If you doubt Christ’s goodness or God’s existence, that’s one conversation, and an understandable one. But because your family does not believe, you will not believe also? If you see someone breaking in to your house, but your parents say it’s not happening, will you allow the break-in to occur? If your family says the sky is red, would you believe them? The same goes for an infinitely more important truth, like that of Christ. 

Having your parents shun you would suck. Having God shun you is infinitely worse. And, know you’d have a body of fellow believers who would embrace and receive you, so you’d have a cushion for your fall, so to speak. 

I would encourage you to reconsider this. 

Keith

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The believer has to account for unjust suffering. The atheist has to account for everything else.  ~ Dennis Prager