Ever since 911, I've found it very difficult to reestablish my friendship with God. I used to be a very devout Christian. But after seeing those towers fall, I think i've lost my faith. I just don't understand how God could send so many people to hell (since obviously not everyone in those buildings were trully saved) without rhyme or reason. Like the towers, i've felt my faith break.
I've even resorted to experimenting with other religions. I love the Buddhist culture of China. I love the idea of meditation accompanying prayer. The whole picture is so serene and beautiful. But im not sure if thats the right way to go.
Also I have my girlfriend to worry about. I love her to death and I know shes the one. But she is very steadfast in her Christian beliefs. Her father is actually the pastor of our church. I've told about my shaken faith, but not of my opinion on Buddhism. I don't know how she would take it if I converted.
I have thought of melding the two religions together. Not worshiping Buddha and God, but using the Buddhist style of meditation, that has appealed to me so much, to pray to God. I think I just need to open my mind to a new perspective.
Can anyone help me?
Struggles with Faith
By Keaton21 - Posted on April 14th, 2008
One thing I do feel is important about religion. Most people seem to think that religion is about finding the one religion that is true. But i think its about finding the faith that fits with you, that makes YOU feel right. Wether its Buddhism, Christianity, Mormon. Doesn't matter as long as it feels right.
okay...maybe you need to re-evaluate your faith
You know god right, you can feel him. You know who he is. so close your eyes(after reading this lol) and think about the character of your god. Not what youve heard about all your life. remember that part of the beast is to distract you from the true nature of god. But he lives inside you so you cant ever lose him.
try not to think about the describing words. think about this through meditation. Truly commit your mind to being open and letting the knowledge and energy flow free. Jesus spent most of his time alone in deep meditation remember.
Jesus is in the business of freedom. not chains. maybe its good that the towers affected you so much. It made you realize that something wasnt aligned with your spirit. But the truth is nothing to be afraid of and dont let fear hold you back from finding truth in other places.
I know how you feel. I've struggled with my faith so many times over the past few years. But i've come to realize that all I need to do is trust God.
And I think combining aspects of Buddhism with your faith is a wonderful idea. I already meditate myself sometimes while praying...it's very relaxing, and helps me to think about things more clearly and talk to God more easily.
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
Questioning certain aspects of your faith is not "the beast" trying to lead you astray or a one-way ticket to hell. All it means is that you're in the middle of a growth period spiritually. You'll come out of it stronger, no matter what faith or spiritual practice you feel more resolute in.
Christianity is not the only true religion - if it is simply because it says so, then so is Judaism and Islam - but we can see how illogical that is. The only "true" religion is the one that's true for you. I could go around saying how devout a Christian I am, for example, but unless I truly feel it, then it doesn't mean anything. You have to find that which resonates within you, that lifts you up, and that fills you with hope. You have to find what makes you happy!
View this as an opportunity for you and your girlfriend's relationship to grow and to grow stronger. If she truly loves you for who you are, then she will be there for you to encourage you and support you in your spiritual journey, even if that may prove difficult at the start or even if she may initially disagree with it. You just have to find the right way to approach it without scaring her or making her feel threatened, especially if she was raised in a very strict and religious household... Just look at it this way - If you can be there for her spiritually, I would hope she could extend you the same kind of love and support.
You know Buddha is just a guy, right? He's not a god, and people don't try to worship him... merely follow in his footsteps.
I broke with Christianity for much of the same reason... I couldn't fathom a God so evil as to send so many people to hell just for not believing that he had a son. I think the Christian morals and such are great, but I find it hard to follow the conditions of the Christian faith. So for now I'm just content with being a deist.
If your girlfriend would break up with you just because you are shaken in your faith, she's probably not the best person for you.
First and foremost, I would suggest actually studying the religions you're looking at in depth, rather than just giving them a cursory glance and moving on. In the end, you need to do whatever it takes to make yourself complete... don't cater to anyone else.
~C
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