Okay, so I might as well start by saying that this is a very touchy and uncertain subject for me. I'm sure I'll probably take some criticism for this blog, but as of now I'm not too sure I can really care. So, let's jump right in.
I grew up as a Christian. I went to church every Sunday and I actually sat and listened to sermon. I was never big on the Sunday school scene. But I really liked going to church and I loved my relationship with God and the people in my life.
Then things changed. After my parents divorce things started going downhill. Once my mom started drinking my life was so bad I gave up on God and all the beliefs that came with it. I thought no one that was supposed to be watching over us and protecting us could put me through so much. In fact I hated Christianity. I never told anyone in my family though I just kept going to church...suffering through but going. But once I lived with my dad my views changed again.
After I came to live with my dad it was like my life was instantly transformed. It was then that I saw how wrong I was to give up on my faith. God had obviously tested me and I had prevailed which is why I was blessed with another shot at life. And let's just say things took off from there. I read a ton of Christian literature and was immersed in my faith. I couldn't have been happier. I started going back to church and became pretty involved in my youth group.
This brings us to now, when things get quite complicated. I stopped going to church a few months ago...just b/c I didn't have the time. But now I don't have the drive to either. I still have beliefs, but I don't really feel like I used to. I've been exposed and read a lot about many different religions lately and I just don't know what I think anymore. I feel pretty detached from so many things right now. On the other hand, all of this thinking about where I stand with my faith has opened me to new perspectives. It has helped me define myself in some ways, but has just confused me more in others. I want to believe in something, but what?
Finding a new me?
By vern - Posted on April 5th, 2008
You really need to decide what to believe in for yourself. I know how you feel because I'm also going through the same thing. But I really do think I like christianity at the moment. My advice is to read up of different religions and inform yourself about the different options. Just remember that every faith honors the same god just in a different way with a few or sometimes many different beliefs.
yeah and I'm trying to decide where I fit in...but there's also the possibility that I don't believe in any God...I've been talking to a lot of atheists lately and that's actually what started this whole thing...which is why it's so hard for me to figure out where I stand b/c their beliefs make so much sense
Dont listen to atheists. They have good points but most of the time they are spawned from bitter resentment. If you believed in god then you've felt him and know he exists. As for me, I think god is way to profound an entity that even religions dont have what he is and his motivations down right.
Dont stop believing in god, just form your own views about him. If you really feel like you want to find some contentment in your life read a book called God's debris. It's free, you can print it off of the internet(only 144 pgs including cover copywright and all the other bs pages). This book will literaly change your life.
I only suggest it because your faith is already shaken. If you want that original communion with god, that overflowing presance in your body that says everthing is okay, then do not read this book. But if you want to find your own answers read it. I'll stop following you blog to blog with advice now.
I'll even do the work for you, here is a link straight to the PDF of the book. read it if you dare.
http://images.ucomics.com/images/pdfs/sadams/godsdebris.pdf
but I mean having completely given up faith before and with some of my best friends being atheists (including guy #2 in the other blog) it's really hard not to listen to them...I used to be able to stand up for my faith no problem...but now I feel like a traitor doing so...and I'm not saying I am going to give up my faith...b/c I don't know what to do at this point...but their views do make sense...along with various religious views
but yeah it's okay if you follow me with advice...I like your advice...and thanks for the suggestion...I may take you up on it...I'm currently reading "What's a Christian to do with Harry Potter?"...just b/c my English teacher told me to...it's actually pretty interesting
I believe in God and Jesus but I will NEVER classify or go by any religion. I believe they all could be wrong. I have been questioned on saying this but I believe there used to be a very long long time ago one religion. Someone decided they didn't like something then they changed it and formed a new religion. Although I do not have evidence because I can't go back in time, this seems like the most logical explaination I can ever come up with. C used to be athesist, he still questions things, as do I. Like who created God? Or why can't we still be with someone we truly were in love with when we die? I believe thats unfair. I do not go by the bible because I also think parts may have been thought up along the way. I believe the most important thing is to have faith in God. People focus to much on the text and not God himself. If you believe in him then you do, if someone else doesn't then that is their belief. They should not judge your beliefs or vica versa. If you read this book called 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese. This gives a great real life account where a guy who had faith in god was sent to hell. The reason was to bring back the message that god and hell do exist.
My boyfriend got in a car wreck with a 2 ton black angus cow. The windsheild was right at his face with the cow still on top of it. By all means he should have died. This was not pure luck. There is no way. My mom's friend also went to a medium and some spooky stuff was said by my mom to the medium that the medium would have NEVER known about.
I am here to inform and help:
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
Love comments? I do too!
yeah I know what you mean...it's still just that issue of deciding what I actually do think though...I'm sure I'll figure it out in time...it's just very difficult b/c I have a lot of relationships that were basically founded on religion that would probably be ended if I stopped believing in certain things...that's why it's so hard...but I have some amazing people there to help me out...like you...and well you know who else
thanks for the advice on the book maybe I'll read it
and yeah see those are the kind of things that make me believe but question