Crisis of Faith

[Cataholic]

I am thankful my parents never crammed religion down my throat. Ever. I was raised presbyterian, attended church into my teens, was baptised, had communion and was confirmed. I never felt 'tied' to a religous belief, and while I don't like this statment, have always felt more spiritual then religious. I also like the saying that attending church doesn't make you a christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.

I attended a quaker college. WOW. What a group of people. So non judgmental, so non-everything- but I liked the convictions, the quiteness of it all.

Now, WAY past college (LOL, like 20 plus years), and having experienced some other things in life, some other religions, some other churches and lots and lots of 'christians', I look at things differently.

My relationship with God is MY relationship. Any person that tries to tell ME what God means, intends, belives, stands for, etc., is totally entitled to THEIR beliefs. Mine are my own. I feel no need to argue or defend my position. I try to be 'good'. I fail. I try to make amends, I try to do better, I try to witness. I realize that everyday is a day to be better, not bitter. I haven't gone to a church in forever. If that causes other people pause, totally ok with me. I don't answer to other people. I answer to MY higher power. If they think they have an in with that higher power- peace be with them. Not my business.

Anyone that uses religion as a weapon, rather than an umbrella to shield/soothe/comfort you, isn't -IMO- Godlike. I would distance myself from them and find people that share your beliefs. That isn't a cop-out, that isn't a way to say to heck with organized religion. It is a way to say that organized 'religion' stops being religious when it separates us from what we are supposed to cling to most closely. Those are man's laws/issues, not God's.

[Catty1]

Nicole - it is some religions' calling to call on people to talk to them, but many many people either don't answer the door, or tell them to not call there again - nicely.

If you move again - don't given them a change of address notice!

[NicoleLJ]

WOW is all I can say about Cats post. Defiantely food for thought.

[Catty1]

Nicole was responding to YOUR post, Johanna - not mine! We typed at the same time.

[NicoleLJ]

Thanks. We are moving this month. And I am not planing to send them my addy.

[Marigold2]

It sounds like the people in your church are brainwashed into thinking that unless you belong to their church and their faith you will not be saved.
Do what makes you happy. Only you can decide what is best for your soul. Every church will try and control you to some extent, why because the need members, members mean money? Who goes to heaven? The Jews who don't believe in JC, the Lutherans, the Catholics, the Mormons, Jehovah Witness, Islam, Budda. Who will it be? No one really knows. So none are correct and none are wrong. Don't let someone tell you that you have to do this or that or believe this way or that way. Look into your heart and let it be your guide.
But most of all, just be happy. I am glad you don't see your mom. That must have been hard for you. You are very brave and wise.

[Catherinedana]

I believe faith to be deeply personal and individual. No one can force you to believe anything and if they try, at some point you will need to step back and take a look at what has been imposed on you. That is what you are doing now. You are not having a crisis of faith, you are having an awakening. There are many options for you and if the religious group that you were formally a part of does not accept you, you can spend time alone, reflecting on your beliefs or you can find another community that will. Take the time you need to find your truth; it will feel right and true and beautiful when you do. There is not hurry - you have a lifetime. Continue to learn about yourself and allow it to come to you.

Peace,
Cathy

[Twisterdog]

IMHO ...

The Higher Power in our lives, and in the universe, does not answer to one name and only one name that a small group of petty little human beings invented. It makes no difference whether you say God, Jehovah, Allah or Brahma when you pray ... the same entity hears you.

God (as the arbitrary name I was taught) is everywhere, in everyone and every thing. He is not only in a church or a mosque or a synagogue. He does not only love Jews, or Christians, or Hindus, or Mormons.

Organized religion is an invention of man, not God. God never told us to join a particular church, or join a church period. If a particular religion makes you happy, and feel close to God, then by all means, join it and stick with it. But if an organized religion makes you feel sad, guilty, worthless, ashamed or bad ... by all means ... get out of it! That is a group of people following people's rules - not God's.