Crisis of Faith

[Karen]

I think that moving will be a positive thing for you. You can start over in a new community, and maybe even visit a few different churches, and see if you find that appeals to you without condemning you. Were you moving here, I'd invite you to my church, and we'd welcome you, I promise.

One's faith, as Cataholic said, is deeply personal - and we respect that.

[sirrahbed]

Woke up thinking about you Nicole and have been praying for your peace. It sure sounds like you are beginning a new and healthier life. Growing up within an enclosed and rigid set of rules - it must be somewhat scary to leave that behind - even if it is best for you. Thankfully, no group of people have an inside track to heaven even if they think they do and you have heard this all of your life. I have been in a similar situation and it is very hard to sort out what you believe and what you have been taught to believe you know? It is somewhat like growing up within a cult or abusive situation (not that this is exactly what you come from) just similar. Sounds like you have a very sensitive fiance and I am glad he was able to point out that you could only answer questions in a certain way that parrot the church you were raised in. Scary to realize I am sure!! But as someone above said - perhaps what is happening is less of a crisis and more of an enlightenment or awakening There is no perfect church because they are all filled with sinful selfish people. God knows us inside out though - sees past all of that hurt and baggage. It may take time to be "deprogrammed" enough to sort out what was brainwashing and what was based on truth. Good for you removing all of the literature and books of rules. I hope that you still have a Bible, just a plain Bible - to read if you want to. More (((HUGS))) to you - hope that someday you will find a group of people (like your husband to be) who listen to you and love you and share common beliefs with you.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Your faith is your own and how you choose to practice it is up to you - in a church or in a field, its all the same if its what you believe in. Nobody should be forcing you to go to church or telling you that you are doing something wrong. Keep strong

[smokey the elder]

I think it's important to decouple faith from dogma; IMO they have nothing to do with each other. Faith is personal, dogma is imposed by some organization which often has an agenda. It's seen over and over again in many organized religions. Religions that are less dogmatic, like the Society of Friends, aka the Quakers; or Unitarian Universalism can be good ones to explore if one is interested in the fellowship aspects of faith.

[snakemama]

I don't have any advice, I just wanted to let you know you're not alone...my father is a "Catholic" (so he claims) who was extremely physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive to myself and my siblings. It had a different effect on me, as it made me want to steer clear of any organized religion, period. I hope you are able to find peace, hopefully moving will be a great help to you.

[NicoleLJ]

Thanks all. All your comments are helping me to feel good about sitting back and re-evaluating who I am without the churchs influence.

When I move I will still be within the same city. We are just moving from a basment suite into a full house. I am really excited about that. My own yard agian and room to move around. lol

[Marigold2]

Wishing you much happiness in your new home.