Have I been brainwashed throughout my life, what do I really believe?

Question

So I have been thinking about this... a lot of atheists, pagans, & people with alternative lifestyle choices say that Christians or people in mainstream religion have been brainwashed, or just bombarded with idea's over and over to the extent that they do not know what to think other than what they have been told.

So, I was brought up in a Pagan family, and most of my young life (up until now, i'm 16) was Wiccan, having found that as my own path. I recently converted to The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) much to my parents' dislike. However, I cannot shake some of Pagan beliefs and principles.

I'm confused. I've attended various churches my entire life, of many different denominations since a very young age, & all the schools i've been to have had daily prayer. I seem to have conflicting idea's that have been drummed into my head. How can I see through all the smoke & work out what I truly believe for myself, rather than what I have been taught?

Answer 1

Many pagans are as comfortable in front of their own altar as they are sitting in a church pew. The African slaves molded their religion into the catholic church and their practices were pagan. It is all about what you want and the direction you desire to go. Study about the rituals that are done in churches around the world. You will discover that most of these ritual are taken from paganism even though they would not admit it. One small example is praying. Pagans equivelent is drawing energy. I think that at this point in your life you are curious since you have known only the Wiccan way of life. I study it all and I am amazed in the parallels between religion and paganism. By the way, one of the most powerful book of spells is the Holy Bible. You just have to be able to uncode it.

Answer 2

Can you tolerate believing in nothing? If so, that may enable you to unpollute your mind enough to perceive either (a) the outer world with astonishing originality, or (2) your inner world (your emotional and unconscious terrain) with greater clarity. Unburdened by other people's belief systems, I've had some interesting (to me, at least) thoughts about the cosmic stuff, and some wonderful moments of deep wonder about the universe (usually while looking straight up, at night). For example, it occurred to me one day that God, if he exists, couldn't know where he came from. Another day, this logic occurred to me: an atom can't see itself -- it must look outward. So, if God is everything and the only thing, then He can't see himself, and would therefore "know nothing." But in general, it's pretty darn nice to have a clear, unprogrammed consciousness upon the world.

Answer 3

Brainwashing is brainwashing, no matter what the ideals that are being procured at the time. I believe that The Creator doesn't really care how you worship, as long as you worship and follow a straight and narrow path towards enlightenment. Straight and Narrow would be always striving to be helpful and non-judgemental, and to avoid being mean-spirited towards others.

Answer 4

Different religions generally have common ethical aims.All originated to create honest people and mankind. But nowadays the original aim is forgotten. I advise you personally to remember the original aim. Refuse fanatical attitudes and dogmas. Take science and learning as your guide. The only tool for salvation of mankind is human brain. Let this important tool execute it's function in healthy conditions.

Answer 5

I believe that all religions are all smoke and mirrors and that you will not find the clarity you seek in any of the paths you mention.

I believe you would find it helpful to study the case for not believing in a deity at all. Click on my profile for a link to a good article on the subject.

Namaste.

Answer 6

I would read this book by Steve Hassan.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967068800/ref=pd_rvi_gw_1/104-0537766-5559922?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155
Hmm the link wouldn't work

Here's the book title:
Releasing The Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves

It will help you understand...

Answer 7

YOU are a Spirit YOU have a Soul (second mind, Spiritual Super-Computer) and YOU live in a Body.(Physical)

Adam messed-up his Spirit and changed God's (from GOD to satan) when he ate from the Tree.
You have to get that messed-up Spirit (the REAL you is a Spiritman) Recreated (Born-Again) by accepting JESUS as your SAVIOUR, to make it to HEAVEN.
RELIGION's (belief system's in the SOUL) won't Recreate you (a Spiritman). JESUS WILL.
Religion's will get you confused and take you to Hell. YOU cannot leave the EARTH for GOOD and make it to HEAVEN, unless your Born-Again(the HOLY SPIRIT will Recreate YOU, when you ask JESUS to come into your Heart (Spiritman) and SAVE (Recreate you) You
When YOU get SAVED, your Body isn't recreated, or your Soul. After you are SAVED, reprogram your SOUL with the WORD of GOD, it's in the BIBLE. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

First, congratulations on your baptism. it really is a interesting time, and also you've taken a huge step contained in the right direction. ignore each and every of the anti-Mormons, they comprehend no longer something about our beliefs. for sure we examine the Bible, and clearly we do not position self assurance in polygamy. yet you comprehend that. second, it takes time to settle into church pastime and get to understand each and every of the words used and the customs and traditions. human beings from different faiths, and none, have complications each and every of the time. maximum wards are very accommodating and comprehend-how. for instance, the church would not position self assurance in horoscopes, yet I truly have a buddy contained in the church who became baptised 5 years in the past who nonetheless likes to ask human beings what their action picture star signal is. third, what you've been taught is paganism. that's what you grew up with, and, in case you want, what you've been "brainwashed" with. by utilizing starting to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ you've actual taken your man or woman step in keeping what you somewhat trust, gonig adverse to what your father and mother taught you. So - do you've faith that Jesus Christ died to ward off out of your sins? Do you've faith that is needed to repent and stick with him? once you've been baptised you asserted that you do. finally, do save praying, and pray on your testimony to strengthen. Make complete use of your youthful women persons leaders and later your youthful unmarried adult and alleviation Society leaders, your travelling instructors and acquaintances contained in the ward. don't be afraid to ask questions or admit that you're new and also you do not realize each and every thing merely yet. what's somewhat significant is following the saviour. it would not remember in case your steps are somewhat clumsy in the initiating.

Answer 9

hey girl-think you should hang on to the ideas that you know is right-doesnt matter what path it came from or what path you are walking-inside you is knowledge that tells you what is right or wrong -follow that it will lead you on your path-keep the peace lots of love old hippie here

Answer 10

You have an identity crisit.. You call yourself quaker man and have a nice picture of a young lady..