I Feel Like I'm Being Restricted By Religion, Any Advice?

Question

I'm 13, and I've recently overcome a problem: Thinking about death, A LOT! It was really depressing, but I guess this whole thing has moved me closer to God and Religion then I've ever been. I've started believing in an afterlife, and in God in general. But, since this has happened, I feel really restricted. I try to follow in my parents' footsteps. My parents are the type that believe in an afterlife, in God, etc..etc, but don't really take their religion that seriously, they'll say "Oh my God!", and swear occasionally, but for the most part, they're very good people. Every choice I make I seem to over-react, think it's affecting my life in a large way.
I take the bible litteraly where I think I can. I just have a really restricting feeling ever since I started to believe strongly in my religion. If you've answered my other questions, you know I jump around a lot. But, I was just wandering what you guys think is best, or if these feelings are normal.

Answer 1

These feelings are normal in a young believer. This is the time when religions usually take advantage of your lack of Biblical knowledge and try to make you believe anything. The guilt trips are the absolute worst. Consider their advice suggestions and try not to be too naive. Read the Bible and interpret it for yourself.
And cut your parents some slack. They have a great deal of worldly wisdom to pass on to you. So pay attention. If they appear a bit cynical, then they have definitely earned that right. If you think you've got it bad, imagine having all your problems and bills to pay. It can be overwhelming for anybody.
Until you get a little older, just keep listening to that voice in your head reminding you the difference between wrong and right. And try not to make mistakes that will create more hardship for you and your parents.
Live well and long my friend.

Answer 2

All these things that you are feeling are so very normal.

What you call restricted is really your self will fighting against what you read and learn in the bible.

We all have to learn to give up our own feelings and understanding and replace them with Gods words and understanding. This process will take you the rest of your life to complete, but the good news is, that the more you read and re read your bible, the more you will understand, and you will one day realize that you are feeling joy at resisting temptation and resisting sinful ways.
And yes once in a while the pull or allure of the world will get to you, but it will be easier and easier to put your eyes back on the prize and continue to walk with God.

Do not dispair, you are doing just fine.

Answer 3

Well, understand that you are entering into the "rebellious" stage of life. It is normal for teenagers to feel restricted by the rules they encounter, whether at school, at home, society at large or their faith. You want to be free to make your own decisions and do as you wish. For most people, that phase passes as they mature and realize that rules and restrictions are necessary for any civil society. So, as a believer, those restrictions seem more intensified. Once you understand that God places rules and restrictions for your own good, to keep you from bringing harm to yourself or others, they are easier to deal with. Also, realize that if you are truly a born again believer, that stress of worrying about the afterlife, and worrying about whether you are doing enough to get there is lifted. You are free to worship God and serve Him, knowing that your salvation does not depend on doing it "right" , He will accept you where you are and accept any act of service you give that is from a sincere heart.

Answer 4

Of course your feelings are normal. Your "inner voice", the "voice" of the real "God" is telling you that this religion you are into right now isn't right for you. You have your whole life ahead of you and plenty of time to try to figure out the answers, although there are some questions that none of us will ever be able to answer. That is the beautiful mystery of life as a human.

Answer 5

Well religion is all about restrictions. If you feel overly structured then let go of your denomination and find a higher power that is unique to you and you alone. It's not that you lack faith, you've just become more aware of life's complex nature. There's too much to fit in one book! I say take the Bible metaphorically and continue to learn, don't stop there because of people pushing their beliefs on you. Don't forfeit progressive thought unless you want the easy way out.

Answer 6

faith in itself without Jesus Christ is valueless and in certainty it somewhat is a lie devil invented as a manner to maintain people from looking the real certainty. Christianity is powerful, yet you will possibly desire to be careful to no longer get right into a pseudo-Christian faith which contain SDA, Mormonism, etc. The Charismatics are often very good---they carry forth the finished gospel and inform you the certainty, and pray for you, are friendly, get prayers replied each and all of the time. Pentecostals have self belief the same because of the fact the Charismatics, yet they are not as demonstrative frequently----so which you will scout around and notice what you're mushy with. the finished Gospel is needed and thanks to this it somewhat is suitable to stay faraway from substantial-line church homes till they're charismatic. some Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, etc have become Charismatic. So, you may go searching and verify the telephone e book in the telephone e book under church homes: Charismatic, Pentecostal and notice what you come across. the bigger church homes have greater categories of events, greater small communities with different hobbies, etc. yet what you %, being so new to this could be a good bible learn type too, yet i % to propose between the better church homes in case you may experience mushy. undergo in thoughts the small communities and bible learn and additionally prayer conferences. For convenience----I advise a prayer assembly the place they're waiting and prepared to need for people lots. they frequently are greater prepared to need for sparkling-comers. i will assert a prayer for you and pray for education each and every day. God bless you.

Answer 7

The truth is "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed".
John 8:36.

I'm glad you've overcome your problem.

The secret to getting past the 'restricted' feeling is to read the bible every morning when you first wake up. Take time to "listen" to the Holy Spirit. He is our Comforter. He will lead you into all truth.

Answer 8

Religion is supposed to make you feel free, not restricted, read Ecclesiastes. It has a lot of comfort scripture in there. my favorite for you would be 7:16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Take the bible seriously, but also remember that there is not a man under the sun that has not sinned at least once.

Answer 9

your spending to much time thinking about it instead of living it. its not your parents you must follow but god. everyone thinks and believes in differant ways. to be a individual, you must walk your own way and life and not your parents. nobidy is perfect so as they may swear and do things, everyone does. to many people try to live exactly the way the bible says instead of living your own life using the bible as a guide.

Answer 10

Don't believe something just because someone says its true. Always keep an open mind and don't commit yourself to other people's beliefs. Seek the truth (which is not to be found anywhere in religion) and your own personal relationship with the divine. Religion, as you have felt yourself, is a huge stumbling block to finding the truth or to being one with the divine.