I have nothing nor any problems with religion, I try to respect everyones choices to the best of my abilities(spelling), yet I feel pressured all the time when ever I do go to church with a friend etc. I don't like it! Is it wrong to think that? I believe in god etc..... I just want people to respect me and my choice.... And I won't say I've no problem with what religion has been the cause of in many cases, maybe it's that? I don't know. Does anyone else ever feel this way?
2006-08-26 05:01:24 · 24 answers · asked by whatsupdoc? 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't go to church either, maybe I should've said that in the first place?
2006-08-26 05:09:02 · update #1
No one likes to be told what to do and what to believe. Many believers just don't get this. The power of the Holy Spirit and the Love of God is what draws people to Him, not someone pressuring you. We witness to what we have seen and experience regarding God and His Gift to mankind. When that is done in a real way, there is no pressure. We just say it, and release it to God. Some plant, some water, some bring in the harvest.
2006-08-26 05:08:58 · answer #1 · answered by novalee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't matter, you do what feels right to you. You can still believe in God without going to church. I have always felt that God is spirituality, whereas religion is just a man-made concept for making money, or controlling people through fear. Maybe that's why you feel pressured whenever you go. I have been to churches before where the people were very pushy and domineering. Needless to say, I didn't go back to them.
2006-08-26 12:26:47 · answer #2 · answered by The Global Geezer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to have to risk offending some of my fellow Christians here, by making denominational observations. No offense is intended.
The different Christian churches tend to appeal to different ways of expressing faith. Some of them are more "emotional" than others -- more charismatic, more evangelical, etc. It's not wrong, by no means, but is the way that some people express their faith.
It sounds to me that if you are feeling pressured, that you may be experiencing a place (or people) where the expression of faith doesn't match where you are with it.
There are also places where it *seems* that the people are pretty emotionless and just going through the motions with ritual. It's just a different way of expression -- not less faith, just a different expression.
By the way, this is true within the Roman Catholic churches, not just the protestant ones. There are "traditional" RC churches and there are "charismatic" ones. There are also different congregational styles within the same church buildings in both RC and protestant churches (e.g., the 8 am "traditional" services and the 10:30 "contemporary" services).
You seem to be a person who needs to "think" it out instead of just "feeling" it out. That's perfectly valid.
I would suggest you visit an Episcopal or Lutheran church and make an appointment with clergy. I know, it can feel weird to make appointments with clergy. But it's what they do, it's their job. You will find that, in their place in the Christian spectrum of faith expression, they will encourage you to "think" through where you are. You should feel no pressure from them (remember, though, they do feel strongly about their faith and will not "water it down" for you).
We Christians have the same fundamental beliefs. We just express them differently. Those who are turned off by "emotion" in worship should check out a different place. Those who find church boring, expressionless and cold should check out the more enthusiastic churches. Neither is necessarily "better" than the other, just different.
2006-08-26 12:48:29 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunatly people are so inthralled with bringing you over to the "right" religion. Many religions like to say they are tolerant and accepting but they are not. They won't accept that people want to practice a religion that is not their own. Or they have trouble with people who do not believe in God at all.
I believe in God (in a generall sense not a Christian sense) I just haven't found my religion. I know Catholicism and Christianity is not for me I was raised Catholic and my views and their views do not mesh. I will not practice a religion just because some feel it is the "right" religion. Luckily I don't get much pressure to go a certain way.
Keep your chin up and be religious in your own way. I feel God doesn't care how you believe just as long as you believe and are true.
2006-08-26 12:12:20 · answer #4 · answered by butterflykisses427 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a few thoughts...
Are you going with your friend because of "pressure"?
If you are feeling you will be pressured during the service or afterwards are you really setting an expectation before hand and thus to meet your expectation, you feel pressured.
Have you been to other church groups/service to see what/how they are different?
I'm a Lutheran and somewhere in the service the question will be asked, maybe not directly, how is your personal relationship with Jesus doing. You are expected to answer the question for, and to, yourself.
Some see this question as being "pressured", I would guess it is a part of you that is saying, "...I'm not doing as well as I would like and you just reminded me of it..." ...is the pressure you feel internal? ...are you not sure how to deal with it... yet another possible source of pressure.
If it is external pressure, such as "...you're going to hell if your not part of "our group"... I would encourage you (and your friend) to look around, God wants you make the choice with your eyes open and your heart / soul available/open to the His message of love and grace (the gift of being forgiven that is part of faith).
Just a few random thoughts....
2006-08-26 12:35:07 · answer #5 · answered by charlie_2you 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you go to church with them? If you don't believe it and you don't want to be in that situation, don't go to church. If you go they will only ask you questions and try to sway you to their way or thinking. And they can't respect the way you believe because in their religion they MUST try to convert you.
I used to feel that way. Not any more. I have been tolerant and understanding about all religions. I understand that some people need religion in their lives. But if they continue to harrass me I will tell them what I think of their religion in no uncertain terms. Usually, that makes them leave me alone.
2006-08-26 12:11:15 · answer #6 · answered by ceaz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
question: do you have to go to this particular church, with this particular friend? if not, but you still like the idea of going to a church where you can congrugate with those who are gathered to "worship" or "celebrate" in a religious way, why not research different religions or spiritual groups that may be active in or near your community, instead of just following where your friend goes?
just a thought. also, I find (although, this may not be for everyone) that the earth based spiritualities such as wicca or even the all inclusive (for the most part) unitarian church, might be a better choice for you.
good luck in your search
"follow your own heart and soul."
2006-08-26 12:08:59 · answer #7 · answered by amber 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I quit going to church along time ago, because they were trying to tell me different than what I believe. You do not have to go to church to talk with the Great Spirit. He is every where and hear's all we have to say to him. They get upset if you don't put into the plate, well sorry families food and bills come first. There is nothing wrong w/the way you feel. And yes you should have stuck to your guns. You don't go to church, don't go. You probably have higher standards in life anyway.
2006-08-26 12:23:35 · answer #8 · answered by spiritwalker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a lot of 'cognitive dissonance' caused by the idea that we must respect the 'beliefs' of others. That is pure hogwash. It is intellectually dishonest and condescending. Here's why...
When you 'believe' something pertaining to religion and god, that means that you have internalized the CERTAINTY of the TRUTH of some matter pertaining to existence and reality. So, if you possess a certainty of the truth of something, and some else holds a belief that is in conflict with yours, then that must mean that their belief is an error... a lie... a misconception... DELUSION... etc. So... how can you 'respect' that?
Answer: you can't.
So, what do you do instead? Surely, you can't go around telling everybody that you think their beliefs are ********... even if you REALLY DO think that. There is an intellectually honest alternative, though... you can respect the other person's right to delude himself in whatever manner he deems fit.
One thing to keep in mind, though... you can't expect other people to respect your delusions... er... BELIEFS... either. All you can expect is that THEY respect YOUR right to delude yourself, however YOU want.
2006-08-26 12:10:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feel pressured to go, then you dont have to go!
Its not like anyone is putting a gun to your head. Right?
Be honest with yourself and with others.
I dont have any religion.
I have a relationship with Jesus.
I read the scriptures, I pray (talk to God). And ask God to help me understand what he wants to tell me (or answer back)
Sometimes God answers me trough the scriptures, sometimes in a dream, and sometimes with a song I'll hear on the radio or something I'll see...(anywhere, a picture, on the street, etc...).
I attend church. But I dont feel forced to and I dont always agree with what the pastor says...
I tell him sometimes, other times I pray instead...
find a lot of people twist and turn the meanings behind the scriptures because they dont understand it, so they try to fit in what they see as a logical explaination...
Wich is often very illogical!
Trust in God to guide you, people mean well but are sometimes wrong themselves.
Peace to You and God bless you aboundantly!
2006-08-26 12:22:25 · answer #10 · answered by Yahoo! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋