Which religion or Belief is right for me?

Question

I'm 16 and I am a very open minded person but i've had a hard time accepting the existence of a hell or heaven because I haven't exactly been following a religion and I probably wouldn't get into heaven by the standards of the 3 monothiestic religions. I also don't want to accept that there is nothing there in the afterlife because that would make life rather pointless. I want there to be something there but at the same time i'm scared that if there is, it won't exactly benefit me.

Answer 1

Check out these two links. Research, question, examine.
http://www.beliefnet.com/
http://www.religioustolerance.org/

Blessings )O(

Answer 2

Judaism has no set beliefs regarding heaven or hell, although I read in a book (The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Judaism, by Rabbi Benjamin Blech) that Jews are supposed to pray for dead loved ones for 11 months, because the most they can stay in hell is 12 months (praying for less would suggest they're good enough to get out early; praying for 12 months would suggest they're the evil of the evil). An Islamic website I was on recently had the statement regarding how to get into heaven, "Allah accepts no religion but Islam". Most denominations of Christianity reject the idea that good works can help you into heaven, although I've heard that Catholics say you can be a good person without any faith and get into heaven; I don't know the truthfulness of this, though. I am an atheist myself, and I had a struggle like yours. And I'm 16 years old, as well. Before becoming atheist, I thought I was going to convert to Judaism, Baptist Christianity, Roman Catholicism, Baha'i Faith, Islam, and finally atheism. The reason is that websites that offered apologetics (a Greek word meaning "in defense of") for each of those particular religions and/or denominations; they were all able to convince me that their religion/denomination was the true religion; that all others were wrong. It's funny that I'm an atheist, because I had made vows that I would always believe in God. Then I heard the Problem of Evil. The problem goes, "Any all-loving God would want to end evil, and any all-powerful God would be able to end evil. If God exists, and is perfect (all-loving and all-powerful), why is there evil in the world?" After I asked myself this question, I started questioning the very existence of God, which had previously seemed to me a no-brainer. After I came to my conclusion that God didn't exist, I felt much more at ease. I no longer had the burden of choosing the "right religion". I didn't have to worry about whether Allah would punish me for worshipping Jesus, or vice versa. I no longer had to come up with answers regarding the Bible, and Qur'an: they were all just books written by men to me. I disagree with you, though, on your statement that life is pointless without an afterlife. Life is only pointless if you make it pointless. Politicians, musicians, athletes, teachers, and parents (there's much more I could list, I'm sure) all make their mark and leave their name here on earth. They work for causes they believe in, express themselves, show their talents, share their knowledge and pass it on, and show their love and care. So why live your life trying to get "saved"? Live your life to the fullest, and make the most out of it, because it is likely this is the only life you'll ever have. You say that if there is an afterlife, it won't benefit you. Let's say you're the true God, and that Jehovah, Jesus, and Allah are false gods. Which would make you more upset, somebody not worshipping you, or somebody worshipping others? I don't know what your answer will be, but I would rather someone not worship me, than give false gods credit for things I've done. I'm not trying to persuade you to atheism, no matter how much it might seem. But if you do become atheist, your first few days, maybe a week or two will be different. The first day I was worried about dying in my sleep. But I woke up. It felt different not having that father figure watching over me. I realized that I was all alone here. Nobody to pray to when I needed help or comfort. But I was ok with that, because I've learned (and I still am learning) to turn to myself for help, and turn to other people, not some higher power. But I'm not you, and your situtation might be entirely different than mine. I can't tell you which religion or belief is right for you. That's entirely up to you. I hope my information is helpful, and good luck!

Answer 3

That is a decision that only you will be able to make..Trust me..when you see it..you will KNOW it. If you research this subject so that you can make an informed educated choice then you can be sure in your heart ..Never close your mind to the possibilities. As a Native American , I would suggest Native American belief study first..Their legends are very good reading. But you will get something out of each belief system you research. Each has its own merit. If you look at it as a search for something you can use to become a better individual then how can you go wrong? If we all did this instead of bickering at every chance with those who belive differently than we do, then it would be a much better place to exist indeed!
Blessed Be~

Answer 4

There are more than 3 monotheistic religions, by the way. Look for information on various religions that you think might have something for you. You may or may not find something you think suits you, but even if you don't that doesn't haven't to mean anything bad. I am still searching for something that I can fully accept, and I'm 23.
Don't let it bother you if you don't hold an exact affiliation. As long as you live by your beliefs and morals, you will be accepted by any god that you would accept for yourself. Good luck in your search.

Answer 5

i invite u to Islam, as Islam is The Only Religion Acceptable in the Eyes of ALLAH (GOD). Islam is The Religion of Peace, Love, Harmony & Humanity. Don't judge it by actions of Muslims, judge it by what it teaches. i say that dont even go by what i say or by what anyone else say. Do research ur self and Seek The Truth urself 'coz u owe it to urself to know The Truth, and ignorance is one the biggest crime a person can commit against himself. i would recommend that u read The Holy Quran, if u can then take a look at Sahih Hadiths (Prophet's Sayings), and also research through Authentic Reliable Books & Sites (dont count on sites that defame Islam, 'coz they just propagate mis-information and mis-conceptions abt Islam, they cant even back up their comments with significant proofs, so mostly they are rambling falsehood). In the end, i want u to be the judge, as it is ur decision to take. Dont go by anyone's hearsay (even mine) and DO research urself. May ALLAH (GOD) guide u on The Path to Seek The Truth. Peace to All.

Answer 6

Jesus Christ;Christianity, The Bible, you cant go wrong. Or if you do it's usually a lack of understanding.

John 14:6-Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The Father(the Holy Father) is the one that will decide wether you get into heaven or tossed in the lake of fire, and the only way you get into heaven is if you've accepted the son Jesus Christ.

Answer 7

you must become a Pagan ,they are much happier and come down with far less mental problems
it is also a much friendlier religion
they dont want to conquer the world or convert everyone
and they have a lot more fun
and they love animals and nature
you can marry anyone you like
even your horse if it is in agreement ofcourse
and you will be spending a lot of time in Fellow Pagans gardens tasting home grown or ,drinking homeBrew
and they certainly like to give a lot of parties
no hell or bolts of lightning to worry about
but you must speak the truth and stick to your word
this is usually the hardest for transreligiounals

Answer 8

Is there a reason you have to decide right now? Maybe a good idea would be to take some time and look into many different religions and find one that is closest to what you really believe. There's no law saying you HAVE TO identify yourself with any particular religion. Take your time. Figure out what fits you best.
Good luck =)

Answer 9

That is something only you can reserach and decide yourself.
Go to scholors/priests of many different religions and ask about the beliefs and EVIDENCE of the religion you are getting involved in. SOme religions have no evidence at all to back it up. To me, i could never be involved in a religion that is worshipping toys/idols with paint on them. I hear the best religions (with some evidence) are Christianity, Muslim (the religion isn't bad, its the extremists who are), Judaism(jews), and Buddhism (very peaceful religion).
Go to this and research them:
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/

Answer 10

having a religion isn't that important as long as u're an upright person abiding to the moral values and never doing any filthy stuff to others. be it heaven or hell if it exists there isn't a thing to be afraid of. having a religion can be a form of spiritual reliance so that when no one stands by u there's still a person u can chat with but so long as u're truthful u can always talk to any god even if u're not one of them.

Answer 11

"I probably wouldn't get into heaven by the standards of the 3 monothiestic religions."

I'm sorry that you don't understand the Christian faith better than you seem to. The only "standard" for getting into Heaven is faith in the goodness of God who sent his Son to die in your place in order to pay your sin debt.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Why don't you check out a local Christian church like a non-denominational, 'come as you are' one like I attend? http://www.alcf.net

Please don't think that you can get into Heaven because you belong to some religious affiliation. Having a personal relationship with God through Jesus is the only way.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.