Except with family sometimes, I don't observe any rituals or holidays of my faith. I do, however, find that every so often, and sometimes more often than that, I am drawn to religiosity, and not necessarily my own faith. And it is quite extreme in belief system and practice- the orthodox or what one might call fundamentalist/traditionalist slants. This has been a constant "battle" in my soul for many years. What can I do to finally "pick a side" and find peace ?
2006-09-13 16:23:39 · 16 answers · asked by landaucj 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
well, i wouldn't flip a coin or anything....do some research on your own at 1st, obviously you're searching for truth. you say you don't observe any rituals or holidays of your faith, i'm going to take that to mean you were exposed to some form of religion earlier in your life. explore what it is that you are battling. sounds like you have a case of "conviction of the soul". find a nondenominational church and listen to the messages. read the bible. pray to god as you understand him. ask for wisdom and the release from your battlement. ask that the burden to "pick a side" be removed, in fact, just turn that battle right over to god, put it in his court, he knows what to do with it. i've worn myself out to tears worrying over this issue for years, and only after letting go and letting god handle it did i feel peace. i hope you may find the peace your soul is searching for.
2006-09-13 17:21:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on how much this bothers you. You are not really alone in experiencing pulls in multiple and seemingly conflicting directions. I don't see anything "wrong" with where you are now -- it seems to suggest an intelligence and character that is open to varieties of experience and might cause you to be a person who is able to bridge a number of divides that other people can't seem to manage.
But if it's troubling you, I think it would help if you could talk this through with someone trained. Someone has suggested a Christian counselor --a good idea, or perhaps even better is a Spiritual Director --these are people who are trained to help you along your spiritual path, no matter what direction it takes for you, so don't be afraid to look into it. Check online or local churches --often there is free or low cost spiritual direction available.
I wish you all the best on this journey!
2006-09-14 00:08:45 · answer #2 · answered by Ponderingwisdom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are balanced between the two extremes. That is a difficult place to be. I went from religious to agnostic in 25 years. It was a very difficult time, the middle was the most difficult.
Over a three month period I wrote my spiritual history and what I believe. For some reason putting it on paper helped. I find myself editing it, fine tuning, but I know what I believe. That does not mean I can't change it later. Best of luck.
2006-09-13 23:36:07 · answer #3 · answered by Ned 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweetness, you need to find a place where you are comfortable. That way the "battle for your soul" becomes a winning one. You could choose something traditional or more spiritual. It all depends on what feels the best to you. I waffled around with traditional religions (even considering becoming a Sister) and then opted for Paganism because that's where I felt the most comfortable and where the values I had were. What I've chosen is not for you necessarily but you need to find your own niche. God's still there and still loves you. Blessings, my child.
2006-09-13 23:29:45 · answer #4 · answered by Mama Otter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to answer a question with a question but, what is it about your faith that you hesitate to observe it rituals and such? Could it be that you are having a hard time with the thought of "organized religion" which can be somewhat stifling to the soul. I personally believe that is what most people question when it comes to the religious practices that they are raised with. It becomes almost a situation where we do these "rituals" with no idea or "heart" as to why we are doing them. I suggest that you open your mind and heart to different forms of religious practice, do some research in to different things and maybe you will find something that speaks to your heart and mind. I believe the Godhead will speak to you regardless of the "practices" that bring you closer to spiritual enlightenment.
2006-09-13 23:32:24 · answer #5 · answered by roaddogs_squeeze 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you have to pick a side at all. I think you need to keep searching until something makes sense to you. Part of you apparently feels that there is some sort of higher power but the religions you have been exposed to so far just don't quite fit with what is in your heart. I felt that way for many years and was searching diligently for the right path for me. Finally I found it and you will too.
2006-09-13 23:29:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
So many people have missed the fact that true christianity is built on a relationship of trust between them and Jesus. The more you step out on faith, the more you learn you can trust Him. A religious system based on only do's and dont's and "religious ritualism (even praying, reading the Bible and going to church can become ritualistic) is destined to fail. He said " come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest". It's a relationship He is calling you to, not dry, dead religiosity.
2006-09-13 23:32:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In romans 11-8 the bible says some are given the spirit of slumber some are not to know in this earth age the truth if they were to learn the truth they might commit the unpardonable sin if you are ignorant of the sin you can't commit it take solice in that!
2006-09-13 23:33:50 · answer #8 · answered by Jimmy B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to find someone who is a pastoral psychotherapist. They are not bound by any religious dogma (otherwise they lose their license), but they are skilled in helping persons on a spiritual quest. If you know where a seminary is, call their counseling program to get a referral to a pastoral psychotherapist.
2006-09-13 23:28:00 · answer #9 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ist get rid of loose thinking on either side by serious investigation. Get into the bible. Start here
God's Gospel:
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10
PAY STRONG ATTENTION TO THIS LAST VERSE AND DO IT.
After that do your serious research as follows
http://www.carm.org/doctrine/100truths.htm
2006-09-13 23:32:24 · answer #10 · answered by rapturefuture 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋