what religion should i be?

Question

i used to be a christian,but now im agnostic. (in other words,i dont know what 2 believe.) i stopped being a christian cause i thought the church was very biased.and i stopped believing,what now???

Answer 1

I thought the responses to this question was interesting. The question was, what religion should I be? A couple of the answers were: Jesus and Try them all. These are not religions. The question was for us to give specific answers. Here is mine.

We were all given the gift of free will. However, whatever we choose will have consequences. Adam and Eve made a choice that was contrary to God in the Garden of Eden and suffered the consequences as a result. Because of this, we are imperfect, we sin, etc. But the question is, what religion should you be?

Just to break the ice, I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I never impose my religion upon anyone, but I will give you some reasons why I became one. First, we let the Bible answer our question. People can say what they want about the bible, but it is the most best-selling book to be distrubuted in almost every language. The statistic is the whole popluation has a Bible in their homes; 80% don't read it. What a shame! As the saying goes, "if you want to hide the answers, put it in a book."

Whatever religion you chose, you have the right to question everything until you get a satisfying answer. For instance, if you were told that the reason why there is so much suffering is because "suffering is God's will and that he long ago determined everything that would ever happen, including tragic events. Many are told that God's ways are mysterious or that he brings death upon people - even children - so that he can have them in heaven with him." That is human philosophy with no biblical basis. That is not what the bible really teaches. In fact, Job 34:10 says, "Far be it from the true God to act wickedly, and the Almighty to act unjustly!"

People also blame Almight God because they think that he is the real ruler of this world. However, is that what the bible really teaches? 1 John 5:19 states that "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one [who is Satan the Devil]." These two examples show that Satan the Devil is the ruler of this world. Satan means Resister and Devil means Slanderer. He is the father of the lie. He ALWAYS lies (See John 8:44). Just look at the crime, violence, acts of terrorism, wars, etc. All of these aforementioned things were foretold thousands of years ago in the Bible (Read Matthew chapter 24 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5). These are scriptures I recommend all to read on why the world is the way it is now.

When we start philosophizing or giving our own opinions when we really should be going to the Bible, we run into problems. Homosexuality, Pre-Marital Sex, Divorce, Marriage, Suffering, Violence, Crime, Holidays, Smoking, Roles of Husbands-Wives-Children in household, Blood, Creation of Earth, Hell, Death, Heaven (how many (in number) go there, Paradise and God's name just to mention a few things the Bible discusses.

I mentioned God's name becaue it is vital to know God's name. Using terms like "God, LORD, The Man Upstairs," are merely titles like "President, King, Prime Minister." Unfortunately, there are translators who took out God's personal name and replaced it with LORD or GOD. If you have a Bible near you, go to Psalm 83:18. Of course, there is the King James Version, Revised Standard, Jerusalem Bible, but here is the New World Translation: "That People may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over all the earth." Therefore, Jehovah is God's personal name and He wants us to use it. Just as you would like people to use your personal name instead of "hey you, sir/madam, yo, etc." It would be disrespectful to you. Similarly, we need to use God's personal name.

Jehovah's Witnesses do a ton of research. Many say that we do not read other people's books. Some of our places of worship, which we call "Kingdom Halls" have the Torah, Koran, Jerusalem Bible, King James, Revised Standard, Living Bible because these books are used as references in our Watchtower and AWAKE! Magazines. Our name Jehovah's Witnesses is exactly what is says, we witness to others (via door-to-door) about Jehovah God. We are known worldwide. Our trademark is "preaching the good news to all the inhabited earth." (Matthew 24:14).

Many newcomers notice that there is no collection plate passed around during the meeting. There are designated contribution boxes in our Kingdom Halls for "The Worldwide Work" in support of our preaching work. Therefore, when someone gives us a contribution, we put the $$$ in that box. There is another box called, "Kingdom Hall Maintenance." These funds are used for the upkeep of the Kingdom Hall. To pay those monthly bills and keep the lights and heat on. No one is forced to give money because "Jehovah loves a cheeful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) The other box is called, "Kingdom Hall Building Fund." These funds are sent to our Branch Office Headquarters in Brooklyn, NY for the construction and building of future Kingdom Halls anywhere around the world.

These funds are not for one's personal gain. This is unlike the preachers and pastors in the churches, who take advantage of their parishoners by using $$$ that should go for their church but instead goes into the preacher's pocket and he has a big house and expensive car. There are JW's who are wealthy-rich, but you would not know it. There is nothing wrong with a nice home, nice car and material possessions. However, JW's should not flaunt about it. I would say that they do not, but there are some they do and they are given counsel on that by the elders. JW's worked hard for that money and still put Jehovah first in their lives (Matthew 6:33).

There are no images in our Kingdom Halls because Exodus 20:4,5 says, "You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them, because I am Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion..."

The scriptures give solace on the condition of the dead. They cannot hurt, harm, punish, condem, haunt the living. Ecclesiastes 9:5 says "for the living are conscious that they will die, but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten." Clear and simple. The dead are just in a deep sleep without dreams awaiting their resurrection (John 5:28, 29 and Acts 24:15).

That is just a premise of what Jehovah's Witnesses believe. Our beliefs are based on God's Word the Holy Bible. We are admonished to read it daily (Psalm 1:1-3). If you ever hear a knock on your door by any one of Jehovah's Witnesses, listen to them and if you have any questions, please raise them. Nothing makes us more happy when preaching that to answer the questions of those asking because you will be surprised what the bible really teaches. Remember, they may not have all of the answers at that present time, but they can do additional research themselves and come back and give you a satisfying answer from the Bible. In fact, we have a publication entitled, What Does The Bible Really Teach and it goes into some of the questions posed by people like you and are answered scripturally.

I hope this message, although long provided you with a starting point. The scriptures does encourage us to use our "thinking ability." (Proverbs 3:21). Thank you for your time and courtesy regarding this matter and I hope that your search is successful.

Answer 2

You should not be ANY "religion". Search instead for the same mysteries the church originally sought. The answers are there for all who will seek them out. There are no "secrets" in God's nature, only mysteries. Concealed from the eyes of the profane yes, but willingly revealed to any who seek wisdom with an innocent heart. Once you set foot on the path the doors will open before you each in it's own time. But be cautioned, you must search in solitude, and that which you will be shown will be for your eyes only. When the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear. God speed.

Answer 3

You need to follow your heart. However, I would suggest that if the only reason you stopped being "Christian" was because you thought the church was biased, maybe you should try a different sect of Christianity.

Methodists and Lutherans are, in my experience, the least confusing/biased when it comes to all matters of faith.

By the way, I'm Catholic. And while I recognize the inherent biases in the Church, I choose to follow the faith.

Good luck. I hope you find what you're looking for.

Answer 4

Well, the first question should be 'do I want to be part of a religion?' answer this honestly. Don't be afraid to not be part of anything for a while. Research different things, read up on EVERYTHING. Perhaps consider writing notes in a book so that you have a record of everything you've read/seen/discussed. Don't be scared of talking to people about their faith. Be openminded.

Answer 5

First off, if your looking to go to heaven, stop thinking that religion is going to get you there.
Second, if you are looking for a religion that teaches you what you want to hear, you'll find the wrong one.
Listen to your conscience, and not your heart.
If you want to assure a place with God, do not blaspheme the holy spirit, forgive, and you will be forgiven, judge not, and you will not be judged, and remember and believe that Jesus is not God, but the begotten son of God.
Worship no idols, and have no other God before you.
God bless, and good luck.

Answer 6

Well it's true that you can be whatever you want to be. I understand having doubts and cynicism - you will encounter that on ANY faith journey. But I must say that I am sticking with Christianity. I hope you can read the apologetics work of CS Lewis and Josh McDowell. While not perfect, they are great food for thought. It's okay to disagree with your church too; it might be healthy to switch to a new one - I like the non-denominational ones. You can still be a liberal Christian if you feel things were getting too fundie for you.

Answer 7

The focus of all Christianity, at its core, is Christ and him crucified. Never leave that! There is room to practice many different things, drink or not, vegetarian or not, music or not, long hair or not. But hold on to salvation and forgiveness, which comes only through Jesus Christ, and him Crucified. Please read Gospel of John, chapter 14, verses 1 through 3 (and a little more, probably through verse 6). This section has become very important to me. Its become my life verse. "Do not let your heart be troubled, trust in God, trust also in me (Jesus). ....."

Hang in there! LOLv

Answer 8

Do you want to be in a religion? Cause that should be the first question. Then you should research and choose one that matches your values closely and try getting involved for a while before making any huge descisions.

Answer 9

You can't choose a religion, so we can't choose for you either. A religion comes from a person's beliefs, meaning, the religion you choose to be depends on what you believe in.

Answer 10

All= Islam read what God saying about that issue:
"Say: we believe in God and in what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il: Isaac, Jacob and The Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus and the Prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another, among them, and to God do we bow our will (in Islam)." (Qur'an, Al-Imran 3:84)