Any advice for a struggling Christian?

Question

I am a teenager who was once a good Christian as a boy. But as I get older, I'm having a harder time believing in all the doctrine. It seems the more I learn about science, the less likely it seems that God exists. But from all the time I've spent in Church, I find it hard to think that God isn't real. I need advice on what to do.

Answer 1

Find a good bible teaching church. Please believe me, they are out there. If you are in a church that teaches the bible truly, the holy spirit will be alive in the people there. You can get into a bible study, start praying again, begin to really read the bible, think about what Jesus had to say about so many things.

I can promise you something, because God promised it first. Jesus said if you abide in Him, He will abide in you. God never lies. If you want to find a way of peace and assurance, have a life that is built on a solid foundation, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Answer 2

Just use your head. Doctrine was created by people - usually well meaning people - yet it is fallable. A lot of the doctrine that the church teaches is based on antiquated science, philosophy, assumptions about the world, phsychology, etc., and it doesn't work anymore in our contemporary context. You sense that God is real, trust that. Still, you sense that the doctrine is suspect, trust that as well. Have a look at a good church history book or a good book on Christian theology and see what you think. I think you will find that the human hand has played a large part in the formation of what your particular church may be telling you that you have to believe. Also, simply because science continues to fill in the gaps where only God was resided, this does not mean God is not there. The Bible does not explain everything (and it gets things wrong in some cases - some would argue in a lot of cases). This does not mean God is not real, it just means that the Bible isn't God. I hope this helps. Anyone who ponders such things as you and is religious has dealt with a similar dillema. You'll figure it out.

Answer 3

Its hard to be a teenager. Being a Christian is so "lame" to other teenagers, and you have to know that you will never fit in with the world. But if you really want to know science, there are thousands of christian scientists. The bible and science are not opposed. The bible is the author of science. There are a lot of good Christian/Science websites. The teenage years are when satan really has an audience, and draws alot of people away. Don't let him win this one. And to let you know, no matter what your age, we are ALL struggling Christians. Not always in the doctrinal sense, but in the fact that we live in a very scary , evil, humanistic world. No one needs to brainwash you. THinking and researching for yourself are good things. Its ok to question, but do so with an open mind and with prayer. The right answers will come to you. Remember the bible says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against angels and principalities and the darkness of this world. Its a real battle. You can't win it alone, PRAY!!!

Answer 4

Here's my take from someone who left Christianity a few months ago.

Remember that the truth is not afraid of scrutiny. It remains truth no matter how many questions you ask. So, if you feel defensive, scared, or like your faith is being threatened, perhaps there's a reason why. Don't let anyone keep you from asking questions and looking for answers.

Another thing to remember - there are thousands of religions and then denominations within those religions. It's not either Christianity or Atheism, full stop. You could also be a Deist, believing in God and not having any religion as well.

I recommend that you read as much as possible, make the truth your goal, and find your truth. If you need to, talk to some ex-Christians - many of whom are atheists... many here helped me. Best of luck.

Answer 5

I would have to say that I love science and God. I wasn't raised with much religion except to call upon him by name when I needed him. As an adult I researched and felt at home with Wicca, when the veil was lifted I joined the PB church. I didn't change any of my beliefs for either religion, I was shown that with Wicca I was worshipping a lessor God. You see there are more than one. The bible also doesn't say anything against science....God wants us to learn he tells us to seek knowledge and that not all truths are revealed in the bible. Always remember that there is much in Science that is theory......I really get comfort from all the astronauts that once they go into space get very religious......you might want to check out biblical archeology too, its a great magazine, much in the earths history proves the stories of the bible......mixing the two has never been an issue for me, how can one look upon the stars or the way a child is conceived and not see the miracle that God created......even in our ability to discover these things....and to question. God doesn't mind questions....I actually think he prefers it.

Answer 6

I'm not sure which type of Christian you are.

I myself am Catholic. I've had a wonderful experience maintaining scientific revelations along with my religion. I also teach Catholicism to Kindergartners, and a few weeks ago the lesson was, "God said let there be light" ... this leaves the possibility open for the Big Bang ... but the basic statement "God said, 'Let there be Light' means he created the Earth, Moon, Sun, Stars, Black holes, Comets ... etc-etc-etc. Same with evolution ... evolution is possible as long as God created evolution. Even “Adult Stem-Cell” research is OK.

All Christians are “The Body of Christ”. So, I would encourage you to discuss this with your church. Logic is the ability to give a thesis … try to disprove it … find good stuff in it … then come to a conclusion (Thomas Aquinas). Give your Church more opportunities to disprove or prove their view. If you’re Catholic too, well there’s ton’s of groups within Catholicism that specialize in different scientific research. You might want to try the Jesuits.

Answer 7

Read some books. Doesn't matter which ones, just read a lot of different books on a lot of different subjects. Don't just take one viewpoint either, get as many as possible. You'll learn all kinds of things that you'll find helpful, most of all is perspecitve. Dont' be afraid to question everything, least of all the beliefs you hold now.

If at the end you rediscover your faith, then you'll be more satisfied with it, and have a truer faith. If, instead, you find you no longer feel the need for faith, you'll be every bit as happy and satisfied. Knowledge is its own reward.

Answer 8

i think of that any courting takes 2 working jointly! Its confusing to label on one component like no longer having intercourse or smoking are the actual subject concerns. What helped me scuffling with an analogous issues which could be working by using your thoughts is do a time line of the courting. you would be truthful with your self even nevertheless you may no longer agree yet little issues variations between you and your spouse. If there are issues which you're able to do like provide up smoking then do it, yet once you do each and every of the failings which you arise with and issues do no longer substitute then you quite can say you probably did your maximum suitable and pass on. Its a shame yet each and every so often we are actually not nicely suited with our companion. It seems such as you're already forgiven her in case you will be that way once you pass your on separate techniques could help interior the healing technique. each and every so often we see others in a difference gentle in the process the courting technique vs being married. look for out help for your self its confusing yet God forgives you because of the fact he loves you. solid success

Answer 9

Wow, you've already received a LOT of good advice already, and I'm just echoing their sentiments.

You're growing in your faith, so what you've been taught while you were younger might not be able to answer the bigger questions you have about your faith. This is a GREAT chance for you to have a deeper and more mature faith based on what you, yourself seek out to find. Something that's always helped me is apologetics. I'll say a pray for your guidance by the Holy Spirit, but don't forget to pray yourself.
God bless ^_^

Answer 10

Trust your heart. Learning is not bad, but you have to keep faith in God. I understand where you are coming from, I went through the same confusions as a teenager. I stopped going to church (protestant), got into Wicca and am now in the process of joining the Catholic Church. I don't regret anything I've done, it has helped me have a deeper faith and trust in God. Because now I have seen for myself that He is the One and Only. But I truly believe I needed to go through all of what I did in order to see that and to fully appreciate it! Trust yourself and most importantly God!