Questioning faith?

Question

I have recently been questioning my faith in Christianity. I know that God dosen't give proof on demand, but I don't feel right right in my belief without it. I almost feel as if I have been faking my devotion 'cause that is what I am suppose to believe, and this dosn't seem right. I have been trying to learn a lot about Buddhism and it interests me, yet not exactly as a religion. If I don't feel right worshipping a Christian god, a Buddhist god won't work either. Anyway I ask this just to see if anyone else out there has gone through this and how they handled it. Please no preaching, that kind of turns me off any religion. Thanks for your help.

I know that Buddhism is not always a religion, but a way of life or philosophy. I added that part about worshipping a Buddhist god to say that I am not interested in a Buddhism as a religion.
Thanks for the answers anyway.

Answer 1

The fact that you're questioning your faith is more than most people do, and it's great that you're doing this. It makes your faith, and your struggle to define what you believe and why, more personal and more real. I grew up going to church, but it wasn't until I was 15 and on the verge of suicide that I came to the point where I stopped living off of my parents' faith and started living on mine. There's no such thing as secondhand faith, and I had to learn this the hard way. But learning the hard way has taught me things about perseverance and persistence in seeking to know God's will that I never would've seen if I hadn't struggled. Check out a little about my life at the first link below, and feel free to PM me if you'd like. Take care.

Answer 2

Hi, Haiku Katie. Questioning your faith is very natural--and healthy. If you just believe something because that's what grandma said, your understanding is never going to get very deep. That said, since you've posted your question here I imagine that you understand just how painful such doubting can be.

I could give a better answer if I knew what you were questioning. The existence of any higher power? The existence of a personal God (as opposed to an impersonal force)? The divinity of Jesus? In any of those events, I would recommend you check out some of the works of theologian and philosopher William Lane Craig. I see your user page indicates you're interested in philosophy, so you will probably appreciate his intellectual and scholarly approach to the many issues involved.

Craig has debated some notable atheists and agnostics on a variety of topics, including the existence of God, the truth of Christianity, the Problem of Evil, etc. Many of the debates are available in full text from his website. I'd say that's a good way to get both sides.

Feel free to e-mail me. I might be able to suggest some books that you would find informative. You're dealing with important questions and it's worth putting effort into your search.

Answer 3

I tried to convert to Christianity when I was around 14 or 15 but I just couldn't do it. There were too many problems that I had with the religion, things that just didn't make sense. I've called myself nonreligious ever since. Lately I've been exploring Buddhism, though; I think that faith (I don't even really like to call it a religion) has a lot of great stuff in it. I don't know too much about it yet, but it seems to be very peaceful.

Answer 4

Hi, Buddhism does not teach about God. I have never been able to picture 'God' or in any way create a satisfying idea of God.

So Buddhism fit me better than the theist religions.

Try here for some basics on Buddhism, it is more 'mind training' and 'philosophy' then religion, but that may appeal to you.

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/basic-guide.htm

Answer 5

Congratulations. You've made it this far. Whatever you end up choosing you'll be the stronger for it.

When I went through this, I ended up on the atheist side of the fence. I saw that religion as I'd seen it could only pervert faith, and that faith wasn't really something that matched with me. I thought it through, passed through an agnostic phase, and finally settled where I am now.

A couple of things to keep in mind. You're having trouble with believing in God now, but if you do end up going back to theism, you don't have to associate yourself with a religion. It's not necessary to take the entirety of a religion onto yourself. Shop around, take what you like, and if you do end up with a group you like, go ahead and join them.

Also, I'd say work out the core of things on your own. Reflect on them and find answers that way. Once you've got certain essentials worked out, take a look around to see what you can gain from others' philosophies/religions.

Answer 6

The word worship means to show honor and respect, and to show honor and respect to GOD is loving Him. You was probably introduced to God with the promise of a better life, and that is not what Jesus' purpose was for. He came so that you wouldn't have to feel the way you do now, forever. He wants you to learn to love Him the way He loves you, and that only come from Him. You dout that He is the true and only God. Stop asking the preacher if God is God, and ask God. Sorry if I am preaching.

Answer 7

The best advice I can give you is to go through the scriptures of all major religons. May be you find answer in one of them. I am a Muslim, and became one only by selecting Quran as the one which gave me conclusive proof. I would suggest you go through the English translation of the Quran, and once you are done, go to www.irf.net. There you to go the section, where scholars try to prove scientifically that Quran is the word of GOD. I dont mean to preach you, but only to provide you an option. Side by side, read all other religous books, but the side ones, the one main book of each religon. If you are still not convinced, then pray to GOD to show you the right path to truth. May GOD open your heart to truth GOD BLESS.

Answer 8

For awhile several years ago, when I drank often, I turned my back on God. Now that I am older, and sober, I have found a new purpose in life with God. I believe that since you are questioning your faith that you are being challenged a little.
I have my trying days still, it hasn't been all a bed of roses.

I suggest you talk to your Pastor or somebody in your religion that is strong in their faith to help you through this troubled time.

Answer 9

I understand your need to explore other faiths. Ironically when I attended a Buddist group, I found that the session was a lot like a Christian youth meeting. Testamonies about chanting instead of Jesus. Most there didn't have a church background, and couldn't appreciate how alike they were.

In the long run I found my basic faith in Christ couldn't be replaced. I just needed to find a Church with the right message.

Answer 10

I too am having a crisis of faith
and there is no "g-d" in Buddhism.
Religion can be a dangerous thing as people go in many directions with it.
I find that spiritual paths that are about a sense of unity in humankind are more soul nurturing then religion which often puts a wedge between people.