I think I need religion?

Question

First of all, no offense, but I definitly do not want to be a Christian or Muslim. Both religions are definitly not for me.

I am going though a lot of problems right now. I had a parent die a couple years ago. Since them my husband and I have gone though a lot of problems.

I have depression and anxiety which I definitly don't want to use medicine for. I try to manage it on my own but it's exhausting.

When things weren't so good with my husband and I, I kissed 2 guys within a 6 month span. I told him about it, and he wanted to work things out, luckily for me. I would never do it again. It's been over a year, and he still suffers because of it.
I feel extremely guilty still, to the point that I don't feel good about myself a lot of the time. Since I know it still bothers him, I feel like nothing will make me stop feeling guilty.
I consider myself a spiritual person, because I have a deep spiritual connection to nature. I used to be a Christian, and had a good relationship with ->

God. I felt I was never alone. But I know believe I was personifying the elements of nature. I'm not sure what I believe, but I don't believe in the god of the bible. I miss that comfort though, but I just don't believe in it anymore. I could use some extra strength to get though this tough time. I have a lot of financial problems right now as well. I feel tired and run down.

Is there any other religion where a god can give you strength?

Answer 1

I am sorry to hear of your great distresses. Perhaps you are partially right in that your good relationship with God was not so strong as you may have thought but how can you give up the One true God? It is true many have turned away but remember Peter's confession, Lord to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life and we believe and are sure that thou art the Holy One of God the Son of the living God. You must surely know that the other religions are but man made and ultimately empty? That there is salvation in no other and that His name is the only name under heaven whreby we must be saved?

Have you considered that God may be taking you through this crisis to break something not sound in order to remake and give you something much more precious?

If we face things in our own strength we must ultimately fail but if we can learn to depend on Him, especially in the worst times, He will not only bring us through but work the faith of true gold and build a spiritual character fitting for heaven.

Do not despair but take again His yoke that He may bear the burden for you.Matthew 11/28-30. Learn afresh a true and permanent faith that carries you through the fires of affliction, 1 Peter 1/7

Is this not a trial of faith?

Think it not some strange thing concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing is happening to you, rather rejoice that you are a partaker of Christ's sufferings that when His glory is revealed you will be glad with exceeding joy.

His anger endures but a moment, in His favour is life. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.

You are not alone, many brothers and sisters in Christ must experience such severe trials such as is common to us and our calling and would expire or despair under it but for His grace.

Think on what Paul told us, that severe as they may be, our sufferings are not to be compared and are but slight affliction but for a moment working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory if only we could see aright.

I leave you with some other Scriptures, may they help.

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Answer 2

No... to answer your question. You need to draw strength from yourself. You didn't mention if you exercise... try doing a lot more physical activity. Start slow... 30 minutes a day of just walking. Exercise can and will make you feel better about everything. I think the stress of what you are feeling is what exhausts you. Use exercise to get through that. With any luck, the clarity that comes after a good exercise will help you work through some of your other issues. Bottom line- start with you. Realize how smart you are and how you can think past this hangup with needing a crutch. Draw strength from knowing yourself, and how you fit into the world around you. If anything needs to change- change it.

Best wishes

Answer 3

Well, you seem to still believe in a God, so that's one thing! Many people, believers, go through these awful, 'dry' periods of doubting, losing their way and feeling lost...but you'll come out of it soon. Just pray to God...without pinning a label on Him (Jew, Christian or whatever). He's there for us all! Pray with your heart, tell Him how you feel, Do it every day, as many times a day as you can, wherever you are, in the bus, washing up etc., He's always there. Soon you'll start to feel a difference and things will seem clearer. Ask for forgiveness. You'll get it. Your actual circumstances may not change much, but your inner being will. You'll be able to cope, your mind will be clearer and you will start to feel you have a relationship with God. That's the main thing.

Answer 4

I'm a devotee of Amma (Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi). She was the one that gave me unconditional love, direction, guidiance, healing and inspiration. Ever since I met her and had several darshans (audience with a holy person) the past year and half, I am a changed person. Amma helped me find the right religion/path that fit me perfectly for my needs. She does not tell anyone which religion or path to follow, but rather she helps you find it. Really her religion is love and is a true example of it. People of all religious backgrounds, non-religions, whether they believe in something or not have found more about who they are within after spending time with Amma.

All Amma does is give every one who have darshan with her a hug. But these are not ordinary hugs. They are transformational. Amma purifies you inside, purging the old, bringing to surface your true essence. No one has ever inspired me to be the best as much as Amma has done. Ever since I've been reading her teachings (dialogues), I started volunteering in my community, became less angry, felt so much more love, confidence and beauty within myself, and everything that happens in my life feels like it is meant to be. I had found what I had been looking for spiritually and religiously for nearly 17 years. No there is no need to search anymore. I get it all from Amma.

She comes to the USA for two months every June and July, and it's free to meet her and spend time around her. Or you can ask her directly by praying to her for guidiance, and she'll help you. I've had so many proof of Amma hearing my every thought and prayers which you can read on myspace page http://www.myspace.com/iloveamma

Many people when looking at pictures of Amma feel an instant pull towards her.

Answer 5

A belief in G-d doesn't require a religion. G-d comes from within and not from ANY outside source. If you are a spiritual person then G-d knows it. There are many religions and religious beliefs that you may be interested in. Judea-Christian are very popular but not the end-all and be-all of beliefs. Hinduism and Buddhism are out there too! Go to your local library and look up religion. Find something that you can relate to and go with it. I have done alot of research in a quest of "trying to find myself" and the what I have discovered in almost all religions is being at peace with yourself and being at peace with the world around you. Good luck and may G-d be with you.

Answer 6

Honey, you don't need a religion. I was Christian too, but broke away. I had a lot of guilt issues that I couldn't resolve because of my 'christian' beliefs. And like you, my self-esteem was shot. One of the best books I read was "Mother God". I was able to understand God, who/what he/she is, who I really am, and learn that we're all connected. Your spiritual connectedness to nature is because you and nature are both connected. There's also some really good spiritual yahoo groups, mystic blue spirit, is one of them. I've learned alot from the posts in there. Whatever path you decide to follow, follow your heart. It will lead you to where you need to be. I hope this helps a little bit and I hope you find what it is that you're looking for to grow spiritually.

Answer 7

I think its just peoples belief in god that gives them the strength in the religious way,its been proven that people that believe in god are generally happier.Im sure theyre good things in life that youve been blessed with,do you ever think someone is watching over you and have faith in that?Im not religious at all,infact i dont really like set religions,i believe there is something though,that someone is looking over me etc and thats enough for me,i dont need to go to church or anything.You must have your own beliefs that comfort you,not just what you were told to believe as a christian?

Answer 8

You don't need to be in ANY nominalized religion. If Nature is what you can connect to, if that's what is making sense, then go with it. Whatever you do, don't forget the people in your life that are there for you RIGHT NOW, right in front of your face. From your question, it sounds to me as if you're looking for an escape. Just remember there are a lot of people and organizations (like scientology) that prey on people's vulnerabilities just like yours- a lot of wrong roads you can travel down. Immerse yourself in your life, don't try to seek a way out of it.

Answer 9

You DO NOT need a religion, you need Faith and a relationship with God
I did not want to take medication for my depression either but finally gave in. Made a world of difference. I only take a small dose 25 mg of Zoloft. It calmed me down so God could communicate easier with me.

Let go and let God

Answer 10

Hinduism. It is a great religion, that is all about peace, and nothing is forced in it. It is so not forcing, that there is no way of formally converting to be a Hindu. It is all in the mind. In Hinduism, you can only be Hindu, if it is in your mind and soul. You have Catholic schools, you have Musilm schools, you have Jewish schools. But you never see grade schools based on Hinduism. It can help. You will always get what you want in life, as long as you practice good Karma.

God Bless.

By the way. Don't listen to what ANYONE tells you about Hinduism being polytheistic. Only Hindus, who have read the Gita know why there are many Gods. NOT POLYTHEISTIC. In short: Hindus have many Gods to interpretate their ONE God. Showing that God can put him or herself into multiple figures for each of his or her "elements".

It's like Chemisty. Not one element makes up life, but several different ones do.

Answer 11

Perhaps the things that plague you now are Gods way of bringing you back to Himself. You sound angry at God and I believe you are running away from Him. Perhaps He will let you run for awhile until you finally exhaust yourself and repent.
As a christian you should know that God will never leave you, no matter how far you run, he will always be ahead of you. You want that guilt to go away? Let me say that it is misplaced guilt.
You are mad at God and yet He has placed this guilt in your heart to stir your soul. Quit looking to the world for comfort and answers. You already know there is only one place to find them. Stop struggling with God, get on your knees and ask Him to forgive you of this rebelliousness. God cannot bless you if you are running away. He can stay next to you, but your blessings will only come when you stand still long enough to hear His voice and get your heart right with Him again. God wants to fix everthing for you, God wants you to be happy and prosperous.
He is waiting for you and He loves you more than ever.
I hope your search brings you back to Jesus Christ soon.
I too was rebellious for many years. Now looking back I see all the pain and suffering my unbelief and rebelliousness brought me. I had dug a huge hole for myself and then when I couldn't see the light of day anymore, my whole world was collapsing around me, I cried out to God and He said to me: Why do you shout? I am right here next to you.
I have no idea what you are going through, all I know is the things I was doing were very sinful and even though God saved me, I still have some consequences of those sins, and rightfully so.
I went through my darkness for 7 years. I think now where I should be, compared to where I am now. But thanks to Christ Jesus, I can once again stand tall before God Almighty and appear white as snow, as if I never sinned. I am sorry for all you are going through, but I know Christ Jesus is the Savior of the world. He proved it to me, time and time again.
Praise the Holy Name of Jesus!!
I will pray for you as I do others on this site.
I will tell you from personal experience, things will not get better, until you bring it all to Jesus and lay it at the foot of the cross.
Let God heal every area of your life. He wants to. Will You let Him? God Bless You......Peace