Unsure about my religion?

Question

I am 15 years old and have been brought up as a Catholic. I've always believed in my religion, as this is what I've been taught is true. However, now that I have learnt more about my religion, I'm starting to see loads of things about it that I don't agree with. For example, the bible is extremely hypocritical, women are still treated as inferior, God is suppossed to love us all but will send you to Hell if you are bad . . . . . . I feel really bad even thinking this stuff because it goes against everything I've grown up being told, but I'm really not sure that Catholisism is right for me.
I do believe in a God, and that he made and loved us all.
I believe in a Heaven that you go to after you die
I believe in the messages that my religion teaches, love, forgiveness, kindness, peace, faith and hope.
However, I can't help thinking that this isn't the right religion for me.
I want to follow God, but I want to do it in a way that's right for me. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much everyone - I really appreciate all your comments. I've chosen this answer because in one way, I think this person is right. I guess I will always believe certain aspects of Catholisism, as I have been brought up to believe them. However, theres always the option to explore other religions, which I think will help me to find one that's right for me (as many of you suggested). It really has helped to hear other people's veiws and opinions, so, thanks again, Star

Answer 1

Hon, if you were 'brought up' a Catholic, you'll always 'be' a Catholic ... and you are now at an age when people begin to question all of the 'authority' in their lives. That can be a 'very good experience' for you and I suggest that you try going to a few 'different' churches ... even to a Jewish synagogue, a Muslim mosque, and a Buddhist Temple ... and be 'open' and ask as many 'questions' as you can about that religion. Get some books about other religions and study them ... and be sure that you tell your parents that this is just you 'exploring' these religions and that you aren't about to 'stop being Catholic' ... you just want to learn from 'the other side' what it means to be of another religion. You are 'too young' to consider changing your religion at this point, but at some point when you are older you may want to do that ... and that can be a 'good thing' too, as long as even after you change you keep 'learning' all that you can about as many different 'religions' as possible. Eventually you will 'know' whether you are still a Catholic in your heart and in your head or not ... and that is when you may 'decide' to join another religion, but you should never stop asking questions and 'doing research.' EVER.
I've been a Methodist, a Vedantist (Hindu sect that counts Christ as an 'avatar' of God), a Vietnamese Buddhist, and Episcopalian ... and even while I was a 'good Episcopalian' I was offered 'ordination' into the Baptist Church because I knew so much about 'religions in general' ... and I am now a Catholic. I know that Catholicism is 'home' to me, but I still 'research and explore' other religions ... and I have the feeling that you are going to be much the same as I am and always was ... and the world actually needs more of 'us' to help make this world a 'good place for all people of all faiths' to live in harmony and peace. GOOD LUCK. I know God will 'look out for you' ...

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong in questioning your faith. When you get down to it, the beliefs you have mentioned are all that really matter.

The problem with Christianity is that is has been added to and altered across time. This means that a lot of what is in the Bible has lost its original meaning. Essentially, it is out of context. The bible was never meant to be put together in one book. It is the result of centuries of histories, personal theories and retellings. The bible was put together in the 3rd century AD to stop the new Christians getting confused about Jesus' true nature. Before this there were many books about Jesus, as well as the Jewish scriptures of the old testament. Some books were not included, others were edited. This is why the bible often seems to contradict itself.

I see no reason why you can't follow your own spiritual path. There are many religions out there, but the majority of the bigger ones have the same issues. I had the same problem when I was your age. Too many rules, too many contradictions. Too much emphasis on everyone being sinful and bad.Try looking into faiths that put more emphasis on the way you live your life, rather than what will happen in the next world - like Buddhism and Paganism. You could also simply follow your own philosophy. After all, Jesus himself was a religious reformer. He said you have to listen to that still, small voice inside you. You will know when you find the right path for you.

You sound like a good person and it is impressive that you have put so much thought into this. I am sure that your God will always love you, as long as you are the best person you can be.

Answer 3

Take a step back from religion, and keep your faith in God, man has changed and twisted much of the words of God, if i was you i would take your time and have a look at the many religions there are, remember they are all man made, i would look to see what one offers you the most, there are some you should not even think about, but you must decide, many of the religions teach Love, forgiveness, kindness, peace, faith, and hope, some have a price tag attached to it, some will tell you that if you don't as it says you will not go to the kingdom of God, so seek out what suits you, and make up your own mind, I am a Spiritualist and when i say that people always start to think about ghost hunting, talking to the dead, its not like that at all, but that is the way it is often twisted by others, so i say again check out some in your own time, and then if you feel the need to follow a religion chose one, but don't lose faith..

Love & Peace

Answer 4

Although not a religious person, I feel inclined to comment. Personally, I am a failed Christian and an apathetic Buddhist. I was brought up in a non-religious household, but was told that if ever I wanted to believe then I could choose to follow whatever I wanted. I follow my own faith in what I feel is right, rather than look at words that have been written down for thousands of years. What may have applied then may work differently now. I would say that as long as you feel close to your chosen deity in your life, then adapt the religion to your tastes. At the end of the day, none of us are born with religion implanted into us, its what we learn from others around us and maybe its time that we took the various aspects we feel apply to us into a religion that suits ourselves.

"God is suppossed to love us all but will send you to Hell if you are bad"
Thats what really put me off Christianity too, I got the distinct impression when I read the Bible that I had to live my life as intended by the Bible. I couldnt be myself, I couldnt express myself. Homosexuality is a big no no according to the Bible, but I was bisexual for a long while and I believe that at that point that was who I was supposed to be. Being forever tortured in Hell for something that I truely believe was supposed to happen to me didnt seem fair. So I dropped out of Christianity.

I think overall what i'm trying to say is, as long as you live your life happy, safely and securely, theres no reason to suggest you wouldnt go to Heaven. Its natural to question so I wouldnt worry to much about that, but if you find that its not working out see if you can have faith in something that takes elements from others.

The Bible is one interpretation of the word of God, not necessarily the right one.

ETA: a few people above me have made very good points about the Bible becoming a little messed up over time, I agree with that. The Bible has been added to and interpreted in different ways over time, as well as translated.

Answer 5

Any religion based on the bible will be Machist as it was written by men of the 10th Century. Although some forms of christianity hold women in higher esteem, none truely appreciate the influence of Mary Magdalene in Jesus' life. Without her he would have been just another lonely, angry person fighting the powers that be in his time.
If you question your beliefs, don't accept another system just because you think you need to. Now that you have an open mind explore all the writings there are on higher beings: Buddhism, Hinduism, and other Asian-based theories. I wouldn't recommend Jewism nor Muslim because they are more male-favoured than Catholicism.
You are very smart in taking what you believe from Catholicism, the moral teachings are invaluable. Now you can read others and take what you believe from them as well. Knowledge will ultimately set you free.
Good Luck!

Answer 6

It may be a good idea to visit a few different churches, catholic/protestant/baptist etc and see if you like the way they operate any better. A decent priest will make time to talk to you and answer your questions, or maybe direct you to someone you can talk to within that church.
I would avoid the 'cult' type churches as they dont really preach what you already believe and it may be restricting for you.
It is also ok to question your religion and beliefs. I think if youve been brought up in a certain church it can become automatic to believe what youre told, but if you find things out for yourself I think it gives you a deeper level of faith.

Answer 7

Hi,Star! It's really a thrill to me reading your lines, written by a 15 yo girl, of/in a Country full of religions and beliefs! I am old enough
to bare quite an experience–especially in the field of religionness!
1st of all, you should believe what's real,true to you! All major reli gions /branches of Christianity or Muslim or Buddhism, meant to
teach a way of life/livingness-not to install Churches and worship
ping rules! Why not trying to leed a life according some rules you think fit to your temper and character?
One good suggestion to follow would be the following one:
Be at cause over life; do things that can enhance your surround
ings and create a sane ambiance.Do not let anyone falsify your beliefs nor forge your affinity. Be firm at your opinions and always ask for proofs. Give help where is honestly needed and always be at exchange. Don't feel sorry to harm anything for a honest reason and always praise the good and constructive action. Don't lie and rehabilitate the liar.Be honest to yourself. Put up few targets to reach and work toward its achievement. Take care of your body, don't drink in excess, don't consume drugs or havy farmaceutical pills. Read good books and respect those who des erve it!
This is a...religion form you may follow with safety!
Ciao.......John-John.

Answer 8

If you want to really follow God, avoid organised religion. There is some truth in almost every religion, the trick is to find and extract it. Organised religion, with its ritual and pointless commandments, is usually a product of the human mind, and it acts as a barrier between you and Him. God would not be so petty. You must take what comes from God - such as the love, forgiveness, kindness, peace, faith and hope - and discard the product of the clergy.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Please read 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins.

It seems to me you would find it interesting and enlightening.

I also note that you write:

"I am 15 years old and have been brought up as a Catholic. I've always believed in my religion, as this is what I've been taught is true."

Well, I'm sure that's a good reason for believing what you do, isn't it? If you were brought up as a Muslim, Hindu or Sikh the same would apply...

Answer 10

Hey it's perfectly normal to question . It's good that you are reading the scriptures. A lot of my friends that grew up in the Catholic church never read the bible much. They resented that as they got older. It sounds like your belief system is quite secure. Try some interdenominational churches . Bible study will be key for you as you get older. You will realize that what seems hypocritical is not really that way at all . God made a way for all of us to be with Him in Heaven. He sent His son to die for us. Don't be so bogged down with religion, just work on a personal relationship with Christ. A lot of folks are caught up in religion and are completely lost. I wish you the best in your search.