How do I figure out what religion I am/should follow?

Question

I was raised Lutheran (christian) and strayed from that in my early teens, shortly after I was confirmed. Mostly because I felt the large church was impersonal and never really felt like I had a relationship with my spiritual side while in the lutheran church. I studied paganism for a number of years, but never truly felt as though that touched my heart and always felt as though there was something missing. So now, here I am, closing in on 30, with no concept of religion and no spiritual community. I feel very lost.

Can I just call local religious leaders and ask to talk with them? Will they talk with me openly without forcing their beliefs on me? Give me some ideas folks! I'm tired of wandering.

Answer 1

do your research! try looking up the religions that interest you the most. also not a bad idea to check out the kinds of churches you got near you

Answer 2

You need to attend Hare Krsna Love Feasts if you do not already do so. If there is none close enough than reach them over the internet.

If a religious leader is not to your liking then I guess they are not the right people. Some can come on rather strong. And many groups may say their way is the only way. We need to really think that over.

There is no magic way, You may have to do some work to get there. In other words, we cannot depend too much on being "saved". There are a lot of groups that offer that.

There are two basic concerns in any really theistic religion that believes in one Supreme Being. Those two concerns are godly virtues and our relationship with God. We see in all religious teachings different ways of presenting godly virtues, virtues, ethics, morals, and positive thinking. You can look at the Jewish law, the Bible, the Koran, the teachings of Buddha, the Hindu plethora of beliefs and so on. We need to look for these two concerns in whatever teachings we are looking at.

We also see a tendency to explain how to cope with various concerns in our spiritual advancement. For instance, we see that we have extreme ideals recommended, but if you cannot do that then try this less extreme, and if that isn't easy enough than try this other less extreme idea. Eventually, they may just have you giving in charity and continuuing your religious studies.

DHARMA organization is trying to help people with questions like this. Call, write, or email for unbiased assistance.

Answer 3

Have you ever considered why you haven't committed to a particular religion? Maybe it's because with each one there are conflicting views. Some beliefs of a particular religion may coincide with your own beliefs while other ideas of that same religion may be inconsistent with your own. This says a lot about who you are. It doesn't, however, make you an incomplete person. You know yourself better than anyone. Staking a claim in religion is not only unnecessary, it should not define you as a person. Do not let someone else tell you what you believe. You have your own opinions and you should consider keeping them.

Answer 4

I know my answer may sound stupid or childish to many people, but I'll go ahead and say it anyways. I invite you to read more on Islam with the guidance of a moderate Muslim scientist or preacher. This religion is for everybody and is very peaceful, respectable and logical.

I know i will be getting thumbs down for my answer, many of them indeed.

I know some English agnostic friends who were totally lost, but eventually have sought peace through this religion and reverted.

Islam is the third religion after Judaism and Christianity. It respects both religions, but asks Muslims to be aware of the major changes that have been done in their original scriptures by the hands of Jewish and Christian religious figures.

Just as a rule, if you really wanna know about Islam, go back to the scriptures and don't judge this religion on Muslims as they could be the worst image of Islam owing to their total ignorance and misconceptions. Muslims tend to mix illogical traditions with the real concepts of Islam.

After all, as my religion says, we cannot force you to follow any religion as it's your own freedom of will and choice.

Answer 5

I pretty much went through the same thing. Was raised Methodist, wasn't into it. Wicca sounded neat, but I never really got into it. We're what I like to call, "lazy religious people". You're kinda looking for something, that doesn't take too much work, and people don't bug you all the time. It's pretty much called agnostic. There's something out there, maybe, but I don't really feel like getting into it.

Answer 6

Keep searching for the one that makes you feel comfortable. In some cases, you could choose one faith, but different churches of that same faith operate differently and may not be what you're looking for. Most church leaders are open to such discussion, so don't be concerned...and they don't usually want to force their beliefs on you.

Personally, I'm Jewish because I was born Jewish, but I remember asking my dad in the synagogue once...why are we Jewish? He said, "When you grow up, I want you to be able to choose whatever you want to be. Be whatever makes you happy."

I've been away from Judaism since 1971, when he died, but I returned to the synagogue to start practicing again last year.

Answer 7

Just go to random churches and other religious places and see where you feel called to go.
If you do want to stay with Christianity then as I said go to random churches and just visit. It seems like you'd like smaller churches better so stay away from large churches. Go were you feel led by God and he will show you.

Now I really hope you go with Christianity but you may not want to, but then you're on your own from there as far as I can tell you.
Good luck :)

Answer 8

One thing that you might try is study the beliefs of different religions to see which one you can relate to the most. It is probably the one that you would be most happy with. If you can relate to a religions beliefs then you will feel more of a part of them.

Answer 9

I recommend that first you have an open heart and start reading and educating yourslef with the religions and maybe sit with those people who truly can give you proper information and then just talk to God adn ask him to lead you to the proper path the one where you will find peace and tranquility, one which will answer all your questions and give you a complete way of life. But please look into proper sources don't be influenced by people on this chat or in the media : talk to qualified persons and read proper genuine books. Good luck you will be there and it will be the best finding you will ever fall upon. truly yours a muslim

Answer 10

If you go to different churches, they will pass on their personal beliefs to you. For christians, the Bible is the only source of truth. You need to know what the Bible says for yourself. That doesn't mean you have to memorize the whole thing. I would like to send you 3 documents I have concerning the plan of salvation. All is based on scripture. You can look at them, comparing the words with the Bible itself - then you decide if it makes sense or not.
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