Confused about "religion".....?

Question

I was raised as a Catholic (went to a Catholic school and everything). I'm not really pious but I do believe some of my religion's doctrines. But the wierd thing is the more I dive into my career (scientific reasearch and stuff) and become more rational with the things around me, I am finding the influence of my religion to be less and less. As of now, my religion has become my moral guide and nothing more. Yet, at my toughest times I find myself saying a little prayer. I do believe there is a god. I still have Faith left in me. But sometimes I ask myself, "What if there's no GOD?" And when we die, we just die and become one with the earth. Nothing more. No heaven or hell. It's sorta sad when i look at life like this. So i've been trying to make my life count for something. I do not care about the afterlife, for all i know there's nothing special that will happen to me after i die. But i will leave this world a better place. Not for my legacy, but for my life!

Answer 1

~~~ fond,,,, Just what is it in your Deductive Reasoning that has drawn you to the Conclusion that the only other alternative is Existentialism, just because your Religious God may have no more validity than other religions? Most respectfully, as I too was raised Catholic as a 6yr old convert, this illustrates in you a large Void of Ignorance regarding Comparitive Religion or Philosophy in General. The important thing is to continue your search for Higher Knowledge,,, and Understanding of Yourself. You are on the Right Track,,,Keep your mind open. Your sense of Altruism and living The Golden Rule already indicates an Advanced Sense of Awareness,,,, and Compassion. As in the Scientific Field, so it is in Philosophy,,,, "Knowledge nurtures Understanding ,,,,Understanding nurtures Wisdom" (on this site you will find only glimpses,,,, but we do what we can)

Answer 2

I think we all cross this at some point in our lives. We question why we believe, is He really there, but then those little moments come when we need comfort or peace, and nothing else will satisfy that except Him Who is comfort and peace. I think those are times when our heart speaks to us, telling us the real truth, even when our brain rationalizes differently.

I recently read in the Catechism that science and faith do not oppose each other, but actually support each other. The Catechism pointed out that we actually find God through science. Through the methodology of it, we learn of the beauty and order that came from Him, since He is the creator of all things anyway. A lot of people want to say that science rules out God, asserting that God is really nothing more than superstition and so superstition has no place in a scientific world.

They miss the point because God is not a myth or figment of the imagination. His IS reality. And if He is reality, then all other forms of reality, like the universe, us, creation, will point to Him, even if we happen to use science to see this.

God bless.

Answer 3

But your life does have meaning. You have a purpose in life. Don't lose faith. You said you still have some faith. Faith without works is dead. Show your faith in God by more than praying when times get tough. God appreciates a heartfelt prayer every now and then.
I'm not preaching, I'm just saying that God has a purpose for all his faithful servants out there. He will make this earth we live on right now a paradise one day. And all the wicked ones will be done away with, and the meed ones will inherit the earth. (Psalms 37:9-11)
I think that's a wonderful purpose.
(((((Smile)))))

Answer 4

Well, I don't understand why you still go to the Bible for moral guidance. I mean, when you actually sit down and read the whole thing, well, some of it anyway. You will find so many stupid and contradicting laws that i just doesn't add up. As you do learn and research you will find that your belief in the bible dwindle away, and once you've fully opened your eyes to the truth, you will realize that it is just a book of fable and myth. However, I suggest you realize that now, and not waste your time trying to hold on. If you do, you may become to bitter to still have belief in a supernatural being. I believe that something else must exist or did exist beyond my comprehension. Because when you think about it, anything before and without the concept of time, physics, and space IS beyond our comprehension.

Answer 5

If you like to read (which I hate to!) there is a small book that I think may help. It is called The Mystery by Ray Comfort. It is a small book that I finished in less than one day and is the story of a man's life journey beginning in Europe at the time of the Nazis, going through everything from the death of Martin Luther King, President Kennedy, LSD, the 60s. It talks about everything that a person might have questions about. Try it. Read it. And let me know if it helped you at all. If you have any questions about the Bible, please do not hesitate to email me @ [e-mail]

Theresa

Answer 6

Fist of all, science does not disprove God, and we do not need to focus on the afterlife so much. We need to worry about doing things now to bring about good and to draw closer to God. Perhaps you do die and nothing happens. It will show that everything is truly chemical and our reality and society is just created as an evolutionary trait to help us to thrive. I often find myself caught up in trying to build my legacy or status, but I always feel like something is missing, yet when I am trying to come closer to God. I do not even miss some things that I thought were important before.

Answer 7

not sure what the question is

if you pray, then inside you know that there is more to life than just you and now.... if you use the 'religion' as your moral guide... you must know that there is a right and wrong in things you do?

religion is something you follow, you belong to, you act out...

catholicism is a religion... but Christianity is a way of life... it is knowing who Jesus is, and who God is, and having a relationship with them... it does not require 'membership' in any church.... it does not mean following a doctrine that men put together.... it can be lived without attending services or obligitory days... and it can direct your life daily, with the Holy Spirit guiding you in your decisions.

as for the afterlife.... make sure you are certain what you believe in that... as choosing incorrectly really COULD be a huge shock after we die.... satan does all he can to change us towards his way of thinking...

Answer 8

If you're in doubt ask God "If you are true God, show yourself to me"!

You can't ask in a mocking way though. You have to be really sincere & honestly seeking w/ all your heart. It's usually when you're feeling depressed or hopeless. (Not for everyone but for most)...He will show you!
Here is a verse for you.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Listen to this mans personal testimony. It is an awesome testimony. It's worth to take the time...
http://www.mcleanbible.org/media_player....

Answer 9

You aren't confused, you understand religion as it should be understood. It is a moral guide, it is more for those that need it to be more and less for those that need it to be less. Whether God exists or not, I don't discuss or think about. I do say thanks for all the things I receive in excess, and I feel bad when I do something wrong. Truth of the matter is I think we just die. Heaven and Hell are mindsets. You live your life right or wrong, good or bad, and heaven is when you die knowing you did the right intentioned thing more often than not.

Answer 10

You're pretty close to reality. There is no god, certainly not a "personal" god that listens to your prayers and takes an interest in your well being. Read Sam Harris or Richard Dawkins, they can set you on the right track.