Is it wise to restore your faltering faith...?

Question

... or are your periods of back-sliding better spent by exploration of other options.

Wouldn't you agree that the validity of your beliefs are, at the very least, doubtful if they are frequently in need of restoration? And, isn't this naturally occuring unrest within you a reason enough to cause you to pause and reconsider other possibilities rather than making a hasty retreat to the same familiar trench?

Answer 1

I expect most people to say their religion is the way to go, but the truth is that you should believe in whatever makes you a better person and what comforts you. There's a saying I've always liked in situations like this. "Religions are like flashlights. Choose the one that helps you see clearest in the dark."

If you have doubts about the religion with which you were raised, maybe it's not the one for you. If you want to search around and need something to believe in, I would suggest exploring other cultures and religions. If you feel like you don't need faith or believing in a higher power, then you shouldn't feel pressured to look for one.

If the absence of religion makes you a kinder, happier person, then I would want to be around you more than if you were the most devout Christian but were miserable all the time. For those who do believe in God, I'm sure he'd favor one who is kind and helpful to others than someone who believes in him but does shady things.

Answer 2

To seek the face of Mercy is always wise:

Hbr 4:14 ¶ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession.
Hbr 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.
Hbr 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Answer 3

I believe that a strong faith is essential to deal with many of life's problems. When I look at many of the questions in "Pregnancy & Parenting" or "Maraige & Divorce" I think of how a strong faith and adherence to the guidence given by our Fahter in Heaven could help these people with their problems. I could easily answer most all of their questions (except the "am I pregnat" ones ☺) with council from modern prophets that is easily accessable on the Internet. The problem is that would likely not believe me.

"Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. These can break us, and the surface of our souls may crack and crumble—that is, if our foundations of faith, our testimonies of truth are not deeply embedded within us." - Thomas S. Monson

Answer 4

Hello, r, u rand,

Yes, it is wise to restore your faltering faith. The bible never said it would be easy to maintain faith, however faith come by hearing the word of God on a regular basis.

Equip yourself with the word so that you will have strength in the time of trouble or loss or unanswered pray. Rand- it is not easy, and it is even painful at times, but that's when you know you have not totally loss your faith.

Just by you submitting this questions is a sure sign that your faith and strength is still alive in you, you just have to step-up and let restoration take its place. God Bless you.

Answer 5

No. Were that so, why would Jesus tell us that to follow Him we must take up our crosses DAILY and follow Him? Why, in the Old Testament, would we be given the only true choice man is given in life, specifically "Choose you THIS DAY whom you will serve?" If everything in a godly life were easy and without question, why would there be a need to make such a choice at all? Everyone would just do it. It's because it is a constant struggle, and in fact a war between the spirit and the flesh, that makes it so important to daily CHOOSE to follow God or not. If faith were not ceaslessly faultering, would it truly be faith at all? That's why we must rely on God and rest in His grace. Keep the faith, my friend.

Answer 6

This exact thing happened to me. Many moons ago, I was a Catholic. I enjoyed the rituals but did not enjoy the faith - the bible failed to inspire me. So I left the faith and for the next 20 years or so went from atheist to agnostic to Pagan to what I happily am now...a Hindu. So I would say if your faith is faltering, experience other faiths...sometimes you will find the one that speaks to you...sometimes in doing this, it brings you back to the faith that originally faltered.

Answer 7

Yes, exactly. A person loses faith for a reason, even if those reasons are not comfortable at that time. Even if one wants to, one cannot return to a former faith once it disintegrates. It can be a frightening experience, but growth involves the uncertain. Don't fight it. Evolve.

Answer 8

Examine your heart and spend time praying to God.

He is the only, I mean the Only One you should ever consult on this.

I will say, I quit church because as a ex-minister's wife, I was subjected to judgment and hypocrisy from over 180 people. People who I learned from, taught and loved.
But then when I walked this hard road, God showed me that at one time, I was just as jaded whenI was in that Church.

Back sliding is a very over used term....who can say if this "desert" time in your life , is not actually going to make you stronger!!!!!!
It did for me!!!!

Read my blog www.wontbakdown.blogspot.com
It may help- good luck

Answer 9

I went out on my own path, Not a religiouse one, but one many religions crosssed, so I learned about the many relgions.

Your right if your faith is constatnly faltering, than that is not your path.
the faith I have now, never falter's. It is strong and It is mine.
I don't belive because someone told me to.
I do it because it gives ME meaning.

Answer 10

i say follow your instincts. if you cant trust yourself, who are you gonna trust? a bunch of long dead story tellers? as someone who likes to read alot, im sure to keep in mind that even when you're reading a "true story" people lie, exagerate, and dont always remember events the exact way they happened. i know people who are very religious and doesnt like to hear anyone else's opinions on the matter. it's like they have utter faith so it all must be true. just because someone can convince you to believe a lie doesn't mean it's true. i think it's ok to live without religion, just as long as you live a good life, thats whats important. not how many hail marys you say.