I have a seriouse problem!?

Question

In my life time I have believed in several different religions. Religion is an obsession of mine. It's driven me mad to the point where sometimes I consider dying just to get on the other side to find out whose right and whose wrong. I have never attempted suicide for the motive of curiosity about the after life. But I've considered it. What do I do to get my mind off religion? Someone please help me!

Answer 1

become an athiest.

Answer 2

You say you've believed in several different religions. Have you actually practiced these religions or have you just read about them? We all believe differently regardless of religion.
All paths to God are the right path. One religion is not more right than another, just a different approach to divinity. I suggest that you go to your local library and ask if they have the PBS series of interviews that Prof. Joseph Campbell did with Bill Moyers about religion and myth I think the series is called The Power of Myth. Watching those programs may help you with some of your questions.
If you are considering suicide maybe you should get some help of another type. Call your suicide hotline listed in your phone book in the front. Don't kill yourself over religion. Religion isn't what's important anyway its belief and faith that are important. Religion is just the markers on the path to get to God however you view God in your life.
LL

Answer 3

Wrong board here mate, most people will tell you to pray and God will help you - which is the last thing you need. Sounds to me like you actually have an addictive personality combined with a couple of other psycological issues. Go to a clinical psycologist who deals with addictive personality disorders and they will be able to diagnose you far better then on here. I say this because you haven't found a faith in one religion and just absorb them all as you get disinterested with one and more interested in another. It is affecting your life. Go seek help and don't go to church as it will make the problem worse. Religious advice or teaching is not what you need. Try reposting the question on the health board instead.

Answer 4

There's a lot of solutions, none of which are wise.

You can:
- drown your thoughts in other obsessions, such as gambling, video games, television, sports...
- take a stand and never consider the other position
- kill yourself
- come to the conclusion that God would never allow such arguments to happen

It's definitely serious, and worth your attention, but not worth dying for. Be patient. It'll be the first thing you get to know when you die. But don't be hasty for an answer. Let it come to you through non-permanent means, such as research, faith, lack of faith, God showing up beside you and telling you what exactly to believe. I don't think that'll really happen, but you know what I mean.

Ultimately, the absolute truth is that we can't KNOW until we're there, and that's not a place you want to be until your life is full.

Answer 5

Go to your doctor and tell him you think you have obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ask for a prescription for Paxil (Paroxetine). 20 milligrams ought to do it. The drug is very slow acting and may take a week or more to become effective. The effect is very subtle, but you should discover you've regained control over what you wish to think about. Some people would advise simultaneous "talk therapy." I found it to be far too expensive to be practical and pretty much useless. Good luck.........

Answer 6

Dear Melissa,

I've given a shining star to your question because it is a very good question. I am having a similar experience (although not to extreme as yours), but here's my answer:

First of all, you're on the right path. It's a good sign that you have already developed a questioning nature:) Religion can be a very complicated matter. So, don't give up if you're not getting close to any conclusion. It is natural tendency of humans to jump to a conclusion, so avoid that temptation and be patient. While you're trying the analyze different religions, I suggest you turn towards spirituality. By spirituality, I don't mean belief in spirits or any unacceptable orthodox things. But I'm suggesting that you stick to your own moral values and don't loose your faith in God (any god). I have interest in Theosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism (which shares many similarities with Hinduism, because Buddha was an Indian prince and though he never tried to create a different religion, it was his followers who gave rise to Buddhism - thus Buddhism branched off from Hinduism). On other hand, theosophy, is a study of all religions - so you might consider exploring Theosophy. You can search for the 'Theosophical Society' on net. Many great philosophers/thinkers were members of the Helena Petrovna Blavatsky's Theosophical Society.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy

Most importantly, please don't commit suicide. Because, if you commit suicide, you'll never find out the true nature of reality and religion. Mahatma Gandhi, in his semi-autobiographical book "My Experiments with Truth", wrote about having the same experience. I found that book inspiring, because there is so much humility and honesty in his writing and the way he describes his tough journey of search for Truth. Just like you, I am also in search of truth. But it takes great courage and patience. So you can start meditation and relax. Take a break and don't stress yourself. If you want to find the truth, it's important that you stay calm and clear.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. So don't even consider it. If you say you've considered suicide, then it seems that you've suffered from depression. At the end of the day, you'll need someone to rely on and you'll seek solace in something. And I think it's better to seek solace in God or any artistic/creative endeavors.

Don't look at religions from a perspective of 'who is right and who is wrong'. Looking at religion from that that angle will only create more confusion. For example, there are many different ideologies floating out there, but you cannot agree/disagree with all of them. Eventually, you'll agree with an ideology that 'suits you', that 'you feel comfortable with'. So in the same way, study different religions but at the same time, try to find out that 'you feel comfortable with'.

In search of all these answers, don't stay in isolation. Make friends, hang out with them, and continue your normal life activities to keep your mind active, happy, and fresh. Watch movies and listen to your favorite music. Keep yourself happy, fresh, and healthy. First, take care of your mind and body before you continue your quest for God and religion.

In my view, 'Religion in itself is not God, it is just a path towards God'. So choose the path that suits you and your idea of God. It is possible that what you are subconsciously trying to find out is, 'what is God?'. Don't mix up, God with religion. They are two separate things. So don't loose faith in God, eventually you'll find the answers you're looking for.:)

I wish you all the best. Take care.:)

Answer 7

How about some counseling..
it sounds like your feeling confused.
If you are attending a church on a regular basis - talk with your pastor,they usually offer counseling as well...
It is OK, to believe in more that one religion - or rather to believe different things within different religions.
Don't hurt yourself or do anything foolish just to try and figure something out - try counseling or go to your pastor.......

Answer 8

It sounds like a professional counsellor would be a lot more help to you than we would. I'd really encourage you to talk to them about this. All I can offer is to find something "like religion" that you can replace it with. Perhaps exploring philosophy or psychology would be a nice diversion.

Answer 9

One day you'll find out. Try to enjoy the time in between I'd say. If you really have problems, may you can have a talk with a "secular" psychologist, to help you to "get back on earth" again.

Answer 10

Maybe the fact that no god has given enough evidence to convince you or the rest of the planet should be a sign that gods are man made and non are correct.

Try Atheism

Answer 11

Religion is a product of man's mind. None of them have the answer. Seek your own spirituality.