What Faith is right for me?

Question

I have been looking at filling my life with something I'm missing. That is religion, (I am sure of this) but now I'm in the situation of which one? I have researched some but am still no closer to an answer. Which one is right? If I get it wrong am I buggered for the "afterlife"? And if that is the case then what I believe in now is against "god" or Who ever is in charge up there. My question is that - If you have chosen a religion in adult life how did you know it to be the right choice? What are the differences? and how did you choose?

Answer 1

I would first consider which view I wanted. By this I mean do I choose a faith convenient for ME or the way GOD approves? Most want one easiest for themselves somehow thinking God is going to change to suit them not the other way around.

Next, I would find out what God approves of. I can give my guidelines here. I first accept the Creator of everything is a God of order. Everything in creation has an order and reasonableness to it. It follows that in the true worship of Him, beliefs would make sense.

The Bible, as God's word, authored by Him though written by men much as secretaries do today, would also make sense. Religions that believe the Bible to be full of contradictions can't be right. Also religions that teach things not in the Bible or directly against what it says cannot be correct.

Having the same author, the 66 books of the Bible would have the same theme. To understand one part, examining the other parts would help show the meaning more clearly. Religions that say it's a mystery not meant for man or that part is a mistake, cn't be the true religion.

Though imperfect, the people of that true religion must be LIVING by Bible principles. "Walking the talk". Probably the easiest to spot would be the members "having love among themselves". They would believe in the same spiritual things and not be fighting due to where they live or what families or race they are from. Jesus told how to recognize his followers by other qualities as well.

A big deal would be how they act when no one is looking is the same as in public. Haven't you seen these preachers in outfits maybe even Porter Wagner, the old country music star, might back away from? Thay make a great big act of godly devotion on stage and once off get picked up by the cops in "very bad" situations. Most definitely, God would have nothing to do with them. It's like the George Burns line in the movie "Oh God!". "It's better for him to just go sell Earth Shoes."

I hope this helps. It works for me.

Answer 2

Common sense is the best religion; spiritual curiosity the best prayer. Your search is more sincere than the knee-jerk movements the so-called "faithful" go through come Sunday morning.

Do you really believe there is one, true path to God? Do you really think ANY of these people "have it right?" Religion divides us, spirituality brings us together. Live an honest life and do your best to visit no harm upon others and you will be doing "god's work" far better than so many who claim righteousness.

If on the other hand what you're really "missing" is a sense of community, that warm feeling associated with knowing you are part of a greater whole, expand your seeking beyond all those off-the-rack religions by looking for groups that DO rather than just SAY: i.e. local volunteer and charity groups, church-associated or not. A single meal brought to a single person who would not have a meal otherwise is worth more in the eyes of anyone who may be "in charge up there" than saying a thousand "Hail Mary's" or bowing toward Mecca for five hours.

Want to be "religious?" Then keep doing what you're doing. Learn about as many as you can and respect ALL of them. And screw "the afterlife." Nobody's even been there [at least nobody who can prove it]. The ONE thing we do know is that this life is the gift we were given. So relish this life and anything coming afterwards will take care of itself.

See "common sense," above.

Answer 3

You could ask people who follow the faiths that interest you the most. I say the ones that interest you, simply because there are so many religions in the world. Every single one is valid, so I think you should pick the one you feel most comfortable with. There is no right or wrong choice in this.

You shouldn't let yourself worry about what will happen in the afterlife. One thing that is clear in this life is that we're all learning as we go along. If there is a deity (or deities) up there, I doubt they would blame you for wanting to learn more, and making your own decisions. We wouldn't be born with our own individuality if that wasn't the case.

Personally, I'm a Pagan. I say this loosely, because my beliefs are too eclectic to fit under a specific label - there are so many faiths under the umbrella of Paganism. One of these, as a previous poster stated, is Wicca but there are others as well. Anyway, the reason I chose to be a Pagan is because I felt like it suited me. All the other religions I knew of in my community were too full of doctrine and rules (to me, at least). That's no offence intended to those other religions, but they just weren't for me.

You should choose a religion (or none at all, if that's the way it pans out) because *you* think it's the right choice.

Answer 4

Faith is a personal choice.

It is something that only you can truley feel and associate with. As you have said, you have researched the faiths. Now you should go and talk to other people about their faiths, what inspires them, what there values are. Visit the places of worship and observe their rituals.

Look at the experience as a blank canvas, and be open minded to what you are learning and experiencing. It may be that you feel many different expereinces in your quest, but it will be the one faith that really touches you. Only you will know.

Answer 5

Maybe you're looking the wrong way. You're not looking for a religion--you're looking for the Divine, or the Truth, or whatever it is that's out there. Take your questions right to the Source and see where it takes you.

For me, I have found that different religions help me in different ways, but I haven't chosen one to be my own. I have found many useful tools, though--the meditation and philosophy of Zen, the love and compassion of Jesus, the unbridled joy of Rumi...and as Rumi says of religion, "The lamps are many, but the light is One."

Answer 6

The answer is same for all people. You must worship only to one who created you and everything. There is only one God. You must not worship or name God other then Him. All the prophets are for him. The afterlife , the angels are for him. He is the one who sent Moses, Christ, and Muhammad (God bless all of them). And Abraham, Joseph , Jacob. the Bible and Quran. You must begin to learn about last prophet Muhammad and untouched (unchanged) book , Quran. if you read and cant find what you looking for, you can go and search any other relegion

Answer 7

Its what ever feels right for you. Dont worry about the afterlife, there really is no right or wrong its all down to personal choice.
You wont go to hell unless your christian so dont worry to much about that unless thats the religion your aiming for.

Answer 8

cant tell you which one but open the revised version of the new testament try reading mathew and revelation, if it doesnt make sense dont worry! ask and pray somewhere quiet and i believe you will find the answer but stop worrying. live as good a life as you can dont set out to hurt others and i GUARANTEE you a amazing place after this "mortal" life good luck i think you will find the answer you seek.

Answer 9

I believe if you must choose a faith then buddhism is really the way. All the 'spiritual fulfillment' with none of the contradicting God-mess.

Answer 10

If there is something missing in you're life, it isn't a delusional belief in an invisible man who created the universe, trust me. Choose to think for yourself and accept reality.