I'm having trouble deciding on religion....?

Question

Well, I know this is a weird question, but I'm starting to worry that I'm pressed for time. I know I don't want to be Christian. There's so many other religions out there. I really don't know what to think, and it's driving me crazy. I wish there was something someone could prove to me to make this easier. I don't know what t obeleive anymore. Basically I just twist things to fit with what I think is morally correct, but I still worry a lot that I'm missing something. Does anyone have any ideas to make me stop thinking about it? Because it's taking over my life.

Please don't drill Christianity into my head, that's not going to affect me at all. It's only going to make me feel sick. Thanks. :~)

This is just a curious question, don't overreact. I'm just curious at why y our Christian God would send anyone to hell if he loves us all beyond belief? "Merciful"? Would you really do that to your child? Even with free will thrown in, that dosen't seem fair at all. And, if he knows our path, and he's perfect, than why does he even put us through life if he knows whether we're going to hell or not? Again, sorry for bringing this up. I'm just curious as to what you have to say. :~)

This is just a curious question, don't overreact. I'm just curious at why y our Christian God would send anyone to hell if he loves us all beyond belief? "Merciful"? Would you really do that to your child? Even with free will thrown in, that dosen't seem fair at all. And, if he knows our path, and he's perfect, than why does he even put us through life if he knows whether we're going to hell or not? Again, sorry for bringing this up. I'm just curious as to what you have to say. :~)

Answer 1

It's not about joining. I don't know if that eases your mind. Just read and ask questions and put it into practice. That's all there is to just about everything but spirituality for sure.

Answer 2

I would suggest first deciding on what your moral codes are and what you yourself already believe in. A lot of times that will help you decide what path you would like to follow. I was raised with Christian values and followed the Christian path without studying other religions first. I was a Christian for about 5 1/2 years before I got tired of going against my own beliefs. Once I started studying other religions I found one that had my own beliefs in it, hence I am now pagan.

Decide what you believe, whether it be that there is only one god out there, or many. And whether or not you believe that everything has its own energy and that every living thing has a soul. Once you know what you believe, choosing a religion to follow will become easier. Just don't let others choose for you and don't let others pressure you into thinking that you have a certain amount of time to choose. Take all the time that you need, there is no wrong answer.

Answer 3

Hey led,
I know how confusing it is when you're searching for your religion. It's a really big decision; one that should definitely not be taken lightly as it defines you're lifestyle, and who you are in a lot of ways.
For me, I'm 19, and I only recently found a good fit, and even now I'm not sure and still searching. You should never have to worry about being pressed for time, when you have such a big decision ahead of you. This is something that takes time, and you'll know when you're there.
I know that it would just be easier if someone made the choice for you, but that's not the best approach. What you could do, is make this search an active part of your life. Find some religions that are at the top of your list right now, and then find groups of these people that meet together. Study with them, and learn from them. I don't think going to a church, temple etc, is going to help you do that. It will help you a lot more if you can actually meet with people who come together to actually discuss their faith in more of a group environment, where you can ask questions, and get answers. It can also help you see how these people came to their decision, and perhaps you'll be inspired.
And there's nothing wrong with having a moral standard of your own. When I was younger I believed in a general higher power which I called God, and just tried to be a good, moral person. That's a good thing, if you already have it built in. It seems to me that you've got a pretty solid conscience.
Again, if you really feel you're missing something, you have to go out there, and find that missing piece of the puzzle, by talking with people who were in the place you are in right now. You have to attend religious meetings where they discuss this stuff openly. Are there opportunities to meet with religous groups/youth groups at your school or local community? If so, take the initiative to find out about them.
If you want to forget about this for a while, then why not focus on other things for a while? Go out, have fun, hang out with friends. When it's time for you to make your decision it will come to you. Just make sure you can be comfortable with the moral guidelines you follow.
Religion doesn't have to take over your life. No one can force you to make a decision if you're not ready. Take care, and I hope you can find the right fit for you someday. Remember, it doesn't have to be TODAY :P. Good luck searching for the Truth :)

Answer 4

You made a lot of good points about him being merciful and I've wondered about why he puts us through life if he knows what is going to happen but you just have to realize that you can't understand why God does what he does. We aren't on the same level as him. It would be like trying to tell a donkey how to put on pants. In my opinion Christianity is the easiest religion. unless you are atheist or something because all other religions say "do" like monks have to pray so many times a day and they usually start praying before the sun comes out and what Christianity says is that it is already "done" meaning Jesus DID it for us we just have to believe that he did. I am not trying to convert you I am just trying to give you something to think about and it is only my opinion. But I also have to say that you can't just twist things around to be how you want them to be because this world wasn't made only for you and you don't get to make the rules.

Answer 5

I think the first thing (since you have issues regarding the morals) is to figure out your own write them down and remember them, write down what you're looking for and what you want and everything about the whole religion issue.
Then second step is to start reading into other religions if you are really curious about it and see if there are other religions that fit you more than Christianity.
I won't give you any lectures, or try to convince you of a certain religion cos I think that you should choose on your own. However, I am a Muslim and if you are curious about that, or have any questions (if you research it and are interested in it) then don't hesitate to ask. Best of luck and hope you find what you're looking for!

Answer 6

First you ask not to be preached at and then you ask Christians about their beliefs. To decide on a religion other than Christianity just spin the bottle and whatever religion it points at, choose that one. You've obviously heard the Christian view before so why continue asking about it unless you are being prompted somehow? It's ok. Just keep asking. Your search will either lead you to Heaven or to hell. God's given us all plenty of chances and he's going to give us even more. You'll see. I am by no means comfortable with where I am. I am working out my own salvation with fear and trembling. Good luck to you in your search for the truth.

Answer 7

If you are so anti- Christianity, what makes you think you would enjoy any religion? None of them are perfect you know... they all have some rules which are difficult to swallow or some aspects which seem wrong... If you are serious about religion, my advice would be to get off your bum and visit the religious communities in your area... try actually *talking* to a Christian priest, a Rabbi, a Muslim cleric, A Sikh priest and a Buddhist priest just to start with... You might actually find out more than you bargained for... and if I might say so, regarding your extreme reaction to Christianity.... perhaps the lady doth protest too much...

Answer 8

I think two basic things about this:

1. Keeping an open mind would be a good idea.

Religion is all about seeking truth, and when you are open to all reasonable sides of life, the truth does come out--it is the only thing that holds up and still rings true in your heart. It sounds like you've shut out one walk of life--Christianity--altogether. I think keeping a more open mind will help you--don't be closed off to anything. As long as you are seeking truth, the truth will come out.

2. Maybe thinking about it is a good thing.

You say you want so badly to stop thinking about faith because it's taking over your life, but I would challenge your negative feelings about that. It sucks to feel lost, but I think God is bigger than we think, and He can handle our questions and our searching. If we seek Him with all our heart, I believe we'll find Him--He's a lot bigger than I can understand. And that's kind of freeing. And spending your life searching for God and the truth may be a more beautiful occupation of your time than you think.

I hope this helped!

Answer 9

I understand your indecision. I suggest that you go to some services at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. It is the most accepting, positively reinforcing, supportive spiritual philosophy, I have ever experienced. You can believe in god, or not. You might be from a Jewish, or Muslim or christian, or one of the religions from india, or you own beliefs. The goal of Unitarians is simple.
They are a group of individuals who work together to make the world a better place for everyone.
What else is more important than that.

Answer 10

If you don't wish to be a Christian I can set your mind at ease. There is no big rush. Even if Jesus returns today for the Church (all Christians) at best you would have 7 years before being judged and sent to hell.

So rest easy if you have made your decision to turn your back on the one that created you, the one that died on a cross for you and the one that is prepairing a place for you in heaven.

You don't need to be in a hurry, what ever makes you feel good now should be fine, you don't have to worry about tomorrow; that is set in stone and will not change. You will stand before Jesus and judged for your choice and you will be sent with all the others that don't accept him to a hell perminantly seperated form God.

Please don't blame Jesus or me for this because you know the truth and you are the one who God gave free will to. You were set above the angles and given the most precious gift of the blood of Jesus. God loved you so much he died for you.

You have the choice, any false religion is just as good as another false religion I guess.

Good luck and please choose well. Oh, by the way I forgot that this is only true if you live until he returns, I guess it could be tomorrow for you, never know.

I hope you have time, I hope you change your mind, I hope you don't think badly of me for trying to get this accross to you in a way that you understand the truth.

Most of us have been lied to, told that society is right, evolution is real, not just a theory, science removes god from it all. This is a joke, not true. Look up the kallam principle, look up the cambrian explosion, look for the real truth and you may decide Christians are not so bad.

Answer 11

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