How can I become a religious zealot?

Question

I was born Jewish, raised Christian, and grew up practicing no religion. I went to college and learned all about comparative religions and became intellectual.
I have recently taken an opportunity to attend Hassidic synagogue. I have a good time discussing philosophy with my new friends there (and of course with my brother who introduced me to the temple), BUT I am simply intellectualizing.
The people who attend the shul are BELIEVERS. They believe that the Jews left Egypt 3000 years ago and received the Torah, and that you're not supposed to flip a light switch on Saturday, and so on.
I can honestly say that I am not a believer. I am just wondering if anyone out there has gone this way before? Have any of you "become" believers of a religion (or even an organization such as scientology or amway) AFTER studying comparative religions and found that there really is no "true" religion?

As with any discussion on religion, please read my question CAREFULLY before posting!

Answer 1

Old hippie saying:
A mind is like a parachute, It works better when open.

Reason is the enema of Faith. It will drain it right out of you. To totally embrace any one single faith based philosophy you would need to let go of any questions about the validity of all other religious beliefs. Islamo-Judeo-Christian beliefs, which in them selves demand exclusivity can only be practiced if you have not even a shadow of doubt about their preclusive nature.
Can you honestly do that? As they said in the 1920's
"How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm, once they have seen Paree?"
Far eastern religions are less about "one true religion" and while their devotees may feel that they have it right at their core the preach that each seeker must find their own path.

I found the writings of Robert Anton Wilson (both fiction and especially non fiction) Camden Benares, Malaclypse the Younger And Joseph Campbell "enlightening" but that's my path not yours.

Answer 2

How interesting! I love this question. You have an interesting History.
You were raised Christian but you are not a believer? You learned about the Jews, but it seems that that is not what you want either.
You asked if any of us has found out, after studying comparitive religions, that there really is no "true" religion?
It seems to me that no matter how "intelligent" we might become about religion, it still may not lead us to the "true" religion..probably because there is no actual "true" religion in the sense that God wants "spirituality' from us; not religion. Many religions teach alot of truth; and that would be a good church to attend, if one wanted to. Some churches have some truth, but many man made rules; and that is not what one should do, either. Some churches, follow the OT rules and that can be difficult to do, and really is not necessary when a person has Christ as their Savior. But...since you are NOT a believer, I couldn't tell you what to believe, as that comes straight from Christ; and you may not be spiritually ready for that. I can see confusion in people, with each religion, or denomination claiming that they are the one "true" church. In my opinion, even tho there are many churches with much truth, God still chooses those people who are in His "true" church, which is a Spiritual organization, by what's in our hearts, not which church we attend.
I have studied, and continue to study with different churches, and then prove it by reading the Bible. I 've been to several diffferent churches, and I've come to this conclusion because I believe the one "true" church is not out there....it's in YOU!
I hope this helps.

Answer 3

whilst they start to make certain something as suited and infallible, which just about no longer something on earth IS, they close out all outdoors opinion, and handle attitudes like "in case you're actually not with us, you're against us". Fundamentalist Christians as an occasion regularly say that in case you do no longer believe in God, you hate God/love the devil, or in case you're actually not born returned, you're a hellbound sinner. No gray aspects relatively exist in any respect, and that extra effective than the rest is the calling card of the zealot.

Answer 4

I became a zealot for Amway. They controlled my mind.I was always trying to get new disciples/salespersons. I could own nothing that was not Amway. This put a tremendous crimp on my transportation since Amway does not produce cars. My life was a multilevel marketing scheme not unlike a Jehovah's Witness.
Luckily I accepted Sam Walton as my personal savior and now work at Walmart for their great benefits, generous vacation pay, and wages. $5 bathing suits are the "truth" my friend. Shop at Walmarts!

Answer 5

Bret,
To become "religious" one must first "believe". You have already said that you do not believe thus at this time, you are unable to become a true "religious zealot". Keep reading, studying, and eventually you may, one day believe. At that time, you will have an opportunity to become such. Have a wonderful time in your discussions.
Thank,
Eds, A simple Christian.


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Answer 6

There have been my people, including myself, who have left religion and returned to it late in life. May I suggest a short book that might interest you. It is the autobigraphy of CS Lewis called "Surprised by Joy". The title is two-fold because his conversion from atheism back to Christianity came because he was "surprised by the joy" that came when he made a decision to return to faith, but also to a Jewish lady named "Joy", with whom God "surprised" him when he was in his late 50's and had never felt a need for romance.

It shows the simple steps that God took him through that brought him back to faith, the intellectual struggles that he went throught (and adds a delightful romance on the side), and one simple thing he had to do to be "surprised" by God's joy.

From what I am reading in your posting, it sounds like God is drawing you the same way he drew Lewis (and many others like myself). Please consider giving the book a read.

You will be in my prayers today that God will surprise you with some "joy".

Answer 7

He`s not the messiah, he`s a very naughty boy

borrowed that one

Answer 8

Lose your mind and follow the slogans!!