What if I die before I choose the "right" religion?

Question

I'm agnostic. I have no idea if god exists. I'm leaning towards he/she or it does not. Everyone around me seems sure though, they're Christians. I dont tell anyone about my lack of faith because I dont want them to think badly of me or treat me differently.

What should I do, there are some many different religions, and then within each of those there are so many divisions. A "loving" deity must be willing tolerate doubt without punishment, no?

If I say I have my doubts, Christians just tell me I'm going to hell if I dont believe whatever their brand of faith is.

Faith is so subjective, so individualized.

Answer 1

Just be kind to your fellow man and all your bases will be covered.

Answer 2

I don't think there's such a thing as "right religion".
Basically, all monotheistic faith are the same (except for Buddhism), but with different interpretation and practices. For one, Christianity and Islam both has the same belief but with different customs, traditions, and beliefs. It's unfair to be chauvinist, and regard our religious affiliation as the one true religion. Another thing, mostly all religion arrive in a common plane, they all agree in the preservation of the environment, upholding morality and values. If you find two faiths that you think suits your beliefs and answers your questions, then why don't you try a fusion of both. I mean, if you like Christianism and Buddhism at the same time, you can practice them both. You can adapt the faith of a Christian and live a life of a Buddhist by refraining from eating Meat and meditating. Hope i help?

Answer 3

So why not go with what you know to be true for yourself, your understanding of the mysteries of the universe, rather than trying to forever pursue a belief held by some third party...? For now anyway...

Who says religion (a third-party ticket) is the answer to *all* life's complexities... why not explore spirituality (a personal ticket) and Be True To Thyne Own Self... so long as you behave in the way that is true for you, you cannot go wrong, and on the day you die, you will know you've done the best that you can, been the best you can be. If, somewhere along the way, you discover a religion that actually ascribes to the spiritual principles you believe to be true for yourself, then you've encountered a bonus worth keeping. ;) Can't ask for more than that... This means that now you will have the time to explore and research and learn and study all the different belief systems since you are standing on your own two feet rather than borrowing someone else's feet to rely on for something to beleive... and really, you won't have to go deeply in-depth with any one belief system when learning about them; you can learn enough to be able to know whether a belief system is something you'd like to explore further before you get real serious about studying it. If it isn't "the one", move on, and keep looking until you find the one that sounds like it might fit your soul.

It's not real important to get approval from others concerning what you believe. After all, it's not them that has to wake up tomorrow and look at you in the mirror. ;) Be true to yourself, then you will be able to live with yourself. If someone "finds out" you are not so sure about the God thing, and begins treating you "differently"... do you think they are loving you unconditionally then? Perhaps it is time for them to learn a few lessons about life themselves. You don't have to isolate from them, but you may need to give them time to adjust to who you really are, and to the fact that you have come to a place where you need to act in that way, that you need to begin being true to yourself. If they never "come around", it is their loss, not yours, because you will always keep your arms open to them, right?

Don't be so afraid to say goodbye... that you cannot say hello.

Answer 4

This is the great thing about the one true God. If God did have a religion on the earth that he officially approved of, he of course would want the people to join and believe. But what if you were not abel to find that one faith? A true God wants you to find it, but knows billions will not, just look at the divisions within mainstream christianity. They are not all the same, and a true God would be unchanging. A True God is merciful, and would not be God if he were to send you to "hell" as many "scared" "christians" scream. They fear what they do not truly understand. You will be given a chance to chose, whether in this mortality or the life that is ahead of us. If God is God then this mortality is not it, no way. Do not be intimidated by the hell fire and brimstone criers, they have their reward and they want everyone to know about it. Relax and just ponder about it. If you want to believe in God, then try talking to Him, wait and listen, pay attention to how you feel and what thoughts enter your mind, this is how we know. The only way to know is by asking the source itself, wait, be patient and listen. Tell those hell boys that hell does exist and it is extremly unchristian like to tell a person that they are going and then live with themselves, because we all are stupid sinners that need a little compasion in our lives.

Answer 5

I'm pretty much in the exact position as you. I've basically decided to keep an open mind, talk to people and friends about religion, and keep good morals. I'm not going to give up my life for a book and God that are most likely false, when it doesn't feel right. Just stay smart and go in whatever direction feels right (not what feels good at the time, what feels right). Don't just give up on religion, but decide for yourself what you think God would want you to do.

One of my theories right now is that God created us, and like parents expect their children to know that they are their creator and should be respected and remembered, God just wants us to realize and respect that he created us. If we do that, we'll go to him when we die. Things like Noah, Jesus, prejudices in the Bible, contradictions, etc, they just complicate things. It's actually quite simple in that we have a father that doesn't want us to take him for granted. God isn't religious, he just doesn't want us to stray away and forget him.

Now, I don't live by this, it's just one of the things I thought about, but I think it's a peaceful way to live that doesn't bring up the problems religion does today. The point is, religion is most likely a bunch of crap that we created. There are so many religions, each with their own answers and no evidence, so it's impossible to be sure on whether or not you chose the right one, basically making you randomly pick to decide if you rot in hell. But the thought of God does bring good things, and it's nice to have some comfort and faith to fall back on. Just don't get caught up and clouded in your views, keep an open mind, and live your life to the fullest. And if by chance there is a God, I'm sure he'd be happy to take somebody like that in.

Answer 6

Ok let me try and help you here, if I can. Don't look to religions, because never has a religion been able to save. Look to Jesus for your salvation,and then you will find God. People have to realize that God is the one that actually seeks you out first- and to be able to ask this type of question you can be sure He is the one putting these thoughts and questions in your head and heart about His existence. A Christian, is a person who is devoted to following Jesus. In order to do that , we had to admit that we are sinners- and confess of our sin,and repent so that we can be forgiven, and live eternally with God. God is the one that places the faith in you- so don't look outside yourself at others, and their beliefs- take time to read the bible- beginning with the gospel of John. Ask God to reveal Himself to you, through those pages, and I will guarantee He will. He is seeking you, and He is not far from you- He desires to have you in a personal relationship with Him- God can use that doubt to bring you into faith.

Answer 7

You were created with purpose. The Bible tells you that God knew you while you were still in your Mothers "womb". He knows your name, He knows your likes/dislikes, He loves you. He believes in YOU, whether you believe in Him right now or not. As long as you have breath (which He gives to you daily), there is HOPE.

It isn't about religion. Unfortunately, it is "religiosity" that has caused so much damage in today's world. Our "religious" folks are similar to the Pharisees in Jesus' day. Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrasy back then and He would do the same today.

Trust me, through good & bad times in my life, I speak from experience....my only source of strength and hope has been Jesus. Not the local church (although church is important), but that one on one relationship with Jesus.

These days, there is so much "talk" and too little "walk". For that, I am sorry. I wish that I could make it different, but I can't. The only thing that I can say to you is you need Jesus, not man. His LOVE is greater than anything you will ever experience. It's not about do's or don'ts.....it's ALL about understanding His great love for you. Once your heart is HIS, everything else will make sense.

God does exist. I talk with Him, I feel His presence, He reveals who He is to me when I read His Word, the Holy Bible. His creation, this earth that we live on, is beautiful, full of goodness - including YOU!!!

God loves you!!!

Answer 8

Jesus said that if we have the faith of a mustard seed that is enough. Religion doesn't get you into heaven. A personnel relationship does. That means to ask Jesus into your heart, and converse with Him. Depend on Him wholly. Religions have to many rules by men. Search the Bible for the truth. Nobody here on earth have full faith. We all doubt. No one should laugh at you. Just pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand. He is the one who draws us to Jesus. God bless you as you search for the truth.

Answer 9

This is a truly hard question to answer, so what I would have to say is just consider deeply how you really feel. You say everyone around you is a Christian...do you have a feeling inside of you, a secret desire to join them? I as a Christian would encourage you to pray to the Christian God for guidance, I believe he will guide you to him, but that's my faith...I'm sorry I can't help you more...

Answer 10

I am not an Atheist but since this is a hypothetical question I would choose to start up a new religion. Religion of love.

Answer 11

Those Christians that tell you that you're going to hell for doubting are probably going to hell themselves. It's not their place to judge. Doubting is perfectly acceptable as long as you are actively seeking the truth. You don't need to worry as long as you're giving an honest effort. If you really were seeking the truth but didn't find it in this life then you'll be given another chance in the next life. God is merciful and doesn't condemn those who don't deserve condemnation.