i can't believe this is happening...please only for mature, understanding people?

Question

i am bawling my eyes out right now because of some of the answers ive been getting to my previous question..
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Alk0ZMwMDykt9QvmnXxfA7nsy6IX?qid=20070725214134AAqCZ0x

basically i was talking about being 15 and a ccd teacher. several people made fun of me, called what im doing a big lie, and basically laughed at me. they called Jesus terrible things.. and idk.. they basically spit on the thing i believe in and am devoting much of my time to. i take this catechism job very seriously and for people to just say such disgusting comments about it is very disheartening.

ive never cried about this kind of thing. i could not stop bawling for the past few minutes.

stupid comments usually dont get to me but for some reason, these words hurt me so much. im deeply offended, but it was really hard for me to ignore.

so i have cried some more, but not out of anger, but for all of you amazing people out there who lifted my spirits.

i dont speak about religion often, especially being young and all and having so many distractions...basically ive just been thinking a lot about stuff.

i guess i got overly emotional because never have i been attacked for something like this. i have had a lot of rude things said to me, but this was one thing that kinda crossed the line for me.

yet, if anything, i think this experience was an eye-opener, and truly made me stronger. i appreciate Jesus and his love even more for saving some of the cruelest and ugliest people, which i think i have witnessed some tonight.

thanks, with the utmost sincerity not only to the christians but to all the wonderful, caring people who gave me kind words.

your uplifting words meant a lot to me.

Answer 1

First off, I'm not Catholic, or a Christian. I'm somehwere between a Buddhist, and Jewish. However, you're heart is in the right place. God will guide you, and enrinching the lives of youth is important, no matter what faith. Spirituality will find you, and sometimes it just takes going through something like you're going through now. Children need a role model with faith. Whatever you think, you must know that you must be faithful and stick to your conviction. God doesn't just haphazardly place us in situations, he puts us in situations so that we can exhibit to God our hearts conviction. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I'm not even a religious person, but I think you are doing the right thing. I was raised a Christian and did the whole youth group and mentoring thing at your age. By the time I was out on my own, I realized that I had put too much into the "process", and not enough into the heart. Teach my dear, teach, and lead those little lambs in the way that they should go, and remember that God exists in us, not just in a book.

Answer 2

It's ok to be upset. Some of the people here can be very unsupportive. I've noticed that many of them really have nothing positive to say at all. I wonder why they are here. I think its just to make themselves feel better by putting people down who are taking an interest in things spiritual. Or perhaps they simply fear that which they do not understand.

Just ignore them. Its hard I know. There have been many times I have wanted to put them in their places. I imagine its harder being 15 than being 32 in this situation. I have a 16 year old daughter with whom I'm very close, so I have at least some idea where you are coming from.

I would say this though, and I don't know you personally so I could be wrong. I don't think any teenager is ready to teach philosophy/religion. I don't really feel that I am ready to teach at 32, and I have pretty a strong grasp of spirituality. Maybe when I'm 60. This subject isn't like teaching math or english. Such subjects are concrete and easy to demonstrate in a practical way that people can easily understand. Spirituality takes a lifetime to learn. I have studied a LOT to get where I am and like I said, I feel that I have a long way to go.

I'm guessing that at this point in your life you are still struggling to understand your faith intellectually (at least that's what it sounded like in your previous question). Understand that that is only the beginning. After intelectual understanding come spiritual understanding and if you don't have the first part nailed down you're in no position to teach. I'm not trying to put you down....wanting to teach is admirable.

I can see from the way you express yourself that you are mature for a teen, and if God is truly calling you to teach then you should. And don't pay any attention to the bitter ones, they mostly suck anyway. They make very poor representatives of their beliefs. Make it a point not to stoop to their level. If everyone ignores them long enough they will get bored and go find someone else to bother. Good luck and God bless.

With love,
Shane K.

Answer 3

Darling I hope you'll listen to the advice of a religoius non-Christian. And I'm trying to be respectful here. Several points I noticed.

It's admirible that you've decided what you want to be at 15. IF this still is the case when you've finishsed school is something that's onlyan issue to you at that time. It does' stop you form having something to work for at the moment.

Just that it _seems_ to me that your life experiences are limited. And ONE bit sticks to mind - Unfortunately there's a strong anti-Catholic feeling within some of the more Fundy X-ian element and some more pedantic Atheists. [Should be noted that this is SOME not ALL]

Another point is that there are some "less than spiritual" stories in the bible. Knowing of them in advance will take away their sting during religious warfare.

In a forum here there are people of all ages and admitting you're 15 is like a red flag to those 20-something "Teen wannabes (can't be)" twits who are trying to reclaim their adolescence by acting like prats.

Unfortunately you'll meet gits like that all through your life. Developing callouses now might be a life saver.

It's hard to soar with the Dragons when you're surrounded by Gargoyles.

May your god go with you. {Dave Allen}

.

Answer 4

There is always negative people around us. No matter what group we find ourselves in there will be someone in another group that want to tear us down. I have a strong relationship with God but do not find the need for going to Church. If you can help someone straighten their relationship with God and become a better person that is your reward you can't save everyone. You should know that I'm a transsexual woman so I've seen the vile things and intolerance that people who call them selves Christian do. Its wrong no matter which direction it's aimed. I believe god gave us choices in life so we can make ourselves happy and help those we can help and we will be judge by that when we stand in front of him. Some who say their on Gods side say I will burn in Hell if I change the outside to match the Heart and Soul he gave me on the inside. Only we can stop the intolerance on both sides. Keep up the good work and remember the only people who count are those you help and God when you finaly stand in front of him.

Danni

Answer 5

OK listen, You can't let it bother you.
Christians bash my religion every single day. I say let them, I know my faith is strong and true. That's all I need. I don't call Jesus bad things, I just don't believe he is the son of god.

This may actually be a very good lesson. It may teach religious tolerance, and to maybe see that the things that we say can affect people in adverse ways. Words can hurt, and can be hateful. But you need to just look past them, don't let them work you up. It's what they want to do.

By the way I am a pagan...

Blessings

Answer 6

You should not give the comments here so much meaning. You should trust your feelings to a close friend or family member who is more likely to give you feedback that you can put trust in. In other words, don't put so much weight on people you don't know at all.

I am not of your faith, but I believe you are doing good. Certainly trying to teach others what you believe, and in particular, things that have moral value and encourage people to be better towards others and themselves, is not a bad thing. You should be proud of yourself.

Teaching and devoting yourself will make you a better person and those around you. I certainly do not think God would condemn you for your understanding and efforts. Peace.

Answer 7

You seem very committed to this work. Thats fine.
But if you come to this forum to only get answers you want to hear, then I'm sorry, you've come to the wrong place.
I've often been amazed at the variety of opinions posted here. I understand that a wide variety of people will result in opinions I don't necessarily agree with or even like, but its worth it to me, to get some interesting dialog on a lot of different subjects.
I'm sorry some people were jerks to you, but that is a risk here.

Answer 8

While I sympathise with your suffering, you need to learn to develop a thicker skin. The internet is a pretty good model of real life - there will be people who are outright mean, people who disagree with you, and people who will be your friends. I personally am an agnostic and while I may not agree with you, I still believe that you deserve the same respect as anyone else in this forum.

I would also like to say that I am delighted that you have decided to be a teacher, regardless of the material.

Answer 9

If their comments violate the community guidelines, click on the flag (report abuse) button next to their answer and report them. I've had to do this for racist and obscene comments I've seen.

If it's not that serious, you can just ignore them. That's fun, too. Take back the power - it's your question!

Being on Yahoo!Answers, I've always given respect to people, but not all people are considerate. You will always get some thoughtless, rude, snobby, know-it-all, angry, and down-right mean answers, but just ignore them and look on the bright side...some other people with brains and hearts will answer your questions.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 10

"Religion and Spirituality" is not a safe haven for the tender-hearted. Personally, I've found this forum to be the most dangerous spot on the playground.

It's your life, Alexi, and it really doesn't matter what other people think about your choices in life. Ignore them.