I feel that we have higher power, but am extremely uncomfortable with organized religion. Your opinions?

Question

I believe that there is a higher power, but I do not see him as the "big guy in the sky". I pray regularly, but not to the christian form of god- but rather to simply just a higher power. I find myself confused, as my family has in recent years become very active within the christian community. I feel like I would have to deny my own beliefs in order to attend church or the like, as I do not believe in the bible as written (but appreciate it as a piece of literature with SOME wonderful lessons to pull from, like aesop's fables or something).
I am curious as to the opinions of others opinions.
NOTE: I am not looking to be preached to, but instead, I am looking foward to hearing people's OBJECTIVE opinions and personal experience.

Thank you all for your answers.
Just a few additions.
I do consider myself agnostic- spritual, but not religious. I believe in energies, and that ultimately, all living things together create the higher power. I also do believe that when I pray, it is indeed for emotional comfort, but that ultimately, I will be led in the direction in which I'm meant to go.

In addition, I do not believe in sin. I do, however, believe that there are things that are morally wrong, and that eventually, in some manner, those deeds do return to you in their own time.
And on that note, I do not have an issue with taking accountability for things that I've done that I know I shouldn't have. That's part of the learning process of life.

Answer 1

I agree.

There is likely to be a higher power which is completely beyond our understanding - just like so many other things.

The difficulty with religions is that out of the 30 to 40 thousand of them in existence, which one is right? There can only be one (if any).

Answer 2

There is a slight problem. There are many 'entities' out there that would hear your prayers, and lead you astray.
I was raised Christian, but went my rebellious way. I also prayed to 'the cosmos', and found that it is extremely dangerous. I got into Astral projections and other equally dangerous stuff that would destroy my soul.
We need direction. I have come 'full circle' after studying and playing around with various religions, and mystical beliefs. I have returned to my Christian roots, and stronger than when I was younger.
I totally believe The Bible as accurate historical fact and religious truth. I believe in creation as the Bible states it.
I have been brought up like virtually everyone else to believe in evolution as a fact. I reject it now, and while I keep up with the latest 'discoveries', I study creation science now.
I hope that you find the truth. Remain OPEN to The Bible. Maybe being 'uncomfortable' with 'organized religion' is actually our sinful rebellious nature kicking in.

Answer 3

I was once just like you, I am a full fledged Christian now. I know your situation. I would first ask my self the question if there is a God, as you believe, then he must be all powerful. So is it beyond him to give us his thoughts in a book?
I do not follow any organized religion I do not belong to any specific church. I follow Christ alone and belong to his church. My reasons for this are because I was like your self I was turned off of people who calmed they where following GOd and had the only way.
So I did a study on the world religions my self. I opened my heart and understood that if GOd is there as I believe he is I could find what he says to us. THe reason why I became Christian is because I was honest about sin. I knew in my heart that it was real. THat I was not perfect. And after looking a Christianity I realized it was the only truthful way to deal with my problem. Only God can remove something I am entrenched in, sin.
All other religions say in one way or another we can make a way to GOd. Christianity says God mad us a way. It was hard for me at first because my heart did not like some of the things the bible told me, but that is natural, if I am a sinner which I believe we all are, then of course I will not like what God has to say all the time.
I will not tell you Christianity is the only truth, I believe it is, but tell you search. look at the evidence and pray as you do to GOd to show you. Ask GOd to prove to you Jesus is real if you like. I am sure you will find Great comfort, and struggle in his answers. But you will know thay are true if you ask him your self and not only listen to what people have to say.
But please remember one thing Just because it doesn't feel right does not mean it is wrong. THe GOd you love I am sure knows best for you, and that means there will be things you don't like until you understand his reasons for them.
A God big enough for our minds is not big enough for our needs.

God bless you in your journey, I hope and pray you will find the love Of CHrist that I did my self.

Answer 4

I feel the same way you do. My hang up on it all, is the guilt that those "organized religions" make people like you and I feel. Whenever someone asks me about my religion, I tell them that my faith is really personal and I would not like to discuss it. I really don't like to be judged. Faith in anything is something that comes from you and not to be influenced by any person or organization. Guilt is a very strong emotion and is used by many to manipulate anyone who doesn't conform to their beliefs. Live YOUR life.

Answer 5

Then stay away from the organized religions do what you wish it's your life you should be able to practice what you want how you want. If attending church is something you rather not do then don't do it. I think more people should be like you for the simple fact I think the churches put lies and hate in peoples hearts. Keep doing what your doing don't let anyone change it but you.

Answer 6

Believing in a higher power is fine, but isn't that rather shallow? Why not dig a bit deeper and try to discover just who this higher power is?

And you don't have to involve yourself in organized religion.

For starters, why not read the book of John?

.

Answer 7

Whatever you do, stay well clear of all organized religions. There is no proof of any higher power but believing in such can be psychologically comforting - the problems start when you (anyone) starts thinking they have to do things (often to other people) to appease the higher power. As long as you don't fall into that trap, you should be ok.

Answer 8

Nothing wrong at all with feeling like you do. All that matters is what you think, not what others think. If you find one certain religion does not work for you, then do what I did, make one just for you. I consider myself Eclectic, because I found the beliefs and ways of just one religion were not quite right for me, so I studied others and then mixed and matched what I learned with my own beliefs to make my own religion just for me.

Answer 9

I personally don't like organized religion. My belief is the Bible , God, and Jesus are all real. However, churches seem to corrupt things. I am not saying all churches are bad, but it just seems like there are so many negative things tide to them.

Answer 10

Well I would say you are on the right track, leading your life acknowledging others beliefs which can be considered an opinion allows you to live in harmony and discuss what is important to others. There is a lot of insight in what you have typed, more than you maybe realise.