How do you know...?

Question

what to believe? If paganism dates back 5000 years ago, and Christianity is fairly new still, how do you know what is the truth? Even after praying day after day, month after month, I'm still left with so many questions. Questions that contradict theory.

Answer 1

I'm not sure it is possible to date the start of human religion, but the archaeological evidence of it is well over 20,000 years old. Christianity is, indeed, very much still a new kid on the block.

But, more to the point, perhaps it would be best to worry less about what is ultimate truth and simply enjoy life? Wisdom is like a good harvest... there's no rushing it. Sometimes it takes a long time for our efforts to bear fruit. In the meanwhile... while you seek... doesn't it make sense to celebrate life to the full?

No matter what faith you choose in the end, you can always strive to improve yourself in the meantime. So that when your questions finally bring you to a place of understanding, you'll be better prepared to act on that, regardless.

For me, as a heathen, well... I certainly don't claim to have all the answers. But the ones I do have make sense to me. Your mileage may vary. ;)

Answer 2

the best way to clarify issues is to gather up information. You sound interested in christianity and paganism. Well then study both. For christianity, i don't mean studying the bible, i mean studying it's origin/ history and current beliefs and practices. You will find that both religions not only have alot in common but are almost the same dressed in different outfits. No one can tell you what to believe. Alot of people will try but in the end, you will pick what best makes sense to you.

Answer 3

There are reasons that provide me with a reasonable assurance that what I beleive is true. it has nothing to do with what I feel, it is an intellectual process by which I came to understand that a) there is a god, b) that he revealed himself at a certain points in history, c) that in the course of these revelations he performed acts that cannot be explained naturally (ie- they where super-natural), and d) that there was something he required of me.

So let us ask the same question, why do you believe what it is that you believe?

Answer 4

Questioning is good. Then research. Read. Question more. Your heart will guide you in the right direction. To blindly follow is never good. Education is the key. Knowledge makes us wiser.

Many blessings in your quest.

Answer 5

Granting but not accepting that that paganism is early to rise than Christianism. It doesn't mean that paganism is the true religion. Why?

Matthew 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Answer 6

... what you believe will feel right to you. You'll find your own truth, whether that be Paganism, Christianity, Buddhism, Spaghetti Monster, atheism... whatever.

Answer 7

I can tell you with certainty, that another major religion will evolve from existing religions in the next few hundred years. It's been happening since the beginning.

Answer 8

Read up on Gnostcism, spiritualism, atheism, and Buddhism. Then accept what makes sense to you.

Answer 9

Follow your heart, be honest with yourself and believe what you believe. Do what has meaning for you, even if that's just everyday life.

Wishing you peace and joy of your spiritual (or non) path.

Answer 10

Christianity didn't just begin recently. It is throughout the bible, koran, and other religions that have to bite off of the bible to keep their facts straight. To choose the right way, I would just go with what moses went with.