Finding peace with theology?

Question

Okay, i'm going to post this in both the mental health section and the religion and spirituality section, since I don't really know which it belongs in.

I've always been obsessed with theology. I started becoming completely taken in by it when I was about 7, and was amazed by the different belief systems and religions of the world. I hopped from church to church and from religion to religion, on the one hand wanting to 'settle down' into the 'true religion' and on the other hand just wanting to learn and see as much as possible.

I've just turned 18, and it's starting to seem like a burden. The problem isn't just 'finding the right religion' (although, undoubtedly, that's a part of it) but rather an unceasing power it has over my life - even my dreams are religious. My whole life it's been an almost schizophrenic thought-pattern, and I never seem to be able to escape thinking about it.

It's not necessarily a bad thing, it's just who I am, and i've learned a lot, but I can't

switch off, and it's exhausting.

Even though I can see the world around me, it seems to have almost lost it's value - worldly things stop mattering when all you can think about is what's beyond that.

What should I do?

Answer 1

You are a mystic in the making. That's a beautiful thing, but I can tell you that the world will never understand it. You probably will get people telling you that you are crazy but I hope that you will not succumb to those doubt thoughts. Your mind is opening wide. It may be a while before you can understand it. Theology (ideas and thoughts) will never bring you peace of mind although they can help light your path for a while. I don't know if you ever read Krishnamurti's works but you might take a look at his books. He was all done with religion and theology but was one of the most amazing spiritual / philosophical thinkers .... ever. Okay, so that's my opinion but it sounds like you are ready for that. And you'd probably appreciate it. Most can't. Just keep asking questions. The first part of it is the hardest part because you start to figure out that everything you thought you knew about yourself and the world gets turned upside down. But it will be okay. Don't fight your calling, my friend. Follow it!!!!!

Answer 2

I am also a Theology buff. But theology is the study of all religions and their philosophical basis. Theology might not help you find the 'true' religion, it is not designed to do that.

I find Theology to be intellectually a step above Philosophy. The Theologians have wonderful arguments and reasoning for the existence of God, and to justify their particular belief system. The Philosophers have a similar methodology just 'sans' God.

I am a Roman Catholic, and I like being a Roman Catholic though through my study of Theology I find Catholicism to be short on one or two religious points. But then NO religion is perfect, they all have their short-comings.

Again, through my study of Theology I discovered my second favorite religion to be Taoism, though I don't like its Pantheism.

So religion is good, and the study of all religions and their basis is fascinating and will help you understand the world and the mind of man.

Keep Reading and learning! Good for You.

Answer 3

Up front disclaimer: Just my own opinions/observations here . . .

You don't find peace through theology. People find peace through -faith-. Theology is used to justify faith, to rationalize it.

If you're looking for the one perfect religion, you might not be able to find it. Organized religions are like clothes on the rack. They come in all different sizes, but they are built for the 'average' person in that size. Most of our bodies are not proportioned exactly to the ideal, some of us worse than others. So if you want clothes to fit exactly right you, often have to have them tailored especially to your measurements.

Paul suggests 'Test everything and hold fast to that which is good'. If we all really did that, each of us would believe a little differently, based on his own needs and what sounds reasonable to him.

Answer 4

i am not trying to be rude, but i think u should seek psychiatric help. this thought process does happen to many people, as it happened to me.

i have found that only thru helping and giving to others is there ever peace within my own soul. religion sucks. the catholic crusade killed thousands throughout europe without regard. other religions teach dogma, sexism (what women can and can not do) and yet others teach racism. the good southern baptist looked the other way at lychings and hate crimes. priest have been child molesters forever (it has just come out but older men in their 80's were victims in their time). with all their religion, the african-american communities have not improved. religion helps itself and hates anyone or anything that is against it. (which is actually satanic if u think about it, as they are suppose to love).

i believe in God in spite of regilion - not because of it.

p.s. the current war in iraq has all sides claiming that God is on their side. i don't God is involved in any way shape or form. when i small child dies, these morons tell u it is God will. they know nothing about God and his will.

Answer 5

2 books of recommended reading:

Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell

The Bible, book of Gospel of St. John (found about 2/3 of the way back) Consider chapter 3, verse 16, and put your name into the place where it says "whosoever".

Consider what you read, take notes, if necessary.
Then decide what you believe to be truth.

From then on, feel secure in your decision. That is called FAITH.

Answer 6

I will have to say that your search is not a bad one. Many people spend their entire lives searching for meaning behind why we are here. I believe that there is one truth and one God. I am a follower of Jesus Christ. "Religion" as it is deemed has been plagued with bad feelings and argument throughout history. I am a Christian, and Chrisitianity brings freedom. Jesus came to the earth to liberate us from rules and the sin that has entrapped our world and our culture. He came so that we might have life, and have it to the fullness that it was intended for. But following Jesus comes with a price, He wants you to be devoted to Him and to grow as a disciple is tough considering you have to submit to the Word and will of God.

I disagree completely with the notion of having a favorite religion. Part of the problem in our society today is that people have boiled this argument down to whatever is true for you is truth. As a result, we live in a selfish society where everyone is only looking out for the good of themselves instead of the good of others.

Jesus taught us about loving other people and seeking to break barriers of injustice in this world. It doesn't take long to look around and see all the corruption that has controlled our society. The evil that creates all of this is what the Bible calls sin, which is rebellion from God. God is holy and perfect and He cannot be in the presence of sin, so we are left with this dilemma of reconciliation in getting to Him. That is why He sent Jesus to earth, so that our sins would be atoned for. Jesus died once to cover all sins, and He came so that we might have what the Bible refers to as a type of Heaven on Earth. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus was not just a moral teacher or a good person. He was God in the flesh and He died a terrible death that He did not deserve so that you could be reconciled to God.

I implore you to seek truth. Many religions seem to stem from some of the same basic principles. Many religions claim to have the answer and even Christianity has failed as churches argue, split, and fall apart. But living truly for Christ is entering into a relationship with Him, asking Him to come into your life and to forgive you for your sins. He is a loving and just God. He loves everyone no matter what their situation is. Don't be blinded by some Christians who distort the message of Jesus, who don't show love and are pompous and arrogant, but see the truth that is in Jesus Christ. Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) in the Bible and learn about the teachings of Jesus. He is the truth, the way, and the life. Jesus will bring you freedom and joy amongst all of lifes troubles that will surely come if you submit your life to Him.

One of the biggest complaints about Jesus was that he wasn't "religious" enough!

Answer 7

Invest in your passion. If you love the subject then become its advocate. I'm also a theologies by education and very day I enjoy the great debate. The best suggestion will always be to love what you do, by doing what you love!

Regards!

Answer 8

i think that diffferent religions are interesting, too, but it has never been as all-consuming as you describe.

since you are unhappy with the thought patterns you now have, i think talking to a therapist about it might help.

you might have low level OCD - and there are meds that would help.

Answer 9

Theological studies vary in different institutions so it seem you ether have to pick one or try to come Peace with your self