i have always caled myself an atheist but recently i have done some things i am very upset about.in the past i have always felt that i want to go into the church when i walk past that feeling is now stronger than ever is it just guilt or is it really god ?i have always been drawn to churches and religious icons but told myself its purely an asthetic interest - art and architechture etc. i would love tohave faith but have never felt i could believe. yet i now worry about going to hell. i am very confused about what all this means. i would love to have peace of mind but fear i never will now. what will happen if i just walk into the church? i have tried talking to god how od you know if there is a god and he or she is listening? can you sudddenly 'get religion' after a lifetime of being scathing about it? i bought a book about catholicism but havent read it yet. i am so confused. help!
2007-09-04 10:37:36 · 70 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Let's take this one piece at a time, shall we?
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It just goes to show that, inside every atheist is a Catholic trying to get out!
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Both. God is slowly helping you come to the realization that He wants you to worship Him. You feel guilty because, deep down in your heart, you know worshiping God is the right thing to do. The problem is, this feeling conflicts with what your mind has to tell you about atheism.
Your heart is where your conscience speaks from. When you sense your conscience telling you something, it's coming from the heart.
Why not give your heart the benefit of the doubt and attend a Catholic Mass? At least, if for no other reason, to appease your conscience. In doing so, you may very well discover God.
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Religious art is captivating because it's a expression of someone's Faith. Such art, as beautiful as it is, is a finite sample of God's infinite Beauty. It's no wonder that people, even non-believers, are captivated by religious art. Imagine how much more those images will mean if you come to believe in God.
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Don't feel bac about that. We, as human beings, are not capable of "faith". Faith, that is to say - the ability to have faith, is a gift from God. Those who have faith have accepted this gift from God. Those who do not have faith lack it for one of two reasons: 1) As with any gift, the recipient is not forced to accept it. It is possible God did offer you this gift in the past, but you refused to accept it. 2) It is also possible God has yet to offer you the gift of Faith. God knows you better than you know yourself. It is possible God is withholding the gift of faith from you now because giving it to you at a later time will help make you a better believer.
The fact you want to believe is a good sign. Apparently, you didn't want the gift of Faith in the past, so it would have been a waste of time for God to offer it to you while you were a professed atheist. Now, you seem to be awakening to an awareness of God's existance. I am not God and I cannot read his mind, but I would't be surprised if you were to find Faith very soon.
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Good! Logically, you cannot believe in hell without also believing in heaven. You cannot believe in the devil without also believing in God. Many people find God through fear of hell. In time, they stay with God because of love for God.
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Relax. Nothing bad will happen upon entering a Church. Going to a Church is a good thing. God wants you there.
The fact you are investigating the possiblity of worshiping God, especially in the Catholic Church, is a good sign. You should go to local Catholic Church, maybe at a time when there is no Mass ceremonies. You'll probably be the only one there. You can sit and have some time to yourself and God. If you do this I think you will find it to be a very peaceful experience. And, by all means, consider attending a Catholic Mass when you're ready.
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With God, anything is possible. Saint Paul was a persecutor of Christians. He had a number of them jailed and even murdered. Yet, Jesus converted Him in the blink of an eye and Saint Paul became one of the greatest saints of the Church.
Did you know you can already hear God talking to you? It is God giving you the impetus to go into the Church and attend Mass. It is God giving me, and others, the impetus to encourage you to check out the local Catholic parish.
I do highly recommend going into a Church when the place is empty. I always find the church interior, combined with the peace and quiet, it is very conducive to prayer. If God has anything to say to you, you will most likely hear it there.
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Chances are the book will be less confusing once you've read it. There is a priest who has written seven or eight very good books. His name is Father Oscar Lukefahr. He has a nack for conveying profound Truths in a down-to-earth writing style. You should havee no trouble understanding his explanations. He has written, and I recommend, the following titles:
WE PRAY: LIVING IN GOD'S PRESENCE - This is a "how-to-pray" book for everyone. It explains how God speaks to us and how we should reply. It gives Bible teachings about prayer, spotlighting the prayer of Jesus. It describes the ACTS of prayer (Adoration, Contrition, Thanks, Supplication), and ways of praying (meditation, vocal prayer, etc.). It addresses issues like prayer to the saints, examines difficulties in prayer, and shows how prayer joins us to God now and forever.
WE BELIEVE... A SURVEY OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH - An explanation of Catholic teaching, cross-referenced to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and following the same structure as the Catechism: Creed, worship, Christian life, and prayer. The course studies belief in God, the Bible, the life and teaching of Jesus, the Church, Mary, the saints, life after death, the Sacraments, moral living, and Catholic prayer. Foreword by Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.
WE WORSHIP: A GUIDE TO THE CATHOLIC MASS - This course tells why Jesus wants us to attend Mass, gives the fascinating history of the Mass, explains Mass ceremonies step by step, shows how to pray the Mass, answers frequently asked questions, and describes how to live the Mass after we leave to "love and serve the Lord." Foreword by Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of Milwaukee.
THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS - Everybody wants to be happy, and God wants us to be happy. This course explains the four levels of happiness (body, mind and will, heart, soul) and uses Scripture, stories, and common-sense to help us achieve emotional health, spiritual growth, and real happiness.
A CATHOLIC GUIDE TO THE BIBLE - Explains Catholic principles of interpreting the Bible. Takes the student through the Bible, offering pertinent information about the historical background, author, and literary style of each book. Selects readable passages from each book of the Bible so that the student can become familiar with the whole Bible and understand it as the Word of God.
THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING CATHOLIC - Explains the most distinctive beliefs of Catholics and points out how they are based on the goodness of God's creation, our Redemption by Jesus, and the love of the Holy Spirit. Shows what it means to be a Catholic, and why we believe as we do, explaining the reasons for doctrines like the Real Presence, confession, sacramentals, and devotion to the saints.
THE CATECHISM HANDBOOK - A summary and study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Condenses the Catechism into a brief and readable format, and offers explanations of difficult passages. A good way to become familiar with the whole Catechism in a short time.
CHRIST'S MOTHER AND OURS - This course explains what the Bible says about Mary, what the Church teaches, Mary's apparitions, how Mary relates to us in our daily lives, prayer and liturgy relating to Mary, the meaning of the Rosary, Marian sacramentals, and more. It will help you understand Catholic devotion to Mary and explain it to others.
2007-09-05 04:49:21 · answer #1 · answered by Daver 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've already identified the problem here. "I now worry about going to hell"
You have to understand that religion, especially the Catholic religion, relies heavily on psychology to ensure that it's followers maintain the faith. The aim is to make you a "god fearing Christian". The idea is that you will be so afraid of the wrath of god that you will adopt the faith for fear of eternal damnation.
You also mention being drawn to churches and and religious icons. Again psychology is being employed and most of us don't even realise how we are being manipulated. The architechture is designed to be awe inspiring. Huge, elaborately decorated buildings designed to emphasise the power of god. When you walk inside you find huge ceilings designed to make the individual feel small and insignificant along with paintings and larger than life statues depicting the suffering of Jesus, and the saintlyness of his followers and family all portrayed in beautiful detail and heavenly light.
Believe me the psychology is so powerful that you cannot fail to be affected by it. I have absolutely no belief in the existence of an all powerful diety and yet I have been inside churches and felt the emotional effects of the paintings and the architechture and the statues and the pictures in the stained glass windows. Thats exactly what they are designed to do. But despite the awe and the splendor I was still not convinced about the existence of god. I just wondered how they could justify building such huge and expensive monuments to god at a time in history when most people were living in abstract poverty and degradation and I quickly came back to reality.
2007-09-04 11:31:57 · answer #2 · answered by Shakespeare 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are starting to realize the emptiness in your life. I mean, just believing that you get onto this earth, you do whatever you want to please yourself, then you die and that's it. What the heck is the point? Doesn't it make a little more sense that we were actually created by a higher power and the earth didn't just somehow form out of slime and other junk? Isn't it a little weird how, if we came from apes, there are still apes? However, if all creatures were created by God, doesn't that make more sense? I suggest that you read that book. It can probably explain a lot better than I can. By any chance, is the book the Bible? If it isn't, get one, but get the Douay-Rheimes version, because that is the Catholic version. The King James version has all the Catholic stuff taken out because the Protestants think they get to revise the Bible. (You will notice that the Catholic version is over twice a large I think.) Also, I urge you to go into that Catholic Church. Go while there is a Mass. However, go to a Mass in the Latin Rite, because it is the traditional kind it has been around for over a thousand years, but the Novus Ordo kind has been around for like forty years and has been messed up. Also, in response to the question about how do we know there's a God, the answer is: We know because Christ came and told us. Also, lots of saints have had miracles happen to them that cannot be explained by anybody, so they must be supernatural. Hurry, do this before it's too late!
2007-09-04 11:00:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes you can just "get religion", that's what's so beautiful about it. There is nothing wrong with exploring the religious side of things.
Perhaps, this whole time, you have known somewhere inside of you that you believe but some other experience has made you shut it out. And there is no way to "know" or prove any religion right or wrong, that's why they call it Faith. You just have to believe. I am a believer and my life is more fufilled than anyone I know.
I would suggest trying out a couple different churches. Catholic churches may be a little intimidating to go to by yourself, but I would definately suggest a Baptist church. But I would advise you not to walk in yelling "I'm an athiest" because Jesus may not judge, but people do. That's the hard thing about church, people aren't perfect like Jesus so they tend to be hypocritical. But they really aren't the reason you are there, are they?
And if you are concerned about hell, then I would definately say, you aren't an athiest. Its time to figure out what you really are though.
2007-09-04 10:48:18 · answer #4 · answered by Alacia C 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
So you WANT to believe there is a caring "father", life after death, a god to pray to for guidance, answers, protection and help. Right? Well, those things would be nice to have but LOGIC tells me they do not exists. I would LOVE to believe I will someday see my father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc again. I would LOVE to believe they are "living" a happy life in paradise. I would LOVE to believe my prayers will be answered. It just isn't so....
I think your feelings of being pulled toward the church is simply a yearning to "belong" to something bigger than yourself. You could accomplish the same thing by participating in something that would actually make a difference in the world. Volunteerism, for instance. Additionally, it sounds like you do, indeed, have an interest in the architecture and artwork so popular in catholic churches. I admit, when I attend wedding, I am often in awe at those very things and I sometimes feel like I'd like to be a member of such a beautiful place. But then I think about what that place actually represents.... and for me it represents evil (for lack of a better word). So many people have suffered at the hands of religion. So much knowledge has be lost and/or suppressed by religion. So much church money has been used to buy silence, buy politicians, and purchase real estate and other worldly goods (while truly needy people and causes struggle to survive). I absolutely have no desire to be part of THAT!
Only you can decide what to do. But being part of a group is very much a human need which if not met can leave many feeling lost and bewildered.
2007-09-04 10:57:16 · answer #5 · answered by Yinzer from Sixburgh 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should just walk in and enjoy the art and architecture.
While you are there, tell God that if He is real, you'd very much like to receive the gift of faith.
Then just wait and see what happens. If God is real, He will hear you and answer you.
I was an atheist for a long time with no interest in all in churches, and now I'm a Christian. So yeah, you can suddenly "get religion."
2007-09-04 11:15:19 · answer #6 · answered by sparki777 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that for some reason you are beginning to accept if not yet believe. Do not be afraid to go in. Do not be afraid to sit at the back during a service. People are sometimes tactless but they accept you as you are. I do not belong to the Church of Rome because there are several things I can not accept but even I have no hesitation of entering the church and praying.
First for others before myself and never forgetting to thank as well as request. Take your time there is no quick fix faith . Talk to a priest when ready. It is a faith not a logical scientific solution
2007-09-04 10:45:30 · answer #7 · answered by Scouse 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Does it matter, how can you call yourself an athiest if you have not studied religions. Go inside, light a candle for world peace and eat your lunchtime sandwiches. If the guy in the collar throws you out call him a fascist pig and revert to atheism. Lol. A dear friend told me once 'don't judge god by the company he keeps'. Make your own mind up, but you don't have to decide overnight. Hell! next year aliens may land on the beach at Blackpool bringing with them a casino and telling us the real truth about the universe lol.
2007-09-06 15:45:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go into the church. As you are an aetheist, I'm not suggesting you suddenly get religion, but I am Catholic, and as I have grown up, I realise that i do believe in God, but a large part of religion for me is the hope it gives and feeling of support that someone is always there. You may find comfort in just going inside for a look. You don't have to believe in God to find comfort in a church, and no one will force you to change who you are. You could even talk to a priest- they can't repeat anything you say, just like a doctor, and they won't judge you. Maybe you aren't looking for God, but everyone has their own idea about the bigger picture, if you choose to believe there is one. Don't feel the need to pick a religion and get into all of the ins and outs, look to find what you need from it and learn about yourself. If you are interested in what gives comfort in religion, look at this poem, it may help you find what you're looking for. http://www.amandashome.com/footprints.html
2007-09-04 10:53:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ur not an Atheist, ur an Agnostic; u don't really know if there is a God or not. If ur really meant to find God, then don't fight it, its gonna hit u where it counts, and u won't b able to deny it. My dad grew up catholic, and i know this much from it...u have to do all these rituals over and over to be Saved.
My faith actually believes what The Bible says: once saved..always saved...there is nothing u can do to get salvation, its something God has already done for u. All u have to do is accept him as Savior and trust that he is enough for salvation.
Lots of people say you have earn your way to heaven through good works, But the Bible specifically says its not by works that we are saved, but by Faith in Christ.
2007-09-04 10:55:01 · answer #10 · answered by ejostrom07 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
God is always whispering your name, only you can make the decision to follow after that still small voice. If you give Him a chance you will find truth and life. His word says " While we were yet sinners, He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for a perfect sacrifice to cover our sins" Maybe that's not the exact words but the love is there. You never just "get religion," The feelings your having is the creation seeking the creator. That's natural to go "home" when things are confusing us. May you find your way and have peace and true joy when you come to Him. Hoping to be your sister in Christ, Cheryl
2007-09-04 10:48:44 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋