I'm a Methodist and this year we have to go through confirmation, to accept the faith as our own. The thing is, I'm having a hard time believing in God, or that anything in the Bible ever happened. I really don't want to do this because at the end, we have to stand up in front of the church and declare our faith. My parents don't know. I was going to tell them, but then my mom told me, "Oh, last year there was this kid who didn't go through confirmation. He had some problems..." How could I tell them then that I didn't want to do it? I just have a hard time believing in some great Creator watching us, and that we go to heaven when we die; I can't believe any of it. What should I do? I really don't want to stand out.
2007-09-22 10:50:20 · 8 answers · asked by whathaveyoudone654 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Please read this man's story:
http://www.near-death.com/storm.html
thanks!
2007-09-22 10:57:48 · answer #1 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
God desires that you exercise your free will. Respectfully ask your parents to allow you to not participate in this until you are convinced in your own mind--that you do not want to lie before the congregation.
For the record, everything that you have hesitations about is all quite the opposite. Your lack of belief is based on not having a personal encounter with God and not having Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Without these, confirmation is of little value. This is why the non-denominational church I go to does not do such things. It all is a work of the heart between you and the Lord.
Here is how to have a personal encounter with the living God, should you so desire to have one.
http://www.schneblin.com/studies/pdfs/getting_past_the_guard.pdf
2007-09-22 17:54:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Then don't be.
They can't force you into it.... as it is supposed to be your choice to make.
Just steel yourself against it.... remind yourself that consequence is just an illusion and such a minor thing will not ruin your life..... then go ahead and say NO.
Things might get a bit iffy with your parents for a while... but it is only a bad thing if you let it get to you. If your parents want you to do something that you don't want to do.... then your parents are a harmful influence upon you, and their opinions are best not cared about anyway.
2007-09-22 18:01:21 · answer #3 · answered by Lucid Interrogator 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If someone who uses their free will "stands out" from everyone else, then you have no business worshiping with them. But that's just my opinion. If you don't feel the religion that you are following is living up to its name, then shop around.
2007-09-22 18:08:13 · answer #4 · answered by xx. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you don't want to do it just explain to your parents what you are feeling and pray about it this might help clear things up.
2007-09-22 18:02:14 · answer #5 · answered by pepgurli 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i went through a similiar situtation. i went through the motions and everyone was happy. i felt a little silly at the confirmation but hey, old people are bigoted
2007-09-22 17:58:43 · answer #6 · answered by Sheed 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A "confirmation" ceremony means nothing anyway. The only way to be saved is to believe that Jesus, who is God, died for our sins on the cross and rose again.
2007-09-22 17:56:33 · answer #7 · answered by CJ 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
don't stand if you don't believe. ADONAI is Not mocked
because HE can read your heart.
2007-09-23 10:07:23 · answer #8 · answered by Judy E. T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋