Kinda confused on religion...?

Question

Okay, first of all, PLEASE don't discriminate me on my religion. As of right now...I'm Atheist. I was raised as a Catholic. (Okay...so technically I'm still being "raised" because I'm only thirteen...anyway) I'm confused. I just don't know what to believe. Part of me says "Yes, there IS a God." But the other part is saying, "It's impossible!" For one, if I do go back to Christianity, I don't want to be Catholic. It's too...uptight. But how do I do this? I'm confused...lost. Please help me.

*PLEASE do not say "You're thirteen, you have to believe what your parents want you to believe.* My parents don't care; they actually want me to be my own person.

I believe in what I believe. I know I sound young, but I'm not like every other thirteen year old girl. I don't pose; I don't follow. I actually have a mind of my own.

I have no way to get to other churches except the Catholic one my family goes to...my friends either never go to church or they're Jewish or something...

Answer 1

Talk to God. He made you to be an individual with your own mind. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

Put everything you were taught on the shelf and read the Bible for yourself. In fact, get a few different translations and compare them. You can use a website like http://www.biblegateway.com to do that if you like.

Visit a few other churches and see how you feel about them.

God will not be offended because you are asking questions. In fact, if you watch how Jesus dealt with people you will see He always asked them questions and made them think for themselves.

God will show you His heart, step by step!

How about starting with Psalm 139?

:-D

God bless you!

Answer 2

I started having doubts about my catholic religion when I was 11. My doubts about all religions grew at a fast rate after 14. By the time I was 16 I made a concerted effort to believe but then I read Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke and everything changed. I realized there was more to this universe than what was said in the bible. Even though I got married in the catholic church, by the age of 21 I was a firm non-believer, an atheist.

Answer 3

Nothing of any importance can be taught. It can only be learned, and with blood and sweat.”
Robert Anton Wilson
Breaking with the church is a good first step to a real relationship with God. Study all religions. Read all the arguments pro and con for each one and like a buffet pick and choose the parts that make sense to you. Religion is a map (albeit a somewhat outdated one that only points out the permanent points of interest) Spirituality is the territory. Do not mistake the map for the territory! Once you get there it'll be different from what the maps tell you 'cause you'll have your baggage along and be looking at it through your eyes not anyone else's. God's waiting for you but God is very patient God has all of eternity and so do you.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/
Is good place to start.

Answer 4

Well, if the other part of you believes there is a god, than I wouldn't say you are an atheist. You sound agnostic at the moment.

You express a dislike for Catholicism, maybe you experience in your particular church this has hurt your perception of "religion" or who God is. If you would like to further look into Christianity, I recommend trying a different denomination. In fact, a non-denominational Christian church would probably be a good church for you. These churches usually have a more casual style, not much ritual, and just mainly teach what the Bible says. I would recommend trying it.

Answer 5

Keep searching for what is right for YOU. Personally, I no longer feel that I need organized religion in my life. But for some, it is the right path.

You could go to other churches and find out where you are most comfortable, or which church teaches closest to what your heart believes. Or find other people who don't belong to a church who you relate to.

I read a couple of books that helped me a lot. Reading them helped to give me a broader perspective. They were called The Sealed Portion, and 666, The Mark of America. They just make sense to me. I was a member of a church for over 35 years, but changed my path upon reading the books.


No matter what, be happy and treat others how you would want to be treated. I believe that is what really matters. Following the words Christ taught is the key.

Answer 6

I think you're a perfect fit to be exactly where you are. Many people are torn between God exist and God not existing.

Buddha, when asked if God existed, said nothing. When he was then asked if that meant there was no God, he still said nothing. The point is that it's a paradox. A chicken or the egg situation.

The middle path stares at both beliefs for what they are, beliefs. Buddhist look to reality for the truth since that is where they are. Beliefs are of the mind, not the universe.

Now, do you need to be Buddhist? No. My suggestion is not to listen to anyone that says "come over here, listen to my words" because that's not TRUE practice, that's true FOLLOWING. Test everything you hear and you are more then on the right path to question everything and everything.

Answer 7

I know I almost went down the atheist path. But I know God helped me get back on the right path. I'm pretty sure I heard his voice one day to go back to church because I was slacking off a lot. So one day I was just laying on my bed and out of no where I hear this voice and it sounded a lot like a Gods voice. And I looked at one of my God art frames on my wall and was soooo confused. Then I asked him to please give me a sign to let me know that, that was indeed his voice calling out to me. And in seconds, I got the sign. Since then, I don't think anyone will change my mind. I know for a fact that God does exist and those who want to believe in him can. Those who don't, don't have to. But you chose your path. God will know what to do in the end.

Answer 8

I am sorry that you are feeling so confused. When I was 13 I was baptized even though my family did not attend church. Unless you are able to attend other churches and do research, I think you are pretty much stuck right now. When you can drive, then you can try different denominations. I didn't find my 'right fit' until I was 20. Just pray, Father knows your heart!

Answer 9

Understand that I'm an ex Christian atheist. I'm saying this so you know that what I'm telling you may be biased.

When you look at your beliefs, examine them from both sides i.e. what your belief tells you and what the facts are. Examine your feelings about both the belief and the facts. Ask yourself if you can accept the belief even though the facts indicate otherwise. Make your decision but be open to reevaluate it as you learn more.

Remember that your values and beliefs are not the same as others and that you should not enforce your beliefs on others through law.

Answer 10

Ive been there and God brought me back kicking and screaming, but I had to learn the hard way. Learn from my mistake and realize that he does exist. His hand is always outstretched no matter what. The world had too many beautiful creations not to have been created. All life needs and energy source, just as everything we humans have created does. Check out the birds, how else could they fly? I found that the Jehovah's Witnesses were able to answer all my questions using the bible, so you ought to find one and talk to them.