I have grown up with no religion, I have been looking into religion...any advice?

Question

I have been going to a Christian club and a friend's youth group at his house. I am unsure about things and I am in a state of confusion. I would like to become a Christian, but I have doubts of it I should. I am not completely sure if I truly believe it. I also don't really know if I am doing this for the right reasons. My family is not religious, but both my parents grew up as Roman Catholics. I am worried they won't accept me or understand. I also don't know what to do to become a Christian. I basically know nothing and I don't even own a bible. As sad as that is, I want to learn and change to accept Jesus. I need some adivce and support.

Answer 1

If your parents grew up as Roman Catholics, they are Christians even though they have not been active in their faith. I can't imagine that your deciding to become a follower of Jesus would make them unhappy. But remember that the Bible says to honor your parents. So tell them what you are thinking and ask for their help.

As for the Bible, if you are going to a Christian club and youth group, I would simply tell one of the leaders that you don't have a Bible. I always have a few spare Bibles on hand in case one of my youth doesn't have one.

There is only one thing you need to do to be a Christian. Paul says, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NIV) So all you have to do is say that Jesus is Lord and to believe in your heart that he rose from the dead.

Once you have done that you are a Christian. Continue to attend the Christian Club and youth group. Attend worship and at home take time to pray and to read the Bible.

If you have doubts about whether or not you are doing this for the right reason or if you just have questions about your faith, feel free to email me at [e-mail]

For the record, I have been a United Methodist preacher for over 35 years. Over a decade was spent in youth ministry. I still have a close relationship to the youth in my churches.

God bless you sister

Pastor John

Answer 2

The Bible describes Jesus as the Lily of the Valley, so I already like your screen name.

This link will send you a Bible for free:

http://www.lesea.com/index.cfm/fa/spreadtheword

You can also buy a Bible at your local Wal-Mart very inexpensively, and if you wanted to do that I'd suggest you get one of the following two translations:

NIV or ESV.

NIV = New International Version which is very easy to read. NIV is a thought by thought translation whose goal is dynamic equalvalent from the original langauges. This is great to read and to get the big picture. This is the main Bible I use and preach from.

ESV = English Standard Version which is the most recent high quality translation, completed in 2001 which has as its goal to be as literal or as close as possible to a word for word translation from the orginal languages. This is my newest Bible which I use for serious study.

Here is a link to over 100 Bible translations:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

So you can read the Bible online for free.

Here is a link that will show you the process of how to become a Christian in four easy steps:

http://www.godlovestheworld.com/

If you live in the USA you can also call 1-888-NEED-HIM to talk to someone live.

I don't have a toll free number, but my regular phone number is located on my web site, which is actually a Yahoo group listed below.

I'm not up 24 hours per day so please limit calls to that number between 9 am and 9 pm Chicago time.

I started out being a campus pastor at Illinois State over 30 years ago so I'm used to talking to high school and college students about questions just like you have.

Another option is to contact me via E-Mail or Instant Message on Yahoo or Pal-talk.

I will not only attempt to answer all of your questions but I'll do my best to show where your answers are found directly in the pages of the Bible.

Below my link, I'll list a linke with many other links on it which you should check out:

Pastor Art

Answer 3

Stay with "mainstream" Christianity. Avoid the small independent churches until you have some maturity in the faith. (It is to easy for the small independent church to become a slave to a cult like leader.) Most are very friendly to new believers and make little demands on them. After you get some training, take on some Christian service work. Christianity is a learn by doing kind of thing. Taking meals to shut-ins and visiting with them, working on a Habit for Humanity house, tending kids in the church nursery, or maybe a week long mission trip are some current opportunities that our church offers. Watching other Christians who are actively involved in service is a lot better than being indoctrinated by people talking at you.

Who knows if you become a Christian, maybe your parents will be lead to do the same. Patiently pray for this and let God work on making you the true person that you are. And who knows what will happen in 10 or 20 years.

Answer 4

Why do you want to change and accept Jesus?

What are you unhappy about yourself that you want to change?

Why do you think that Jesus is the answer?


If your friends seem happy and have an answer for everything, then think on this:

A drunk with a bottle is very happy and has all the answers they want. That does not mean that you want to be like them.


You need to sit down by yourself and decide just what the reality of the universe is. Then follow that reality. It does not matter how appealing the alternative fantasies are, they are not real and, in the long run, can do nothing to help you deal with reality.

Good luck in your search.

Edit:
For every Christian that you ask a question of, ask the same question of a Muslim, a Hindu and an atheist, if you can. Do not accept a pat answer.

Also for each belief system, try to find the flaws, and ask for explanations of those issues. Again think about the questions and the answers you are given. Do not accept a pat answer, or one that just begs more questions.

Do not surround yourself with just one group - you will only get one view and they are not going to ask any of the difficult questions for you.

Answer 5

A parent's job is loving their kid no matter what. Before you settle on Christianity might I encourage you to research other religions so that you will have a more complete idea of what you are getting into? I'm not suggesting you become something else, I just think that you need to consider all of the options. If you have doubts maybe there is something better out there for you.

Answer 6

i think a lot of people have doubts in the beginning. but a number of things can happen to change that. get a bible and read it daily if possible. pray for understanding before you read it. the more you read and study the more you will begin to understand, believe me. then whatever church you decide to attend make sure it teaches directly from the bible & that it focuses on father god and his son jesus christ. it should not focus on rituals and traditions or His mother, but on the truths from the bible. i would not worry about what your family thinks about your spiritual beliefs. everyone is responsible for their own walk with God.

Answer 7

that's the most wondrful thing about Jesus, he wants you"just as you are", i had 'religion' in a works church' but then someone told me how Christ died for me,even if i'd been the only person on earth. he wulld have died for me. i knew i was a sinner, i'd tried works, & babptism, 2 X's, but i was not saved.

when this man told me he explained abut Christ , all truths from the word, (which ALWAYS, go by th e word) *(don't believe any mans word, believe what's in the book, if he preaching is abideing w/the Bible , it's real.

i immediatly asked Jesus to come into my heart & save me, & forgive me of my sins,

Girl , it felt like a load off my back,for i had much sin.
i wept.
now i am a new persn, i'm not like i was.
i read daily in the word, you can read the whole Bible thru the yearif you read 4 chapters a day. i've been thru it 17 times,now jsut starting over in june.
every time learning something new.

Answer 8

Notice anyone who is trying to sway you towards a religion is in fact trying to convert you. With the exception of Buddhism since it could arguably be seen as a view on life and not necessarily a religion.

What I would recommend is go to a bunch of churches/synagogues/holy places. Watch the people and how they act. Watch how they react to things. Don't listen to any of the messages just watch the people. The people are the true indicators of how things are. If they are mean to outsiders, don't actually act like they say they do, or are fake then that is a clear indicator about that religion.

As for the bible, I fully agree with you reading one. It is the singularly best reason to become an atheist.

Answer 9

Please be very careful with this, as most religions, esp. Christianity, prey on ppl's emotions. Some come off as love and inclusion ( at the expense of anyone who doesn't want to conform to their beliefs).
If you do convert, please keep an open mind and remember everyone right to choose their own beliefs , as you are choosing your own. They will most likely want you to be dedicated to their way of thinking, which often includes making pleas to ppl to believe as you do, and praying for the souls of those who choose not to believe your faith, and raising your children to only believe in their way of life. There are plenty of scriptures that teach this in the bible, as they will tell you.
However, I do have faith that you will be able to see through all the bull. YOu have a unique perspective in that you have grown up without reilgion, so you know thier is more than one way to life and that thier is nothing wrong with being non-religious. It just diffrent. When you get older, you may want to try another spiritual path, and thats okay too. Spirituality is a journey, just as growing up is!
toodles dear!

Answer 10

Bless you dear one. I suggest that you tell a Youth Minister or Pastor what you just told me. They can help you. It's ok to be confused - you're not expected to understand everything right now. When we accept Jesus as our Lord, we begin a new life. We are Christians under construction..... always. We're always learning. It's a wonderful life! Right now, you must understand what the "Good News" is. That Jesus died for your sins, and when you accept Him as Lord of your life, you will live eternally with Him. Jesus says, "Just believe in Me." Then He asks that you "Love as I have loved you." The way He loved us is that he laid down His life for us on the Cross. He loved us totally and unconditionally. Take one step at a time, dear one, and let the Holy Spirit teach you along the way. You don't have to do anything but 'seek' Him and He promises you will find Him. I'll be praying for you. Blessings.