I was raised in a fundamentalist church (Assembly of God) but since I was in my early 20's I have questioned the beliefs I was taught. I don't believe in hell, the rapture, the trinity or that Jesus thought he was "God". I go to church with my husband because I don't know what else to do but I feel like an onlooker and don't feel a part of it at all. I don't really want to go to church by myself but I have considered checking into the Quaker denomination. I'm looking for advice. We have a 3 year old.
2007-10-13 14:15:37 · 23 answers · asked by Dianna P 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Just to address your examples -- A Hell isn't mentioned in the OT at all, the 'rapture' is mostly the Book of Revelation, and not accepted by a lot of Christians, the trinity isn't Biblical, and Jesus, the Son of Man, tells us that if we know him, we know his father.
You don't say what church you attend, but I suggest you talk with your husband about finding a church where you both may feel comfortable (and a Friend's Meeting House probably isn't it.)
You don't say why your husband attends the church he's attending, but if you explain that you're not feeling close to God in your current church, then that's a pretty good reason to look for another church where you can grow spiritually.
Remember, that leaving a church is very often a very difficult and emotional process.
(Also, look for the books of Tony Campolo - - there are very different Christians out here that may surprise you.You're not alone)
Godspeed.
2007-10-13 14:34:12 · answer #1 · answered by jimmeisnerjr 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, with a 3 year-old and, no doubt, more to come, you need to show a united front more than anything to your young one.
If not, the young one will more easily slip into his/her own belief system, and it may not be one you like.
When Jesus said, speaking about marriage, "Wherefore ye are no more twain [two], but one flesh"; that's exactly what He meant.
On the other hand, if the 2 of you are truly looking for reality and the genuine truth, you need to check out the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" www.lds.org
All the very best and may God bless you in love and wisdom.
PS As one apostle from the said church said,
"It is often better to make a 'united' second best choice than a divided first best choice".
I think you would find that particularly appropriate in this day and age as never before.
[No wonder the Lord called him as an apostle for our day!]
2007-10-13 21:28:20 · answer #2 · answered by dr c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let me just start by saying, we are truly living in the last days.
Their are people who don't believe in paying taxes, but, the fact remains that we pay them none the less. Whether you believe in hell are not does not dissuade the fact that it is a real place and that all people who don't believe in it or Jesus will someday go there. There is no such thing as a christian deist. Either you are a christian ( faith and belief in Christ) or you are not. There is no in between. Calling youself a christian, means accepting each and everything as fact, that Jesus said about Himself. That's how we become a christian, that's the true meaning of a christian. I implore you to seek that understanding which comes from up above. You/we cannot comprehend the things of God without Him revealing things to us. It is HE which gives us of places within us the capacity to believe in HIM and accept HIS word as truth.
Pray and ask HIM to give you understanding. Ask HIM to make known to you, to reveal HIMself to you. The day is soon at hand for the Son of man to appear in the clouds, to redeem those who are HIS. Read the bible, start at genesis and go to the book of John in the new testament. Read it prayerfully and wait upon HIS guidance.
2007-10-13 21:41:28 · answer #3 · answered by chezpaul1777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christian Deist is an oxy-moron;-{ Christians believe Jesus
Christ is the Son of God; which means the Trinity.
Hell won't exist until the judgement; the rapture is before that.
You don't say what church your husband attends though.
It is common to question childhood beliefs as you grow up.
Most traditional churches have an inquirer's session.
In the Catholic church it's called RCIA.
Go to this & ask your questions, they're open to give answers.
For your child's sake, it's important to attend the same church.
Don't just pick one out of the blue, so to speak.
2007-10-13 21:23:52 · answer #4 · answered by Robert S 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Based on what you have just said, you are not a christian (There is no such thing as a christian deist to me). I am not sure why you feel that way. I think you are confused and you do not understand. I don't think anyone has actually had a one on one talk with you about God. It is good to question your beliefs as it makes you wiser for challenging them. Please do not go to church just because you are doing it for your husband because like you say it makes things worse. My suggestion to you is that you go talk to the pastor and tell the pastor everything you believe and do not believe and if he or she wants to help you it won't matter where you go to church or what you believe he or she will be considerate and help you or let you be on your way. I would talk to him or her. You may have misconceptions about things and what you really need is to straighten your thoughts out no matter how it turns out. I will do my part and pray that you find the answers you are looking for whatever that may be.
2007-10-13 21:31:04 · answer #5 · answered by cgi 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think you should pray and discuss this with your husband and together decide what is best for your family. I personally think it would be best for your child if you attend as a family.
Have you discussed your doubts with anyone at the church?
Whatever you decide, be careful of inadvertently getting involved with a cult. Links to cult information are below. I wish you the best in your search.
2007-10-13 21:48:34 · answer #6 · answered by Charlie636 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dianna, I strongly recommend investigating the things you have decided not to believe. I think you are quite right to *not* believe everything you're told on blind faith, but do not make the mistake of disbelieving things on blind lack of faith, either!
I think (of the items you mentioned) I'd start with finding out where Jesus actually said that He was God. (This is one I struggled with / investigated, myself) You could probably start with a Yahoo search or Google search about it (since you're sitting where you're sitting right now). Investigate evidence of the idea of the trinity, too: It's true it's not a label used in the Bible, but see if the idea is there. (One good place to start with this one is Matthew 4 -- Do Father, Son and Holy Spirit show up? Do they elsewhere?)
It's wise to be smarter than blind faith.
Don't fall for blind lack of faith, though!
barjesse37
2007-10-13 21:40:52 · answer #7 · answered by barjesse37 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Look up the scripture in the Bible about women submit to husbands. He is to be the leader and influence.
You can't be Christian at all until you believe in God and Jesus and hell, etc.
Don't get your child so confused.
Did you and your husband discuss religion before you married.
2007-10-13 21:32:05 · answer #8 · answered by lana s 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you feel uncomfortable going to his church or the beliefs of his church do not coincide with yours, then you should stop going to his church.
2007-10-14 01:36:51 · answer #9 · answered by Bookworm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seek and you will find. By their fruits you will know them.
By the way I am still looking....
Most of the fruit seems either fake or rancied...
Don't give up and being willing to seek God first and he will add everthing else that you need.
2007-10-13 21:20:50 · answer #10 · answered by Old guy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋