I have never been very religious, although I did go to church regularly as a young child, as well as attend catechism every year. Eventually my parents stopped taking me, and I no longer go to church or anything. Lately I have been through alot in my life and I feel very lost, like I have nothing to live for, and no where to turn. I have been thinking about myu faith and wondering if I would be happier if I had a better relationship with god. This is an honest question: how can religion help me at this point, and what do I do from here, besides going to church? I was raised Roman Catholic. I do not meant to sound ignorant in my question but I really do need help and I am wondering how religion can help me.
2007-10-29 05:03:08 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You know, I was raised Catholic also and find myself in the same predicament as you and asking myself the same questions. Even though I was raised Catholic I have denounced my Catholic religion and am now "non-denominational" which basically means I believe in God but do not belong to any specific religion.
As far as I'm concerned religion is just a form of control. There is only ONE God and how you praise him can be done without following "laws of a religion" all the laws we need are in the bible and that's it.
I am a huge fan of Joyce Meyer. She has lived a sinners life and found God. She's real, and she hits topics home, because she's lived the non christian life. She has a huge ministry and is on TV but check out her web site as she gives out a lot of teaching material for free or for $1.
I wish you luck in your search and sorry I could be much more help but I'm just as lost as you are.
Hugs,
shel
PS. Joyce's website is joycemeyer.org
2007-11-01 17:34:15 · answer #1 · answered by Shel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All I can tell you to do is to have faith in God. Whatever you are going through is God's Will. I'm Roman Catholic now, but I was protestant for most of my life. Before I was Catholic, we didn't go to church every Sunday and when we did, we didn't pay attention or take it seriously. I think that maybe you should read up a little about Catechism and maybe join a Bible study group with some friends. Religion can help alot, no matter what you are going through. If you feel really bad about not going to church, then go to confession and do your penance, you'll feel better. I'm praying for you! :]
2007-10-29 12:18:06 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At this point, it might help to get some good counseling.
Surround yourself with good examples of Christianity, which frankly is hard to do these days.
The best way to get close to God is to read the Bible with a godly Christian teacher. The "sinner's prayer" is a bunch of bunk. Relationships take time and effort. Just like the "I do" in marriage doesn't necessarily lead to a good marital relationship, so also does the "sinner's prayer" not necessarily lead to a good relationship with the Lord.
Bear in mind also, that God is not a genie in a bottle, that you can summon and be granted wishes. God expects holiness and obedience to His standard of conduct towards Him and others.
(So, try not to look for that standard by observing those who profess Christianity, because you'll be waiting a long time, and get VERY discouraged.)
But for your current ennui, I would seek some good Christian counseling in your area.
2007-10-29 12:15:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, YES!! You have absolutely the right answer there.....turn to GOD! He is THE only answer! He is drawing you to Him and you are listening! AWESOME! But, it is not about the "religion" at all......it is about your one on one relationship with God that will fix how you are feeling. Just go talk to Him.....and read His letter to you.....the Bible. It will tell you EVERYTHING you need. God says He will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) He says that if you acknowledge Him in everything that He will direct your path. (Proverbs 3:6) One more thing....He says that if you will try to get close to Him....that He WILL get close to you. (James 4:8)
I will pray for you to have that experience because there is nothing like it....nothing better!
† On-call Prayer Warrior †
2007-11-02 07:47:32 · answer #4 · answered by bethy4jesus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will continue to feel lost, If you believe in God, and know already that Jesus Christ went to the cross for our sins, of coarse you are lost, Your name is in the book if you believe, and God is most likely calling you home.
We are born with a thirst, a need, and when that need isn't satisfied we will feel distant, it is because we are not where we are supposed to be, God is calling us to HIm, The only way you are going to heal and get better is by talking to The Lord, don't sit in dispair, We have eternity in The Holy Kingdom, where there will be no more sin, your life is important to God, and God has such a deep love for us, than we can even compehend,stick in there and God Bless!!!
2007-10-29 12:17:51 · answer #5 · answered by Lynn C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religions, and churches in particular, feed on the weak and vulnerable. So no do not turn to god(s). Find a friend of family member to talk to.
2007-10-29 12:53:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would turn back to God. You do not need to go to a priest to speak with God. I, too, was rasied Roman Catholic. Just speak with Him. Reread Romans, John's gospel, and all of John's letters.
2007-10-29 12:19:02 · answer #7 · answered by Mark S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you should turn to God. Find a bible-believing church that you feel comfortable with, (I'm a Baptist, myself), and talk with an elder, deacon, or leader who can settle your concerns. The Bible is a trove of knowledge and the book of John is a fine place to begin. Best to you!
2007-10-29 12:14:20 · answer #8 · answered by Thomas E 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you feel lost as in you feel no purpose within you or that you feel you need some type of religion or spiritual path to follow?
You have to follow what you like to do do most then do it with all your heart, that is what brings you joy to do. This is your choice alone, their is no judgement for following a different path than another.
2007-10-29 12:11:47 · answer #9 · answered by piscean_psychic7 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Believe that Jesus, who is God, died for your sins on the cross and rose again, and you are saved by that. Jesus loves you, and will help you in the things in your life.
Catholics are not saved and are not Christians. Catholics believe a false gospel of works that leads to eternal hell.
Bible teachers that said the Vatican and the catholic cult are an antichrist:
John Bunyan, John Huss, John Wycliffe, John Calvin, William Tyndale, John Knox, Thomas Bacon, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Samuel Cooper, John Cotton, and Jonathan Edwards
2007-10-29 12:07:07 · answer #10 · answered by Chris 4 · 4⤊ 3⤋