I just don't know where I stand anymore, and wonder what others did at this point...
Kind of a heavy question for yahoo answers but I know there are some quality answerers out there!
2007-10-31 08:36:44 · 22 answers · asked by Myra G 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you don't question your life once in a while, you're only going through the motions of living. Religion is a way to make sense of what would otherwise be a chaotic and meaningless world. But it is an overlay, a metaphor, a filter, not raw reality. It establishes "meaning" through a background story, a mythos, but it needs to make sense.
If your revealed background story doesn't match what you experience, if you see "good" that looks evil, or "evil" that looks like good, you need to examine your faith. It may need a new insight or interpretation. Or it may need to be junked for something more consistent and "honest". What works perfectly for one person may be a terrible match for another. Even in the "one way" crowd, there are variations. Some need an intellectual approach, others piety, some focus on justice, others on compassion.
I'd cruise through the 200 and 300 section of your local library. Many religions promote "spiritual reading" but not outside their own area. I think it's a good idea to get exposed to other points of view. Read with a mix of open-minded skepticism. You may learn something new, even about your home faith.
2007-10-31 09:01:29 · answer #1 · answered by skepsis 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
UUA.org is an organizantion that pretends to preach inclusion of all beliefs , and then strongly , some times underhandedly , trys to sway you to their traditional beliefs on things such as human sexuality , abortion rights , hell , and "God" .
Study truth , Logic , science .
Question all sources and all motives .
Technon ... This might add something IF we knew what your religion IS ! !
Please enlighten us ! ! !
irish398 , Did your father ever ask you if all the earthly pain and suffering caused to animals , babies , children , and good people by way of floods , hurricanes , disease , criminal acts , fire , and so forth ever caused you to doubt your "faith and beliefs" ?
Did your father ever ask you if since there is so much obviously wrong in the Bible (which is the souce of your believing there is a "God" ,I presume ) , has that ever caused you to doubt your faith and beliefs ?
And finally , did your father ever ask you if the fact there is no scientific or historical proof of the existance of either "God" or "Jesus" ,did that cause you to question your faith and beliefs ?
These things don't have to do with "the institution or it's people" . But I also think one would wonder why the original religion of Jesus ( and St. Paul and Constantine ) was able to go so far astray from what "God" would have wanted ( all the "Bad Popes", the Crusades , the Inqusitions , the child molestations , etc.) if this was what "God" wanted us to be part of . Maybe all religions are a type of mythology and can't stand up to the test of time ? ! ! !
2007-10-31 08:54:19 · answer #2 · answered by allure45connie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The vast majority of organized religions are based on dogma. On a black and white, good and evil, right and wrong interpretation to life. By questioning your religion you are in essence going against everything your religion wants you to do.
Just remember that.
If you go back... you can't ask questions anymore. It's not illegal (although the religions would make it so if possible). At least questions as to the validity of your faith. But you can argue about what Isiah meant and where Christ's grave is located and if there is a code in the Bible and other supernatural based unanswerable questions all day long!
2007-10-31 08:52:56 · answer #3 · answered by Jesus Cake 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I seriously doubt there is anyone including clergyman that have not questioned their own faith and belief system.
I was in the same boat in college and sinking faster every week. My father talked to me about it and asked me these questions.. (I'll shorten them a bit)
What don't you like/disagree with about your religion. (Catholic). So I listed all of the things that I thought were a problem. He listened to everything and then asked me what my beliefs were towards God.
Turns out that all of my discrepancies and doubts weren't about my faith or beliefs, I was upset with the politics and institution, but it really had nothing to do with my faith.
The best question he asked me was (hypothetical question) If the pope did something truly awful, would that make you not believe in God. Of course I said no. Then why worry so much about the institution and the how it is run and the people in the congregation. My faith is between God and myself. I don't have to always agree with the institution and it's people, only the faith.
Hope that helps, God Bless.
2007-10-31 09:00:36 · answer #4 · answered by irish398 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never questioned whether there was a God or not. I have questioned things in the religion, though. I have questioned things from the bible.
Mostly because there is so much put out there that trys to make the believer question.
Satan is powerful on this earth.
When I questioned, I went to every godly person that I knew, within my church, within my family.
They helped me to put things into perspective and helped me to find the answers that I needed in the bible.
The answers are there, we just have to admit that we have doubts and questions and bring them to God and ask for His guidance.
If you are a true seeker of Truth, you will find it.
Jesus said, " I am the way the TRUTH and the life."
He also said "Knock and the door shall be opened unto you."
2007-10-31 08:51:27 · answer #5 · answered by biggestjesusfan, † Cat P.W. † 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Everyone should question their religion at some point or another. You need to study other religions and see if maybe there is another one that you feel better with or try talking to your priest or bishop, etc. they may be able to help you past this hurdle what ever you choose will be good for you remember you can always change your mind again later Bless Be
2007-10-31 08:45:57 · answer #6 · answered by harmony moon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Question EVERYTHING. Accept NOTHING on face value and PARTICULARLY doubt things that are told to you by people who 'know' that they're 'right'. Analyze your world. Think. Experience. Attain wisdom. If you do all of the above you will know where you stand even as you continue to question. What you WON'T be anymore however is self-deceived. This is a warning. There is NOTHING as comfortable and secure as self-deception. Give it up in exchange for objectivity and clear-mindedness and you can never go back.
2007-10-31 08:43:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I joined a discussion group of 200 Evangelicals who opposed my religion to see if they could prove it wrong. After over a year of bitter debate... they could not... and my faith was strengthened.
Most of where I get discouraged is not with the doctrines of my religion, but with those who profess it but fail to follow it. Such things have existed for all time... it is something we just have to endure... kind of like living in a city with polluted air... you have to keep on breathing though it stinks.
2007-10-31 08:48:16 · answer #8 · answered by Technoman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. In my opinion, most thinking people do ask questions. There are certain doctrinal teachings of my church that I openly question. I would find it difficult to accept any teaching without ever asking why I'm expected to believe it, or at least looking into the matter further.
2007-10-31 08:43:07 · answer #9 · answered by solarius 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes I did. I'm glad I did, too.
If you truly believe in something, you should seek out other options. If your belief is right for you, all other options should strengthen your conviction in the original belief. And if it's not, you will naturally find your correct path. I have found my path, and I question it daily. Fortunately, my beliefs hold up to scrutiny (in my eyes at least).
Good luck on your journey. Namaste.
2007-10-31 08:48:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋