Christianity is a rather depressing religion, is it not?

Question

I mean....
- Everything in the holy book can be interpreted in a thousand ways.
- You´re born as a sinner and there is no way during your lifespan, to get rid of your wrong doing of being born.
- Then when you get to heaven, there is no guarantee that you will get in, and for some reason or another, you´ll possebly end up in hell.
- You never was provided with solid evidence for your belief, meaning that others, can freely bash you, without you being able to fend for yourself effeciently.
- The amount of conflicting information in the holy book is emormous and rather frustrating, as you don´t know what to believe, and is forced to ignore it.
- You´re being given empty promises, which you believe in, but which might not come true for you.
- Your prayers are not answered. You´re never given the new car before it goes out of production; the million dollars; a new arm just like the one you lost in a traffic accident last year...

So many uncertain things. Rather depressing, eh?

Answer 1

What you have described here is what is known as a stereotype.

Not all Christians are guilt-ridden; in fact, some of us find freedom in our sinless status.

And...
Guess what? Even joy!

Yes, I said joy!

If a Christian is depressed, then it is because there is a problem with their personal relationship with God/dess. This has nothing to do with doctrine, or anything of the like.

If you want to see real true joy, go to an Assembly of God church...it is so prevalent you can almost smell it. It is as palpable as the keyboard you are using.

However, you may be talking about certain denominations that emphasize guilt. I could name a couple, but I don't want to offend.

You don't know any Christians that are filled with joy? This is disturbing, to say the least.

Answer 2

Uncertain? Only if you blindly accept what others have taught you and refuse to step out and find answers for your doubts. Or, if you stereotype it all and never try to understand it.
-Yes, we all think and perceive differently and as a result interpretations are all somewhat different, but it doesn't mean utter confusion and uncertainty. In fact, different viewpoints are good for getting every bit of meaning and understanding out of a passage.
-Being born is not a "wrong doing." Sinfulness unfortunately is a part of human nature, but there IS a way to be freed of your sins.
-There is a guarantee of getting into heaven.
-There is solid evidence for Christians' faith--if you want some, visit http://www.allaboutthejourney.org/
-Conflicting information should not be ignored. It needs to be questioned and examined carefully. If you'd like a shortcut to logical explanations of "conflicting information," see http://www.allabouttruth.org/bible-contradictions.htm Also try Bible Difficulties on http://www.comereason.org/.
-There are no empty promises when you've researched enough and found the Truth.
-God is not a cosmic Santa Claus. Life isn't a perfect fairy tale ending once you trust in God. There are always going to be trials and problems whether you believe or not.
If anything, when examined closely and researched with an open and tolerant heart, Christianity is found to be quite the opposite of uncertainty.

Answer 3

If everything can be interpreted a thousand ways, why do you even bother asking this question, you'll get a thousand different answers and none could be guaranteed, eh?
http://hermeneutics.kulikovskyonline.net/hermeneutics/hermeneutics.htm
Yes, you're right that we're all born sinners, but why is it so depressing that God came down to die for that sin so that you COULD be guaranteed into Heaven if you believe He did so? There's no uncertainty about it, my friend, if You believe God became the perfect sacrifice for you, then you have your salvation.
Sure, Christians still struggle with sin sometimes, but it can be overcome, and I've seen it happen a thousand times.
How on earth can you even say there's no evidence for our belief? Peter even said in 1 Peter 15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." and there are plenty doing that. I'm up over my head in evidence! Here are some sources:
http://tektonics.org/
"The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel
"The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel
"TheCase for a Creator" by Lee Strobel
"Icons of Evolution: Why Much of What We Teach about Evolution Is Wrong" by microbiologist Jonathan Wells
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
There's a torrent of stuff out there, maybe it would help if you LOOKED. I spent a whole lot of time defending my faith, and I don't and can't defend it with nothing.
There is not a huge conflicting amount of information in the Bible. I DO NOT ignore questions and doubts, and neither do any other Christians I know.
"The Case for the Real Jesus" by Lee Strobel I believe talks about textural criticism.
Manuscript support:
http://www.ronrhodes.org/Manuscript.html
Old Testament Criticism:
http://www.tektonics.org/lp/ottextcrit.html
New Testament Criticism:
http://www.tektonics.org/lp/nttextcrit.html
About the Dead Sea Scrolls:
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-abr/abr-a023.html
"The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell
Also, it helps to actually read the Bible. It's amazingly coherent if you check for yourself. There are plenty of books out there, go search for your answers.
Of both Testaments, the New Testament is especially grounded, and that being so, and Jesus confirmed the Old Testament in the New Testament, there's a case right there.
How can you even back up your "empty promises" argument?
You know why you don't get those things from prayer? Because God is not a gumball machine. God does what God plans, so if You're going to pray, you're to pray for what He wants. He says to be persistent (Luke 18:1-8). And you know why? Because the Enemy tries to stop these things from happening, and sometimes he succeeds. So many times in the New Testament it takes faith to get things done. Sometimes He blesses people without them even realizing it or even asking for it. I had several physical ailments that had persisted for months, if not years. Shortly after I came back to God, they went away before I had even noticed it, when nothing else ever changed my situation even when I expected it to. He's kept my family from financial ruin time and time again, and I entirely trust Him with that because He's done a better job than we ever could with our money. I trust him with my depression--which has the potential to be very severe, of which I WOULD be afraid if He wasn't there--because I believe He'll take care of me as long as I come to Him, and so far, He's won my battles because I've let him defend me.
Sometimes God lets bad things happen or remain bad to strengthen us--you know the old saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" At those times, He's letting us realize that we need him, and sometimes it takes a wake up call to send us running to Him. Sometimes fathers let their kids learn the hard way, because sometimes that's the only way they'll learn, ya know?
I encourage you to go out and research it, I assure you that you'll not be short on sources.
God bless,
aphtershoxz

Answer 4

No way!! I have never felt happier in my life. Don't get me wrong, its not easy being a christian but its worth it. When you surrender and let God take control of your life its hard to be depressed cause you know everything happens for a reason. The hardest part is submitting. Once you get that over with it gets easier. Empty promises?? No way God doesn't do those. Its all about the faith, if you truly believe that God has your best interest at heart [ which he does] you'll have nothing to worry about. Do you trust God? He loves you anyway and hes waiting, so start today. God Bless

Answer 5

Each individual can look at life as they see it. You have chosen a very negitive view.
I was a party person who tried several religions and even tried not having a god. What I have found is that since I have been following Jesus Christ I am full of Joy and peace and have a good time living life.
I ride a Harley through the Mountains. I snowmobile through them, I ride horseback, I attend cook outs in with friends, I white water raft every summer, I hike and hunt and just have a great life.
All because Jesus has shown me that life is for enjoying. Not to mention the reward of helping others and the joy that has brought. Watching my neighbor drive the pickup truck I gave to them. The children who I have given much money and time and coaching to. The clothing and food that I have distributed to others. Wow, all because my Lord tells me these things are good. :)

Answer 6

Actually the fact that so many people are sliding into unending everlasting punishment and eternal burning fire in demonic prisons called "hell" and soon after -- "lake of fire that never ends" is what is real depressing.

I've never been depressed from God, but from this current world, sin, and the masses of people running towards the ever very hungry hell that few escape from--those things currently are quite depressing.

But don't listen to me or the truth -- keep listening to the devil who says don't worry about that stuff too much, or let the pastor/priest/rabbi/etc. handle it on Sunday, man...

Answer 7

i think of its great which you're asking questions and commencing as much as see the inconsistencies of religion. in basic terms you may finally choose what you pick to have faith or no longer have faith, even though it particularly is often an outstanding element to be knowledgeable on why you have faith it. individually, as quickly as i found out that i did no longer have faith in god, heaven, or hell I felt relief. i began out residing my existence for me, rather of being apprehensive of imaginary being and what he could do to me if i did no longer adhere to what he needed. Oh, and in order that which you know, finding out to be a nonbeliever does not make you a undesirable individual or some loser who merely sits in front of a working laptop or laptop all day, performs video games, and harasses human beings on line. There are human beings like that throughout the time of each and every team and faith. merely like how there are additionally completely functioning individuals of society.

Answer 8

NO! ..... actually it is the exact oppisite..... for your information there is reconsiliation.... to forgive us from our sins..... and the only people who probably wont get into heaven... is people who dont trul;y believe....... They are not empty promises.... and faith is believeing in something you cant see, but that is still.. smart one..... the bible is NOLT confusing... you actually have to read it to comprehend...... And last but not least.... our prayers are answered, though it might not be the answer we were looking for.

A study was done and overally people who believe in GOD, are generally happier than those who dont believe in anything!!!

and frankly the only thing depression is that picture!


GOD BLESS

Answer 9

In general, I would sort of agree with you, but, as often is the case, there are exceptions.

I have good and bad memories of attending various religious services with my friends. Our local black Baptist church was my favorite. I attended often, just to experience the joy, the spirit, the singing, the warmth of that particular group of worshippers.

Answer 10

It is Depressing for those who do not honor or worship god. But we true Christians the bible is joyful. And in a lot of ways a text book.