What I feel uncomfortable about religion?

Question

I was raised as a religious person in a very conservative household - I have to say that it definitely benefited be in my youth, but now that I am adult I feel that my deep religious beliefs have disconnected me from reality. I find that many of my friends and people are out there having so much fun, while I feel that by thinking too much I am avoiding all the fun I so easily could have now.

However even to this day my parents still think I am like a child and they try to force religion onto me - but my friends have completely different morals. Why is it like that? Should I continue to listen to my parents, or should I start having fun like an adult?

Answer 1

hmmmmm. define 'fun'. dont let your parents force their beliefs on you. religion that you believe because you want to isnt real religion.

Answer 2

Hi Maverik. Apperciate your openness and honesty - seemingly a rare thing these days. You don't mention your denomination and that may or may not matter. There are many that are very demanding, legalistic on the one hand and others full of what we might call "easy grace".
Jesus said that the road to salvation is narrow and few find it. (Matthew 7:14)
In one sense, the Bible teaches that this life is a preparation for the next - and while many say they want to be saved - or indeed - believe they are - God's Word doesn't always seem to agree with their lifestyle
God loves us and wants us to be with Him and gives us the tools to find out how that is possile. Four of the tools are, with the first already mentioned, (the Bible) - then there is prayer (the Bible will teach you how) - fellowship (the kind of friends you keep) and worship - in the sense of Romans 12:1-2.
The answers may seem to come slowly but God's promise is that those who honestly seek - will also find - but you must do your homework and as you do - you will see the Lord begin to sort out your life in the direction He wants it to go. Trust in that and in Him (Romans 1:17)
If you want to know more - I would suggest you thoughtfully and prayerfully read one or more of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) until you have a good sense of what they are about and then go on to Romans and after that, Ephesians. Then finish the New Testament with the exception of Revelation which is only likely to cause confusion. After that go back to one of the Gospels you haven't read and then Genesis and Exodus. By that time you can start finding your own way.
Use a good study Bible if you can and after you've read a passage - go back and read the footnotes. I'd recommend the NIV Study Bible and The New Living Translation as both being very understandable. Read them both if you can. Thanks and God keep you.

Answer 3

People think differently from others. If your friends have completely different morals, then they were probably raised differently or think differently than you. If you want to listen to your parents, do so, but they can not control your life forever.

They can't force a religion on you, because they can't control how you think or feel. If you want to have fun, do it. Religion has nothing to do with having fun, in my opinion. If you want to have fun, it shouldn't affect your religious life, unless you are going to religious gatherings drunk and you're sleeping around, which I'm sure you aren't going to.

Let loose a little, most people can't stand religion controling their lives 24/7.

I'm not helping much, am I? Sorry. >.<

Answer 4

Having fun like an adult? What does that mean? You should act like an adult, if your are, and make your own decisions. Not let friends or family influence them. But you said your self tha religion definitely benefited you. Does that mean that now that you are an "adult" that God no longer benefits you? You need to pray and seek God before you make a decision, and if the world still holds more appeal than God, then that is your decision, and you are the only one who will have to live with what ever decision you make. It's your choice.

Answer 5

I have a lot of trouble with people like you. It's because you place a lot of meaning on the word 'religion'. Do you know how many definitions of 'religion' there are?

So you count yourself out, when Jesus didn't, they even accused him of being a drunk and a friend of those who sin.

Matthew 11
16 "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 " 'We played the flute for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge
and you did not mourn.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."


Do you see? Staying away from those who party and socialize will not make you a better person for God, He makes us into what He wants us to be, you can only screw it up, and that's what I think that you are going through.

So you have urges to go out, so go out. You may be an interesting witness, as I think Jesus was when he went out.

Answer 6

Be careful about what you are lumping into the "fun" category. Just because you are wanting to start thinking on your own and explore your beliefs in more detail does not mean that you must completely abandon everything in the process. I'm going through something similar, but have been involved in the process for many years. There are many great things your parents have instilled in you. There are many fun ways to enjoy life and not be bogged down with debatable religious restrictions on your life. Not everything that is offered in this world as "fun" is going to be anywhere near fulfilling for you. What are you looking for? My advice is to move forward in mature wisdom while enjoying your youth. Enjoy this time in your life, loosen up!! But seek after wisdom...it's not as boring as it sounds.

Answer 7

Im the same way stubborn as an ox. But the Bible says dont do anything that makes you feel you are sinning against God if it doesnt feel right in your heart even tho to others they dont see it as wrong or a sin. But if you are a religious person and a God fearing Christian stay the course and dont fold under pressure even tho people will think little of you. Thats what my problem was now that i am older and wiser I just just see God and His plan for my life and everything else is subordinate to that

Answer 8

Spoon feeding religious beliefs to children are more than likely doubted and usually abandoned when that child reaches adulthood, so don't feel confused.

Questioning beliefs is part and parcel of the rites of passage into adulthood - you will question everything, religion, parents authority, etc until you formulate your own opinions, morals, and beliefs.


As to "start having fun" - depends on how you define that having fun which can ultimately have negative repercusions.

Answer 9

Religion is a culturally constituted defense mechanism. While it worked great for you as a child, it seems like you are realizing all of the way in which you were brainwashed into thinking. Take some comparative religion classes, talk with other people and draw from their life experiences and knowledge, read about other religions and ways of life and choose your own path. Not one your parents want for you, or your friends are going down, but your own.

Answer 10

Maverick.

The good thing about religions is that they have the notion of conscience. I mean if you believe that you conscience is well formed then you could use this as the measure if what you do is good or wrong.

In fact, a holy man once said that I would not sin if I do not go against my conscience.

In the real world, things are not separated by blacks and whites - and so we use our conscience to enable us to make the correct choices.

Answer 11

Nothing in Christianity is stopping you from having fun. Of course that depends on what you think fun is. Remember narrow is the path to righteousness and wide is the path to destruction. Many young Christians feel the pull of the world. You cannot fight this battle alone. Ask God and He will help. I know where you are coming from, and will pray for you.