Losing faith?

Question

I think I might be slowly losing my faith in Christ... I'm 16, and I've always been a believer of sorts, until now. I don't know... I don't want to lose my faith. Has anyone else felt the same way? I know this is bad, but for some reason faith doesn't seem important anymore, and I don't want to feel that way...
What should I do?
Thanks. =)

Answer 1

If I were you, I would look at all the things I am having problems believing in and try to figure out what caused it.

I see nothing wrong with questioning one's beliefs. It should be something every one does, instead of blindly believing what you are told... read up and learn about it. Educate yourself in your beliefs and you will lead your self in the direction you need to go.

If you start to feel you need proof, facts and validity to back up your beliefs, you will probably start to lose your faith altogether, and that's not a bad thing. It's part of growing up... just as it is learning that Santa isn't real and your mom slipped the dollar under your pillow every time you lost a tooth. But if you start to feel the power of faith pulling you back in, then go for it... nothing wrong with believing either, as long as you don't force what you believe on others... if it makes you happy, then more power to you, but you do not need religion to be happy.

Answer 2

Okay first off, let's examine Guilt...

I knew Christians who would say "Guilt comes from God, and you only feel guilty when you've done something wrong"!
Then they went on to say that if you had the Holy Spirit in you and did something which was "Unholy"
(like watch Night of the Living Dead)
than the Holy Spirit inside of you would hurt, because it doesn't like Sin...

Now, they were only half right.
You see, God was not sitting on his throne shooting
Guilty beams at me for watching a Rated R movie with my dad.
But they *convinced* me otherwise...
Don't be gullible.

If you hang out with a group long enough you're bound to start growing some of their qualities, habits, & ideas.
Like the Bilble says...
"Steel Sharpens Steel"...
And that is not necessarily a good thing!
Don't lose your individuality.
And don't follow anybody!
It is natrual to want to have a father figure.
It is natrual to want to be led. But I say, resist that temptation.
Because if you are following someone who doesn't know the way, you are just as lost.
And it is always more rewarding, to pave your own path anyway. It is, more intresting, more fulfilling, to go into the unknown.
I urge you to go on exploring.
Find the Truth for yourself.
And know this: Once you find the truth, it is impossible to forget it.
Only lies need to be continually remembered, and built upon.

Answer 3

Well are you doing things you shouldn't be doing? From the way you write your words, seems your saying your not saved, just have kind of always believed Christ was real. Well Satan will use this world and make it fun just so you will stop believing. Also from the way you write your words, its seems you do not want to stop believing in Christ. Well find a church and attend. One that teaches the word of God. That's a good start.

Answer 4

I would go alone with "Wired"

Some how those who call for you to embrace some other ideas.... well let me say this;

I have officiated at a lot of funerals over the years.....

Odd thing.... fewer tears at a Believers Funeral

But oh the wailing and knashing of teeth at those funerals...
where there didnt seem to be what is called "faith".... wonder why that is??

Never give up...Never give in... And always believe..

edit:
Sorry Athena.. but some REALLY nice person deleted "Wired's" Comments... and his comments were pretty good... If you want e mail me..and I try and share what he said or better yet see if you can find him and e mail him.
He is a very positive person.. AMEN

Answer 5

Don't go so much on feeling...

The question is" what's true?"
Much more than "what makes me feel good?"

I'm an ex-Christian atheist, so might be thought biased, but I'd actually recommend Colin Chapman's "The Case For Christianity." It presents *all* views and arguments as fairly as I've ever seen in one reasonably sized volume.

If you work your way through that, at the very least you'll be clear on what questions you should be asking yourself and others.
The price starts at $4 including postage, second-hand...

Answer 6

Don't lose faith. You can have intelligence and faith, don't let the Atheists be the only opinions you take. Everyone questions God, it's only natural. It's up to you whether or not you still have faith in Him. Once you've doubted and had your faith reaffirmed you'll be quite strong in your faith. Take heart, and talk to God about how you're feeling He'll understand, don't be ashamed. Email me if you'd like, I'd be more than willing to talk with you.

Answer 7

Let your intelligence and sense of reason take you to whatever conclusions that seem reasonable. If some religious claims defy your sense of reason, don't believe them. Investigate and keep an open mind to all possibilities. It's not bad to lose your faith. don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

Answer 8

It's easy to think that way, Peter must of felt bad also when he lied on Christ 3 times, lost some faith i would say, but he bounced back! you can do it also , pray, and persevere in it ask it of him and you will receive.

Answer 9

I'm 18 and I'm going through the EXACT same thinng. I think that this is just something that a lot of young people go through but stay prayed up and keep believing

Answer 10

I think a lot of Christians have felt this way, remember it only takes a little bit of faith to be used by God. Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find