I have been around religious folks, including my parents all of my life, and now I find myself questioning my religion. I feel so horrible, now since my mother has passed on. I feel that I will never ever see her again, and I am starting to question whether or not there is a God. I know this would devastate her, but I can't help feeling what I am feeling. Who can I talk to? I just don't feel comfortable worshipping God for selfish reasons. That's what I have been taught about religion... if you do for God, God will do for you. Help me?
2007-12-25 06:06:18 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's been like that for me with christianity. some people that are raised in a christian environment just never really feel comfortable with that belief. I never did.
I started to explore other beliefs and I really found myself in paganism. It felt like coming home for me. I feel the connection with Gods like I never did before. They are here for me in a way that the christian god never was.
And you know what's best? Pagan gods won't damn you to some fiery afterlife for all eternity for questioning your belief. On the contrary, you're ENCOURAGED to explore, learn, think.
I'd suggest you to stop worrying and ask yourself: What exactly do I really believe in? Then maybe look into pantheism or one of the nature-based neo-pagan beliefs. You just might find your real self there.
2007-12-25 06:23:03 · answer #1 · answered by Ymmo the Heathen 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.
With respect to religion, I think your questioning is normal and beneficial. If there is a Divinity, it gave us a brain and we should use it.
I do not think you need to worry about questioning. You might be interested in finding a church or other religious group where questioning is welcomed or even encouraged.
Personally, I think Unitarian Universalist churches do a good job of that. You may find it a good place to explore religion from many different angles. But if it's not for you, then try finding some other place where you are allowed to ask your questions and search honestly for answers. Pagan and atheist or agnostic groups would, for example. But there are many others.
2007-12-25 06:20:39 · answer #2 · answered by kriosalysia 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi Sadwoman. I will answer your question from the perspective of a Deist. I also used to be confused in matters of faith and religion, and was an atheist for many years. I can assure you that there is a God. I believe in God, but I don't believe in organized religion, nor the bible. Our God-given reason and the existence of nature, and the beauty and complexity within nature and life itself tells us that there must be a higher power, a God, or a creator. Everything is much too complicated to have an origin that is purely accidental. Life cannot evolve from dead matter. The bible was responsible for much of my confusion simply because it is a book that was written by man; not God. The bible is a paradox in itself and is full of contradictions, mathmatical and time-line errors; which is why it is so confusing because it is repugnant to our reason and common sense. So far as an after life, us Deists have different viewpoints, but free-thinking is encouraged as part of Deism. We do not have dogmas or doctrines, which is what separates us from revealed, or organized religions. I personally do not know for sure if there is an afterlife, but if there is it can only be positive. I certainly do not believe in hell, nor do I believe that God is evil as he is depicted in the bible. I believe that he loves us, having given life to us creatures, therefore he will not destroy nor harm us. We have free-will and I do not believe that God intervenes in human affairs, nor does he answer prayers. This is just my opinion, and I'm sure there are charlatans, zealots, and atheists out there who will disagree. I'm happy with Deism and have been for years, and I'm happy to no longer be bound by the ridiculous superstition of the bible, and fear of what lies on the other side of death. My opinion is get rid of the bible and get to know God through nature and reason. If you're searching for a way to know God without having to abandon your God-given reason, and find a place where both science and the acceptance of God co-exists, check into Deism for answers.
2007-12-25 06:35:03 · answer #3 · answered by Keith 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't be sad, this is a good thing. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that just because religion says a lot of ridicules thing about God, that this means that God is not real.
God is real, religion is just a lie about God. This lie we call religion does not affect the real God in any way.
Religion spends a great amount of time talking about things that it knows absolutely nothing about, God and the afterlife.
It proclaims it's self the earthly authority of something that it has become completely disconnected from. It draws its ideas from ancient moth eaten mistranslations and misinterpretations. Trying to define a dynamic living God with worn out scriptural ideas. Gods word is not constrained by fossilized dogma more appropriate for ancient audiences. It is alive, up to date and available fro anyone who is willing to take the time to listen.
God has not stopped communicating with us, most of us just refuse to take the time to listen.
Love and blessings Don
2007-12-25 06:38:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You know what. It is OK for you to question your beliefs. God created you with a mind to question and wonder and figure out.
So as a Christian, I say, go ahead and ask questions and seek and search. Nothing wrong with it as long as it is sincere.
As far as those who say that Christians say to not ask questions and don't think...that isn't true. I am a Christian and I am saying...ask questions and think. It is OK.
Serious questions from the heart that one really wants to know the answer to are ok like. Why is there suffering in the world? Or Why does Isaiah 457 say God created evil?
However, mocking, unserious, blasphemous questions like..."Why did your Sky Daddy rape Mary?" or "Did Jebus have a big penis?" or even a serious looking question that one does not WANT the answer to and just does it to mock or harrass is NOT ok.
But otherwise, go ahead and ask and seek and look. You will find.
2007-12-25 07:11:35 · answer #5 · answered by kickindevilbutt 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
THE death of a loved one is indeed distressing. The empty feeling, the loneliness, and the sense of loss are unfathomable. Bereavement can make a person feel helpless, for regardless of how much wealth, power, or influence he might possess, no one now on earth can restore a dead person to life.
However, our Creator looks at matters differently. Having formed the first human from the dust of the ground, he is also able to re-create a dead person. For this reason, God can view the dead as though they were alive. Regarding faithful servants of old who have died, Jesus said: “They are all living from [God’s] standpoint.”—Luke 20:38.
While on earth, Jesus was empowered to resurrect the dead. (John 5:21) Hence, he shares his Father’s view of those who have died faithful. For example, when his friend Lazarus died, Jesus told his disciples: “I am journeying . . . to awaken him from sleep.” (John 11:11) From a human standpoint, Lazarus was dead, but to Jehovah and Jesus, Lazarus was sleeping.
Under Jesus’ Kingdom rule, there will be “a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) In time, those who are resurrected will receive divine education and have the prospect of everlasting life on earth.—John 5:28, 29.
Yes, the death of a loved one can cause much distress and sorrow, which may last for years. Nevertheless, viewing the dead from God’s standpoint can bring us great comfort and fill us with hope.—2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.
I wish the absolute best for you, asking Questions is Quite Normal, Martha did just that...At John 11:21 it says " Martha therefore said to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died. She However was comforted in the Resurrection hope that happened right before her eyes.
2007-12-25 06:29:46 · answer #6 · answered by conundrum 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Every living things in this world has to live & die. Is is nothing you have to do about it. And see if you go through my opinion your mom wasn't really you mom forever. God designed this world in such ways say, you had a mom to guide you through your childhood. when god though that your mom has done enough for everybody he took her awy from all of you. Same thing continues the near ones or the far ones are never yours. They are just created for guidance. So, never to give up in your life. You can't control anything. Now, god wants you to follow the principles that your mom gave you & your near ones are giving you rught now.
That's it from me.
2007-12-25 06:35:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THIS IS PRETTY NORMAL.
Although I was a born again Christian believer, when the wife of my youth died suddenly, I started to dabble with belief in ghosts.
I spoke to Gwendolyn, and I thought I could clearly hear her voice (which I answered, as if she might be there).
The mind can play strange tricks, especially when we are stressed out!
My Jewish grandparents were robbed and murdered when Germany invaded Poland in WWII, so I DO understand the retorical question WHERE WAS GOD then!
Since mom was a Jew, in honour of all my relatives on her side of the family, here is a bit of Judeo-Christian history.
After all, don`t we all worship the living God of Abraham!!
Pray for the peace of Jeruselem, as Jesus commanded us!
Often misunderstood as a "Jewish Christmas," Hanukkah, which means, "DEDICATION, consecration, or inauguration" in Hebrew, is also referred to as the "Feast of Dedication" (or "Festival of Lights").
May we ALL rededicate ourselves to our Creator!
The death of a loved one is devistating.
But GOD is ALL we`ve got.
What is plan B?
As a man said in the bible, to our Lord Jesus Christ...
``I BELEVE! Lord, help my unbelief!``
Keep the faith sister.
Thank God that HE does exist, and we will live forever with Him in heaven.
Your mom has awoken in heaven, from the nightmare of life on this sin-cursed planet.
She has no more pain, and no more tears. It is the ultimate healing, by His stripes!!!
Seasons greetings.
2007-12-25 07:10:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You don't do it just for God; but also for yourself. It pains God that anyone dose not worship Him. And Jesus too. Think of this: Is it better to go through life believing in God then finding out after you are dead that He is not? Or worse to not believe in God then discover when you die that God is real and Hell you are going too?
Another question I would love for you to tell me, if you don't believe in God, is : Where did the first atom come from that split into two, then four, then eight, ........ into all there is today. Even all the different types of atoms and how they all fitted together just right to make all the leaves, birds, dirt, fruits, and even us? How did the first atom come to be?
Have you ever experienced a miracle? I have that science could never explain. Don't let one tragedy ruin you.
2007-12-25 06:20:02 · answer #9 · answered by geessewereabove 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The person to talk is your religious leader (Pastor or Priest). Grief always makes us feel like questioning our beliefs. Don't let the sadness rule your heart.
I wish you happiness and soon recovery from your loss of faith. Go to your church, ok.
2007-12-25 06:30:16 · answer #10 · answered by David G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋