How do you cope with changing religious beliefs?
I don't believe exactly the same dogma I was taught as a child anymore. But I don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater (so to speak).
How do you deal with the disillusionment and hurt of finding out that you no longer believe what your folks taught you but still continue to be a spiritual person?
(Source: L)
2007-12-27 10:48:51 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I went from Southern Baptist to Atheist. I didn't throw out the baby with the bathwater. I threw out the bathwater and discovered no baby there.
Once I quit accepting "god did it" as an answer to questions it created a thirst for knowledge in me that will likely never be quenched.
2007-12-27 10:55:30 · answer #1 · answered by AiW 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Definitely. My beliefs grow and change as I learn more, gain experience, and as I grow and change. That's why established organized religious dogma can be so limiting. It often doesn't allow for that growth. For example, when I was younger I had an experience where I was paralyzed, awake, and saw two faces floating in the air in front of me. My Christian aunt attributed the experience to "the devil" and I used to think they were ghostly spirits. Then - I read an article about frontal lobe seizures and realized that's exactly what my experience was.
I'm still a very spiritual person. You don't have to believe in anything supernatural to feel connected to, or as part of, the universe and all that is.
2007-12-27 18:58:29 · answer #2 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yep, my belief has changed over the years.
Once when I was a child I prayed to God to help my dad find a better life. It was never answered. And its said that all childrens prayers are answered.
Later on, I became involved with a christian ministry. But during this time, I noticed my depression was getting worse. So, I left that alone.
Now a days, I'm 58, and coming very close to not believing in any religon whatsoever. And I dont have any depressions either:))
2007-12-27 22:04:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK... I tend to think that...you can only accept that which you are ready for... and so you may go towards something you can digest in the meantime, as something 'close' to the truth - and as you outgrow that... you are then ready to accept something even more closer to the truth, and so on...
Because the 'truth' is so strange and weird, at first glance you would reject it right away --- because you cannot recognise it as such... right now.
I do believe that plain 'truths' are kept from the public, because religious and governmental authorities, etc would lose their hold over us.
eg. the matter of UFOs/ETs/etc...
Our religions do not acknowledge them (even though they are plainly in such religious texts and are not recognised, as such) - and governments do not acknowledge them, because they like to be seen in charge, and don't like to be ranked in a secondary (or third) position of power, etc etc.
The same sort of thing, applies to 'God' the afterlife, etc etc.
Religions keep up the God pretence - because 'they' gain power --- speaking for God all the time. To acknowledge there is no God (of course, there isn't... it's logical) - would mean they no longer have any power over us...
2007-12-27 19:05:47 · answer #4 · answered by TruthBox 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure what you mean.
Learn all you can. Be honest with yourself. Always better yourself and the world. What else can you do?
I had a falling out with my childhood indoctrination as well. All I can say is - you'll be better off in the long run. Just try not to leave the meditation behind. Its good to have "quiet time" and just think... about life, yourself, the people you know, etc etc.
2007-12-27 18:55:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As I have learned more over the years I have often been struck by the concept that my actions and choices were not in harmony with Scriptures. Because of this I have made a number of major changes. Each one has been a trial as I have not been joined by the people closest to me.
2007-12-27 18:53:13 · answer #6 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My beliefs haven't but my opinions have.
I use the Word of God, the Bible, as my authority. If in doubt, look there. If you find error in what has been taught to you then correct it in your life. If your parents were wrong in what they taught you, perhaps now that you understand more, discuss it with them. Sit down and have studies together. No one can take away your faith but you can let it go.
2007-12-27 18:55:06 · answer #7 · answered by Pancakke 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh for sure. The first religion I practiced was the one I was taught, Christianity. I ended up getting more extremist in my views on that until I finally gave it up. Eventually then I became an Asatruar because I wanted to embrace my heritage. And then finally an atheist because I can't convince myself that gods exist.
2007-12-27 19:03:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes. I went from being a cathlioc to being an atheist. It wasnt that hard for me since i was never really dedicated to it in the first place. I cant really put myself in your position because i was raised as a cathlioc but never really agreed with the beliefs. you dont have to quit cold turkey, just improv. good luck.
2007-12-27 18:54:42 · answer #9 · answered by knicker_please 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Was raised a brainwashed Christian.
After some unbrainwashing, I evolved to agnostic.
After some research self education, I evolved further to atheist.
Sometime afterwards I embraced Satanism.
2007-12-27 19:01:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋