I was raised very religious, but after a couple years of college I began to question things and my "religiousness" faded. I started to see things in Christianity that I don't agree with - for ex. that you must believe in Christ as your savior for eternal life - what about those in countries that never heard of Him? Or those who are good people and basically live God's will? Or, is the God that sent His son on earth really harsh and unforgiving enough to punish His people for eternity? How can you have faith with questions like these?\n\nI miss being religious (don't miss the guilt!), and do wonder about heaven. I do still believe in God. Am I missing something? What should I do?
138751
Awesome! You are asking the right questions. It all starts with the questions - if you believe blindly, you will not get very far.  Christ is one of many thousands of ways to God. Did you ever wonder why there is evil in this world if God is all powerful and all-loving?  How come that "god" of Old testament is so different (immature, insecure, cruel) from God that Jesus talks about?  How come that Adam fell asleep in the paradise and never woke up?  Why there are two creation stories in Genesis? Did you notice that Jehova lied to Adam and Eve and the snake told them the truth concerning the fruit of the tree of knowledge?\n\nIf you search, you will find the REAL good news that Jesus taught:\nThere is no hell, there is no sin (just errors that can be corrected), ALL people will be saved, all of us can perform miracles like Jesus did... And God is all love and forgiveness.  Check out mystics in all religions: Sufis in Islam, Zen Buddhists, Kaballah in Judaism, Gnostics in Christianity (highly recommend A Course in Miracles!) \nhttp://acim-search.miraclevision.com/std-second-edition-and-supps/index.html\nand movies like Matrix.  Don't forget about quantum physics - movie "What the bleep do we know?" is a good starter.\nkeep asking these questions!\n\nSlawek
221380
you're so right.\n\ni am a guy who is always in doubt if there is a God or not. my guess is i'll be always in doubt, because rationally speaking, all humans are too small to understand anything yet about how we exist and why we exist. But it's always fun to try and search for more truth about that.\n\ni came to this website, because my girlfriend is somewhat a christian. her family is christian, she herself is also, but not very biblical or strict. Yet, when we get married her family would like us to perform some biblical traditions in the ceremony. i don't have a probem with that, because i know it means much to them. so, i came to this website to learn. to see how human christianity is, how filled with love it is, and how nice it can be to hear the 'message of love' from christian people.\n\nspecially from christian from the 'land of the free' i would have expected a free, openminded vision on the world.\n\ntruth is, most of the answers i read, most of the opinions i saw threw not only me, but also my girlfriend much further away from christianity. we both were really shocked actually.\n\nthe intollerance, ignorance and prejudice were hard for us to read. I'm from Holland, which is a very openminded country to almost all subjects. My girlfriend is Romanian, a country which is orthodox-christian, where it still is almost forbidden to be gay for example. yet, even to my girlfriend the opinions from some of the american christians about homosexuality made us both feel disgusted with christianity as such.\n\nit's sad to see that people with so much freedom can't even see the consequences of their words. Being born in a rich, free country is, in this world pure luck. it's sad to see that people with so much luck, can still remain to be so judgemental on everything that strikes them as weird or different.
76743
Dear Wejut, There are many questions involving the afterlife. the reason religion was invented was because we all have a natural curiosity to know what is beyond this life. The Bible say's However that No religion can Get us to heaven. Listen to What Jesus said, "unless a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of heaven". In other words he is telling us none of our work based religions are acceptable, But that we must be Saved. But Why? let me explain with a few questions........\n\nHave you ever lied (even once--fibs, white lies, etc.)? Ever stolen (anything--the value is irrelevant)? Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you ever looked with lust? If you have said "Yes" to these three questions, by your own admission, you are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart; and we’ve only looked at three of the Ten Commandments. Nothing you’ve ever done is hid from His holy eyes. Will you be innocent or guilty on the Day of Judgment? Listen to your conscience. You know that you will be guilty, and therefore end up in Hell. That’s not God’s will. He provided a way for you and I to be forgiven. \nHe sent His Son to take our punishment: "God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." He was bruised for our iniquities. Jesus then rose from the dead and defeated death. \nYour own so-called “goodness” can’t get you into heaven any more than mine could.  Jesus is the only way to Heaven. He is the "Door," the only "mediator." There is salvation in no other name, so pray something like this: "Dear God, I repent of all of my sins (confess them). This day I put my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me and grant me your gift of everlasting life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen."
64418
If you are having a crisis of faith, try talking to a priest or someone else in the church. They may have answers to your question that you never thought of, or that make more sense. If that doesn't work, try educating yourself on other religions as well. Maybe you will find your answers in another faith or belief. I don't mean just Christian religions. Look into Buddhism, Wicca, Taoism, etc. I myself am Wiccan. The most important thing is not to lose faith in whatever you believe in, and to remember that everything that comes to you in life, good or bad, is a test and the gift of an opportunity to better yourself.
320367
I know exactly what you are talking about!! I am a christian...really trying to be. but there is one thing that i hate...it's not about God anymore. More and more people makes religion fit them...and maybe I am one of them. So I am sticking to this now: God is love, Jesus came to set us free. Love people as you love yourself. Speak to God everyday, because He will let you know what is wrong or right. Trust only in Him. Christianity is not about laws, its not about what is wrong or right. It doesn't judge, not suppose to in any case. Just love God and listen to His voice speaking trough the Bible
135544
I've been on the other side where I thought that people who didn't believe in god must feel lost.  (I was raised to think they are evil.)  So, I can kinda understand why some religious individuals think that non-believers feel some sort of void or are immoral.  However, I also view that stance as an immature belief.  It doesn't take a lot of looking around to realize that agnostics and atheists are very content with their worldviews and live ethical lives.
638233
Its all about Faith.  \n\nI was not born into any religion, both of my parents always talked about God to me as a child, usually to their benefit, like " God says " Honor thy Father and Mother".  As a kid my babysitter took me to Jehova Witnesses gatherings, I went with that family every other day for about 3 or 4 years, however i never believed in thier teachings.  I fell asleep everytime i went.  When I got a bit older, I remember my parents taking me a few times to a pentacostal church, the amazing thing about that is that to this day i still remember a little hym that we sang in sunday school.  I was about 8 years old when I stopped listening to the word, or visiting churches.  My Mom and Dad were both pretty much on their own about that, they never went to church, they never talked about God.  My mom would read the bible every once in a while, but she never did anything to demonstrate any change. My dad was an alcoholic, and us kids, were just kids.\n\nLast year my dad got saved, unfortunately my mom and him had already divorced, but my dad got saved, and i noticed the biggest change in him, he was no longer violent, he was no longer drinking, he was no longer smoking, no longer wasting his money, he was no longer a demanding person from me.  I began visiting the church he attendent and I came to Christ within a month of visiting.  Honestly the day i accepted Christ, I was preparing my speech to reject the Lord.  But God is bigger than that.  I belong to an Apostolic Church, there is a lot of discipline and rules involved, but I think that what I enjoy about it.  That it is something that changes you, we have prayer services almost everyday of the week and have regular services on the weekend.  I have gotten to know God on a personal basis, he has done miracles in my life and in the lives of other members right before my eyes.\n\nI never believed in Catholic Faith, buddist or anything else, simply because that wasn't my place.  I think living in the united states we are free to worship what ever we want, and If I would have wanted i would have visited other churches when I was younger and would of known that those other religions were not for me.\n\nReligion's should not be found on basis of Statistics and strategies.  Faith is found when the church you go to practices what they preach, when you read that Scriptures and it all makes sense to you.  The Holy Spirit moves with in you and tells you right from wrong.
58662
You've listed things that are fudamental to religion.  \n\nReligions are guides to help people live good lives.  In order to do that they must include rules to live by and guidelines for living a good life.  That's just what religion is.  (That doesn't mean that you have to have a religion to lead a good life.)\n\nDeities arise because the masses tend to need consequences for not following the rules.  It helps if you say "Hey, if you play with yourself in the shower, then God's gonna get you and burn you to a crisp."\n\nReligion also helps answer fundamental questions like "Why are we here, what's our purpose?"  People look to this God and think "well, he must know the answer." Badda-Bing origin stories.\n\nAs for an afterlife, well, you can't burn in hell for being bad, or live in peace and love for eternity for being good if there's not one.
600113
i went to a catholic school from the time i was in kindergarten until i graduated from high school.  the catholic religion believes that everyone who is not christian will go to hell regardless of what type of character they possess (i.e. if they are a good person or a deadbeat).  i'm a lutheran, which is very similar to a catholic, and as far as my understanding goes, the lutheran religion believes the same thing.  i do not.  i believe that no matter what religion you are participating in, if you live a just and moral life, you will be rewarded.  because, if u think about it, how can any really say what God is or if he exists?  i believe the bible to be an accurate historical document, but i believe that some of the events within the bible and some of the stories are fiction and were manufactured to provide guidance to people searching for the right way to live.  i hope this helps!  good luck in your search for faith...mine is still somewhat weak and non-existant so i hope you can relate to what i've said......
92626
i'm with you on this dude.but you must understand the difference between spiritual and religious. the religious person ignores his experience on the basis books they believe in. a true spiritualist leaves his/her believes when he has experience something other then what is written in books. follows the path of his heart, seeks light from with in, and understands that there no wrong or right till he/her decides that it is. seeks understanding from all walks of life.  god is far too big to understood by one, two or three types of understanding. Zen talks.com meditation groups, spiritualist church( this church is for all seeker. no dogma is preach. but some rule are asked of participant. 1;to love fully 2;to respect all life, cause all life is sacred. 3;truth is the only path to your divinity. trust your feelings, and always be joyous. life and God is the same thing. best of luck, on you way home. peace, love, joy be with you always.
420137
Im in the same situation. I've got a decent knowledge of the bible and a totally impartial view of religions as a whole (I read it to see what all the hubub was about). My country is 99% Roamn Catholic, and I'd guess that at least 80% of these people couldn't quote scripture to save their lives.\nIt doesn't matter though. Real religious experience comes from participating in the Church and living your life through God. Christians will always pick and chose which parts of the Bible to follow, and who are we (filthy athiests) to argue with them. It is their book after all, they can do with it what they please.
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I wasn't a Christian before I knew God. \n\nLife then was miserable. This is how it was back then.....\n\nWell, even though not knowing God, life goes on as usual. The only thing is that the way I look at things.\n\nMy Perspective:\n1. I trust no one. Everyone is suspicious and could be up to no good.\n2. I love no one but only myself. Because why should I love others or give to others? What good does that benefit me?\n3. I hate and I really hate. Hatred lingers all around. For each time I am being hurt, it is burst out and it lingers for a long as I can remember.\n4. I seek for revenge and destruction. For it is my only means of protection. It is the only way I know how to defend myself for nobody loves me, nobody cares for me and I only have myself to rely on.\n5. Justice and fairness does not exist. There is no honesty and trust. Only I myself can win in all things. For only I can steal and take things away from others but others cannot take away things from me.\n6. Fun means cruelty and at the expense of other's pain.\n7. Peace and love? What's that? Never heard of and I believe it never exist. Only to the imagination of others.\n8. Money and material things reign! If you have money, you are everything. You can even be like God.\n\nAnswers to your questions:\n1. What will happen to self esteem, self worth, self perception?\nNothing happened. Self remain the highest place of existence.\n\n2. Is life worth living?\nYes, life is worth living at the expense of others. I mean life is to make money and to become powerful. So, each time you feel sad, just get somebody to be bullied, to be hurt, to be insulted. Next, get something to numb the senses or the bitterness such as (e.g drugs, alcohol, excessive behaviour like gambling, racing...etc.)\n\n3. will you be depressed and confused?\nYou see, there are those who can actually live life without God. There are religions out there that doesn't have the element of God. Therefore, they deny their senses, deny their pain, deny anything and everything. So, there are those who can actually cope with their without being confused and depressed. There are those who place wealth and wordly achievement as their "god".\n\nBut now that I know about Christianity, I believe that religion is the only means to keep a crazy world sane.
2043
I don't admire your position.  My suggestion would be to first do some soul searching; decide what you truly believe God or The Divine is and how you relate to Him/Her.  Is God merciful and kind?  Vengeful and Angry?  Is He simply a Creator that allows man to choose his own path or does he have our destiny mapped out for us?\nAfter that- another hard choice- the afterlife.  Do you believe in one at all?  Is there a heaven?  if so, is there a hell?  Do you believe a soul can be reincarnated?\nMy suggestion is to actually write these questions and answers down on paper to give yourself a very clear picture of your beliefs.  Think of as many theological questions and theories that are important to you and actually put them into words.  Then- RESEARCH.  I would say go to a clergy member, pastor etc but if you do remember they are only going to give you THEIR beliefs and teachings, not what you may consider your own.  So if you seek advice from a third party, take everything from a skeptics point of view unless you find someone that says EVERYTHING you've written down as your core beliefs. (Chances are- you won't)\nTry the internet, library, bookstore- whatever nonpartial resources you can find.\nLastly, keep an open mind.  Don't write down "I believe in the Bible so I must be Christian".  Judaism believes in the Old Testament of the Bible; Mormons believe in both the Old and the New Testamants but have a Third testament as well.  Wiccans don't believe in the Christian Bible, but have many of the same core beliefs as "love thy neighbor".  Here's a good web site that has a lot of information on a variety of religions   http://www.religioustolerance.org/  \nThere's no easy way out of this one.  You've got a long road ahead of you and I wish you luck.
614255
well i dont think im like all religous people becuase veryone has a different religion, experience and relationship with God. God maybe has revealed himself to you but you just didnt get the sign becuase you are filled with such hate and misunderstanding and close mindedness.  I am not scared of the afterlife so I dont really know where you are going with that one. If you are referring to hell, I doubt I am going becuase I have been living a pretty good life and I beleive Jesus is my Lord. God has to show wrath because how can he punish people for their misdoings and wrongs? If He hadnt shown me His vengful side I may still be doing all the negative things I was doing that was eventually going to leave me jobless, homeless and with no friends. His existence is known outside the bible. If you were here in cininnat i would invite you to my church and the Spirit is so strong in there you would be so amazed at how prevalent God is in the lives of these people. He has touched me often and I see His blessings in my everyday life and know that only God could do some of the stuff that has happened to me AND prevent it as well. And yes, parts of the bible do have wrong facts becuase alot is lost in translation, these are ACCOUNTS of God but becuase they were not written immediatly, alot was forgotten or accounted differently but it still doesnt take away from the meaning and purpose which is to love and be peacefuul to each other.
25043
I have waited to answer this question to see what others would say. It is interesting. Unless you have a personal relationship with me, you really do not know me, just "about me", which is the same thing with Jesus. \nI genuinely thank those who spoke such kind and gracious words, I am humbled and grateful. \nOK, to answer, we will start at the beginning. I have always assumed there was a God. I was raised initially in the Catholic church, but I did not like the repetitive rituals or the standing when the priest walks in. My mother did not force me to continue the Catechism classes, and I continued my search for God into my teens. \nOn Thanksgiving evening, 1970, I was cruising in my friend Steve's 1955 T-bird around the towns surrounding Eglin AFB, Florida. We walked around an old cemetary and we got to talking about the spirit world. It sort of gave me the shivers. Steve asked me if I had ever been "saved". What is that? It is asking Jesus Christ into your heart. Something inside me said, "Isn't that what you have been looking for all your life?" That night, I asked Jesus into my heart and to be my Lord and Savior.\n\nMy approach to the Bible changed over the years. Before I met Jesus, it was a confusing array of religious writings and myths. \nAfter I met Jesus, it became a curious array of religious writings that may be true. \nAfter receiving the Holy Spirit a year later, it became personal love letters to me. \nDuring my high school years, it became a book of do's and don'ts that I could not quite live up to. \nDuring my college years, I came upon my mentor Chuck Smith, of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, who guided me through the Bible, verse by verse. The Bible became my life and foundation for living.\nDuring my single working years, I graduated to my next mentor Chuck Missler, who showed me the importance of types, how the old relates to the new, how the Bible is an intrigate message by One author. The Bible WAS and proved to be the Word of God! \nFive years under him and other great teachers, and I married Julie (Juliart). I was have been blessed to pass on all I have learned her and to my children and also to people stuck in cults, those confused by manipulative religions, and see the freedom the Word of God brings. \nThirty five years since that night in Florida, I have decided to pass all I have learned on to you. But in all things, be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. Receive everything I have to give with joy, but check the scriptures daily to see if these things are true. I consider what I impart here as "Handfuls Dropped on Purpose" (see study below).\n\nSo to answer this question once and for all. I am just like my other fellow Christians who just love the Bible and have a personal walk with its Author. An old Jesus Freak from the 70s who's life's motto is...\n\n"Have Bible, Will Babble."\n\npregowtwins-Julie cracked up at your post. I could hear her across the house!\nmikeiam20-Your post reminded me of a line in Close Encounters. "Einstein was probably one of them." (looking at the alien mothership) ;)
400461
I consider myself Christian, born and raised. My family has never been strict about it though. I don't believe that non-believers will go to hell. I do however believe that if you KILL, rape, or lead a life without morals, that you will suffer in your own hell that you caused others.
62023
For me, a belief in God through Jesus Christ is not a vehicle by which I seek to attain the lofty heights of “good person” status, neither is it inspired by something as vague as a “feel”. It is far more definite than that and I thank the Lord that He has helped me to see these things with clarity.\n\nBut getting back to the crux your question, there are many people that have led a more righteous life than I (and others professing to be Christian), who perhaps from our limited human perspective would “deserve” to be way ahead in the queue for receiving God’s salvation.\n\nThe properly understood, “Good News” of the Gospel however is that we do not (and can not) receive the gift of God’s salvation by means of any good deeds or works that we can muster. There is simply nothing that we can do well enough to “earn” our salvation.\n\nWe need no preparation, (it’s futile), we come as we are (because God’s love is unconditional), we do not put it off (it’s the devil at work), we place our trust in Jesus, the Son of God (His blood, our only means of salvation), and we believe it in our hearts, confess with our lips and receive…… We are born again …...and with God’s help and the guidance of His Holy Spirit we become His “work in progress”.\n\nAs for being a good person, I believe that every true Christian strives to fit that bill as indeed plenty of non-Christians do also.  You do not need to be Christian to be good, you do not become Christian by being good but good (or heading that way) is what every true Christian should be.\n\nMat 6:33\nBut seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.