I'm at a point in my life where I am religiously confused to say the least. I question religion on a daily basis. I would love to get more in touch with a religion but it's not working out for me. For every positive religious aspect I think of it seems as if I can find 2 negatives. A lot of aspects about religion really bother me and very little of it makes sense to me. I am in no way an athiest, at this moment in my life, I believe in a creator. I know that there is a reason that I wake up every morning and I believe things happen for a reason. I believe there is something out there that is bigger than me and that things don't happen in my life "just because". I also question the concept of hell a lot. I'm not so sure that I'm sold on the idea of hell being a fire filled land as it is painted. I'm not sure that I believe the stories in the bible, I believe that the bible is a book of morals maybe with stories to teach us. I very rarely go to church with my family anymore because I find myself sitting in a pew trying to come up with reasons that contradict what our preacher is saying. I also find church commical at some points, I have a feeling that some people go to church to be seen and put on a show. I have a huge issue with all the organized religions and how many religions believe they are the true religion. My aunt firmly believes that my great grandmother is burning in hell right now because she was a different religion that she was, to me, thats insane. I could go on and on about my issues with religion but at the end of the day I feel that if I had some type of faith I would feel better about my life and where it was heading. My question to everyone is when did you find your faith ? Were you just raised in church and that is why you go or was it a specific moment in your life when things finllay came together and you knew it was the right thing for you ?

For me it was a little of both. I've been raised in a Catholic family, went to Catholic schools, and go to church every Sunday. It's something I picked up from my parents, but at the same time something that I know is for me.

 

When I was born, I had lots of medical problems, heart problems to be specific, and had to have open-heart surgery at 4 months old. Then when I was 6, one of my valves quit working so I had to have another open-heart surgery. I still have heart problems that limit the amount of physical activity I can do, and I still have to go to the hospital once a year for check-ups. My doctors have told me more than once that it's inevitable that I'm going to need additional heart surgeries at some point in the future.

 

When I was younger, I didn't really think much about it, but now that I'm older, I am able to realize how lucky I am. Hearing some of the stories that both my doctor (who has been my cardiologist since I was born) and parents tell about the procedures I had to endure as a baby, made me realize that God was looking out for and protecting me. I've been through too much and come out okay for God not to have played a part in it. So I guess that's why/when I "found" my faith.

MBWC41, you are a "searcher." Just keep asking questions, questions are good. It may be that one day, God finds you, rather than vice versa.

 

"Religion" is not going to get it done for you. God will, eventually, I am confident.

 

I encourage you to attend a church. Churches have some awfully bad stuff going on sometimes, but they have some awfully good stuff going on, too. You will meet good folks there, people you can be friends with. If for no other reason than finding like-minded people to do things with and to give some ritual and center to your life, I encourage you to attend.

 

I was like you. I did not grow up in a church. I had a good family, one that encouraged independence and self-reliance. I thought I made my own way in this world. There came a time when it hit me "like a ton of bricks" that that was not the case. Read the scripture about Paul's seeing God on the road to Damascus, and you will understand better perhaps.

 

Your relationship with God (through Christ) will not be about rules, traditions, books, or any of that stuff, but about the difficult act of recognizing you are not in control and the simple act of asking Christ to take over for you. For me, from that point, life still was a roller coaster, but it became one I enjoyed a lot more where previously I had clenched and screamed.

 

Keep asking questions.

I feel that "religion" is difficult. However, the most impotant thing is to have a "relationship" with Jesus Christ. I am not saying it is easy but the end result will be awesome!! You can look at Romans 3:23, 6:23 , 10:9-10. These verses are called the Romans road to Salvation. We must realize we are sinners, that the result of these sins are death but that there is way out-through Jesus Christ

Look at the other thread concerning creation

MBWC41, you are a "searcher." Just keep asking questions, questions are good. It may be that one day, God finds you, rather than vice versa.

 

"Religion" is not going to get it done for you. God will, eventually, I am confident.

 

I encourage you to attend a church. Churches have some awfully bad stuff going on sometimes, but they have some awfully good stuff going on, too. You will meet good folks there, people you can be friends with. If for no other reason than finding like-minded people to do things with and to give some ritual and center to your life, I encourage you to attend.

 

I was like you. I did not grow up in a church. I had a good family, one that encouraged independence and self-reliance. I thought I made my own way in this world. There came a time when it hit me "like a ton of bricks" that that was not the case. Read the scripture about Paul's seeing God on the road to Damascus, and you will understand better perhaps.

 

Your relationship with God (through Christ) will not be about rules, traditions, books, or any of that stuff, but about the difficult act of recognizing you are not in control and the simple act of asking Christ to take over for you. For me, from that point, life still was a roller coaster, but it became one I enjoyed a lot more where previously I had clenched and screamed.

 

Keep asking questions.

Quality advice!:thumb:

MBWC41, you are a "searcher." Just keep asking questions, questions are good. It may be that one day, God finds you, rather than vice versa.

 

"Religion" is not going to get it done for you. God will, eventually, I am confident.

 

I encourage you to attend a church. Churches have some awfully bad stuff going on sometimes, but they have some awfully good stuff going on, too. You will meet good folks there, people you can be friends with. If for no other reason than finding like-minded people to do things with and to give some ritual and center to your life, I encourage you to attend.

 

I was like you. I did not grow up in a church. I had a good family, one that encouraged independence and self-reliance. I thought I made my own way in this world. There came a time when it hit me "like a ton of bricks" that that was not the case. Read the scripture about Paul's seeing God on the road to Damascus, and you will understand better perhaps.

 

Your relationship with God (through Christ) will not be about rules, traditions, books, or any of that stuff, but about the difficult act of recognizing you are not in control and the simple act of asking Christ to take over for you. For me, from that point, life still was a roller coaster, but it became one I enjoyed a lot more where previously I had clenched and screamed.

 

Keep asking questions.

I could not have said this any better, very good post and some GREAT advice. :thumb: :thumb:

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

 

It's tough being young and trying to figure out how life works and how religion fits your life.

 

I think I'm going to take Hearsays advice and keep asking questions. I love talking religion with people who are open minded enough not to judge me because I see things a little differently.

 

I was thinking last night and I've decided that for right now I'm just going to be the best person I can from day to day. Someone up above has a plan for me,I'll be looking for him but I'm not going to rush his plans.

 

Thanks everyone.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

 

It's tough being young and trying to figure out how life works and how religion fits your life.

 

I think I'm going to take Hearsays advice and keep asking questions. I love talking religion with people who are open minded enough not to judge me because I see things a little differently.

 

I was thinking last night and I've decided that for right now I'm just going to be the best person I can from day to day. Someone up above has a plan for me,I'll be looking for him but I'm not going to rush his plans.

 

Thanks everyone.

 

I think every person goes through life questioning why you do things, why things happen, etc... Any rational person would, imo. One thing I learned is to never feel guilty for having these kind of feelings, just keep searching and God will find you.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

 

It's tough being young and trying to figure out how life works and how religion fits your life.

 

I think I'm going to take Hearsays advice and keep asking questions. I love talking religion with people who are open minded enough not to judge me because I see things a little differently.

 

I was thinking last night and I've decided that for right now I'm just going to be the best person I can from day to day. Someone up above has a plan for me,I'll be looking for him but I'm not going to rush his plans.

 

Thanks everyone.

:thumb: Just keep talking to the right people and more imortant talk to God, pray about your questions and problems. God hears all prayers and will provide you with the answers that you are looking for. He can place people in your life that can and will help you, lead you to the right people and places to search. God willl never forsake you.

:thumb: Just keep talking to the right people and more important talk to God, pray about your questions and problems. God hears all prayers and will provide you with the answers that you are looking for. He can place people in your life that can and will help you, lead you to the right people and places to search. God willl never forsake you.

Excellent advice oldrambler! I've found that praying is just talking to God, nothing fancy just from the heart. A couple of things that have helped me.

1. If I get aggravated/frustrated or just plain mad about someone or something-I think What Would Jesus Do in this situation. Usually changes my actions considerably.

2. I know that you said that you attend church but how about Sunday School. It is a great place to get answers to alot of questions.

The place to find your answers will be in the Bible. Jesus says that he is knocking, we just need to let him in. Salvation is a gift from God(Ephesians 2:8-9)

41...you raise some interesting facts in your thread. You ask us about our Faith and how we got it, but you have several issues that need to be looked at. I'm not going to take these issues right now for the sake of the thread, if you can "fine tune" some thoughts maybe we can share some things. Everyone is going to give different views on their Faith, and you have to find the source to help you with these thoughts.

 

For me I was raised in the church and as I aged the Holy Spirit guided me through different avenues...just like you are guided. We make a choice, just like all humans. I made a choice to study scripture, listen to others, fellowship with Christians, and prayer. Your choices are right now different than mine and thats OK. Like somone said "keep asking questions".

 

I lost a friend this week. Sean was killed in a motorcycle accident on Memorial Day. He was 35 with a wife and three kids. One day we are here living and like a quick strike we can be gone. Sean was a living being just like all of us on here, and forever he will live through our memory. Don't think it can happen to each of us. We are only promised a life on earth and then it ends. Study the word, keep asking questions, don't be afraid to call out to Jesus Christ. John 14:6 he tells us "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life...no one comes to the Father except through me". Good Luck.

You are asking some very important questions. However religion and faith are too very different things. The Holy Spirit drew me to him at a very young age . . .seven. It was then that I realized that I was a sinner. "For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God." Romans 3:23. And if I was a sinner I needed a Savior. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16. I couldn't do anything to save myself. I learned that salvation was a gift from God it is not of works that I had done because then I would get the glory for saving myself---not God. "For by Grace are ye saved, not of works lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:8-9 I wasn't looking for God but He opened my eyes in his infinite mercy and saved me. I will pray that your questions and concerns are answered soon. God Bless.

Excellent advice oldrambler! I've found that praying is just talking to God, nothing fancy just from the heart. A couple of things that have helped me.

1. If I get aggravated/frustrated or just plain mad about someone or something-I think What Would Jesus Do in this situation. Usually changes my actions considerably.

2. I know that you said that you attend church but how about Sunday School. It is a great place to get answers to alot of questions.

More great advice and so true. :thumb: