Not sure

[nothanks1]

I have been having faith issues for a while now. I guess i considered myself a christian, in the sense that I believed in GOD. But I rarely went to church, only when a family member invited me, and i quite liked it. I would read the bible, not often, but if I needed guidence i would pick it up. But now when someone invites me to church, I just sit there and half listen to this man preach. and im thinking to myself how stupid it all sounds(sorry for lack of better word). It doesn't excite me like it does everyone else. I get no pleasure from it at all. I feel nothing. And now I only read the bible to anylze it to death, and think how silly and wrong it all sounds. I used to pray, but now when I try, I just feel silly and stop. Another thing is that some of the christians I meet, I say some not all, I know all christians are not like this. But their so quick to judge, so quick to hate.
Im finding that I like the Buddhist philosophy. I love the kindness, the nonviolance, the sense community. But when I tell one of the christians I know this, thier so quick to tell me that im going straight to hell without them letting me even explain the ways of the Buddhist, and all they wanna do is tell me about what they believe without letting me speak.
And I don't like all this fear in the christian religon, like if you don't do this and that your going to hell, if u don't believe your going to hell. So pretty much the christian religon just frightens you into believeing so that you won't go to hell. Im sorry but that doesn't sound like something I want to go along with. But I haven't really went all the way Buddhist either, I guess im just looking for a little bit guidence. All my family are christians and don't really want to hear what I have to say, they just try and change the subject whenever I bring it up. I can't talk to them.
So...I guess I don't really have a question. I would just really like to have some faith in something.
And sorry I didn't spell check this.

 

[IceJad]

Rest assured that not all Christians are like that. I was previously a Buddhist. Even after I convert (to atheism then Christianity) I don't think badly about Buddhism. In fact there are a lot saying in Buddhism are similar to Christianity.

I only cannot accept the theology of Buddhism about Karma, Rebirth and Nirvana (but that is personal conviction). But I don't hate Buddhism. If you wish to talk about Buddhism/Christianity I'm all ears.

No one can tell you you're destined for hell. The Lord is the only one who can.

 

[drich0150]

My family was originally Buddhist, and let me tell you that they can be just as hypocritical in their beliefs, as any christian. (just in a different way) The big issue being that "man" will always seek to bend religion to his life style/preferred way of living. In essence you are no different. You are seeking a system of belief that suits your current way of thinking. How does this differ from any of the christians you had in mind when you wrote your original post? (I'm not speak of how your beliefs manifest themselves, but to your line of thinking that places you in the market for another religion.)

Christianity can be an intimate relationship with God or it can be just another empty religion. If you wish to follow God through the path He has laid out before us through Jesus, you will have to work at looking for empty the religious practices of man and keep them separate from the relationship God had intended.

the Holy Spirit can help us do this. We obtain a measure of the Holy Spirit when we ask God in Prayer, we seek in scripture, and in those who produce Spiritual Fruit (As outlined in Gal 5:21) and we knock by repeating this process till we get what our Heart truly wants.

...That is, Unless you are simply looking for a religious expression that allows you a sense of superiority, because your current level of hypocrisy is not as apparent to you as the hypocrisy that you have identified in other forms of religion. If that is the case then Buddhism will be a good place to start, and when you tire of that my I suggest Shintoism.

 

[nothanks1]

spoken like a true chiristian. your little schpiel, would of been just fine, if you hadn't put in that last little tibdit. Sir, you don't know me, how is it that you could even make that assumption about me? That right there is why I have issues with Chirstianity and christians, makeing ignorant jugdements without FULLY understanding all the facts, just straight to say what they think about other religions and people,and not caring about anyones feelings. Im glad that you believe in something so wholly. good for you. And i don't mean to say anything negative about the christian religion. And like I said earlier I KNOW NOT ALL christians are like this, but some that I have met; drink, have sexual misconduct, foul language, lie, are so quick to anger and promote wars ,no self discipline. and then turn around and say "Im a CHRISTIAN" like that makes it all better, for what their doing. And I know that, that is people in general, but the other people(non christians) are not claming to be something that they are not...But whatever, make all the assumptions about me that you want, if you need to. I however will not make any about you, for I am sure you are a truly great person.
And I don't understand what you mean by my 'line of thinking'. Im telling you FACTS. I tried the christian religion, like I said. when I go to church, read the bible, hear someone speak about it, it does nothing for me like it seems to be doing for the people around me. I get nothing out of it. It sounds silly and madeup to me. When I read the bible I constantly go "oh, yeah right". The reason I like the Buddhist philosopy is not because i want some sense superiority, I don't care if I have any superiority at all. I love the peacefullness, the compassion, the self disciplain, the selflessness and most of all nonviolence. the christian religion is so angry all the time. And might I add, that if you ever decide to tire of Christianty, might I suggest the Westboro Baptist Chruch, I hear their looking for new members.

 

[nothanks1]

Thank you IceJad. It would be nice to talk to someone understanding. Yes I also have issues with the Rebirth and Nirvana, that is one of the reasons I can't fully commit to it. And I also know not all christians are like that. Most are wonderful people. I just want some fullfillment in my life and I don't feel like im getting it from the christian religion.

 

[zaksmummy]

Maybe the problem is that you are looking at the people rather than focussing your mind on God.

I fell away from christianity for over ten years because I was upset by things that other christians had do to me.

What I learned on my journey back to faith was that it is not about other christians, the church and all the trappings, it is just about God.

Jesus said "seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things [material things] will be added to you"

Since I have done this I have found the fulfilment and peace that I looked for before and never found.

God is close, you just need to seek for him.

 

[drich0150]

spoken like a true Christian. your little schpiel, would of been just fine, if you hadn't put in that last little tidbit.

The Last little tid bit was only placed there to catch someone who truly fit the profile I was describing. (Meaning if you were a true candidate for Buddhism you would have not given my words a second thought.) I was trying to illustrate "the line of thinking" That has one change from one religion to another because that person "feels" that they are better than the people, who do not think as they do.

For example you feel you do not belong in Christianity because of all of the hypocritical behavior, and your spiritual stagnation. you admit feeling that Buddhism is a better fit because of the "kindness, non-violence and sense of community." And yet when mildly confronted your core behavior is to attack (The opposite of what you claim attracts you to Buddhism.) Your actions more closely resemble the actions of the hypocritical christians that you strongly dislike. (Quick to judge and quick to show Hate/anger.) Than the people you are wanting to align yourself with.

Or do you believe your behavior truly fit the Buddhist mantra? Or do you simply look to align yourself with the parts of a religion you agree with, and cast the inconvenient parts aside? How does that differ from the Christians you have pointed out?

Your inability to "fit" into Christianity as a practiced religion (and not a personal relationship with God,) will follow you where ever you go. The only difference being, Is the religion you pick, going to allow you your.. "freedoms" to act in a manor that doesnot fit with it's core doctrines. Shintoism (from what I hear) is a pretty lax in it's rules, and it offers alot of the same Buddhist core principles.

True Buddhism requires much discipline, and sacrifice.

I however will not make any about you, for I am sure you are a truly great person.

But You did when you said:

...But whatever, make all the assumptions about me that you want, if you need to.

With your little zinger, You are making the assumption that i need to judge you to feel better about myself, or some such nonsense.

Again my words were chosen to potentially show you that you (If you chose to respond to me negatively) are no different than those in christianity that you have decided to judge.

your words prove who you are, I don't need to personally know you. It is From your words, I can see a reflection of your Heart.

tried the christian religion, like I said. when I go to church, read the bible, hear someone speak about it, it does nothing for me like it seems to be doing for the people around me. I get nothing out of it.

What have you put into it? If nothing more than a few Sundays mornings and some prayer then why look to harvest where you have not planted? Do you think any religion will allow you to benefit from it's practices if you are not fully involved?

It sounds silly and madeup to me. When I read the bible I constantly go "oh, yeah right".

That's because it is not to supposed to make sense unless you have a relationship with God.

The reason I like the Buddhist philosophy is not because i want some sense superiority, I don't care if I have any superiority at all. I love the peacefullness, the compassion, the self disciplain, the selflessness and most of all nonviolence. the christian religion is so angry all the time.

Then why the need to distance yourself from christianity? Why did you twice write out a complete list of all the places Christians and christianity has fail you? This isn't a break up situation. you do not have to vilify your religious partner in order to seek out a new system of belief. The fact that you have (Twice) shows an anger and or at least a sense of entitlement you have because of Christianities short comings. Which is completely your prerogative you are entitled to think what ever you want, Just know your actions (your break up list) are not in line with all that you love about Buddhism.

the christian religion is so angry all the time. And might I add, that if you ever decide to tire of Christianity, might I suggest the Westboro Baptist Chruch, I hear their looking for new members.

I know Baptist can be.. For me there is way too much shouting coming from the pulpit to be a baptist full time, but thank you anyway, maybe if I'm in your area you can show me around your church.

(I know that sounded a little rehearsed, but it was meant to be an example of a more Buddhist responce..) I hope you can look past the emotion my words may have created to what it was i was actually trying to say. Whatever you decide for yourself Good luck.

 

[visionary]

Maybe the problem is that you are looking at the people rather than focussing your mind on God.

I fell away from christianity for over ten years because I was upset by things that other christians had do to me.

What I learned on my journey back to faith was that it is not about other christians, the church and all the trappings, it is just about God.

Jesus said "seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things [material things] will be added to you"

Since I have done this I have found the fulfilment and peace that I looked for before and never found.

God is close, you just need to seek for him.

Worthy of being repeated... Focus hard on just having that one on one with Him REv 3:20... Find out what it takes to have this experience with Him... Let Him guide you though His Word, speak to you through His Word, and teach you through His Word... HE will lead you away from the world's thinking.. trust Him... He will lift up His Words and apply them to your heart... You will come to understand better what it means to be His Temple where He wants to dwell... He is knocking at your door.. Hear His still small voice and let Him in.. Trust and Obey Him...He will answer all the questions of the heart... all in good time... Keep a scribbler beside you as you read His Word... cause you may be inspired and want to remember it.. Have a concordance.. or use the one line ones to help you study His Word... God, in His Wisdom, has hidden His Word in plain sight, the Bible, and will open it up when your heart is open to receive the message contained within...

 

[nothanks1]

Im sorry I posted my thoughts on a christian forum. I will take them elsewhere. sorry to have taken up anyones time.

 

[drich0150]

I'm sorry I posted my thoughts on a christian forum. I will take them elsewhere. sorry to have taken up anyones time.

I sincerely hope there are no hard feelings, and that through the personal nature of my topic you saw the point i was trying to make. My intentions were not to make you feel bad but to help you see your situation from a different perspective.

As I said before I wish you luck in finding what it is you are looking for.

 

[IceJad]

Thank you IceJad. It would be nice to talk to someone understanding. Yes I also have issues with the Rebirth and Nirvana, that is one of the reasons I can't fully commit to it. And I also know not all christians are like that. Most are wonderful people. I just want some fullfillment in my life and I don't feel like im getting it from the christian religion.

Hi nothanks1,

Fulfillment can come in many forms. It need not be God inspired. But can always be God blessed. God uses people in many ways and He doesn't always tell you directly He is doing it. Unfortunately I cannot tell you how to get fulfillment it is a journey you will have to take alone. But you can always rest assured you will have people around to lean on when you're tired (if not you can always come back to the forum and look me up).

 

[ellie'sforjesus]

I am sorry you experienced what you did. I think religion is just a religion, and it is hard when christians mock and judge other christians and what they are doing is a sin. Leave room for God to judge them and believe me he will. I am a christian and have experienced the same things you have, so I turned to God for the answers of who he really is. It is quite ironic that sometimes at church, I see the tables full of clicks that have nothing better to do than sit around and talk about other christians instead of getting off their butts and serving God. We call them "christianeese" they think they play the part well, but are as God would call a pharasee. They like the title of being a christian and showing up at the synagogues and market places looking holier than though, but do not have a true relationship with God. All you can do for these type of people is pray for them. But as far as Buddhism, I was on a missions trip in Thailand which is a very Buddhist country and they are wonderful gentle people. I loved each and everyone that I met. Good luck with everything and let me know if you want to talk, because what you have been through sounds oh so familiar.

 

[lucaspa]

Im finding that I like the Buddhist philosophy. I love the kindness, the nonviolance, the sense community.

Then that may be your path to God. Nothanks, I (and others) think that God understood humans enough to realize that "one size does not fit all". So God made many paths to Him. Where Christianity does not work for you, Buddhism might. For another person, it might be Mormonism, or Islam. The important thing is to try to find a personal relationship with God. I believe that the particular religion is much less important than that.

And I don't like all this fear in the christian religon, like if you don't do this and that your going to hell, if u don't believe your going to hell. So pretty much the christian religon just frightens you into believeing so that you won't go to hell.

Yeah, I know what you mean. Jesus preached an inclusive religion (remember the parable of the Good Samaritan?), but some people like to feel superior to others. So they try to make Christianity into what you said. Considering the emphasis of Jesus, Peter, and Paul on forgiveness, I'm surprised people can so easily forget about God's forgiveness and assign people to eternal punishment for a host of "offences". But hey, it's not the first time Christianity has been corrupted. I can ignore these people. But you are not the first, nor will you be the last, who is turned off of Christianity by the fear and hate.

So see how Buddhism works out for you as a path to find God. PM me somtimes and let me know how it's going.