All faiths- share your story

[ContraMundum]

Hi Everyone,

I've always been interested in hearing about how people come to believe in the religion that they adhere to, so I'm starting this thread in the hopes of hearing about how others have come to faith in their religion, whether it be Islam, of Baha'i or whatever- and to make it fair, I'm asking people not to criticize the journey of others on this. Let's just hear each other!

 

[LoAmmi]

I'll keep it short:

I did a lot of searching and this is the one I keep coming back to. I gave Christianity a good, long stare and concluded the claims it made could not be backed up and other religions never really "spoke" to me. This is where I want to be.

 

[ContraMundum]

I'll keep it short:

I did a lot of searching and this is the one I keep coming back to. I gave Christianity a good, long stare and concluded the claims it made could not be backed up and other religions never really "spoke" to me. This is where I want to be.

I'd like to know more- your post focuses on why you decided not to be a Christian, not why you chose to become/remain Jewish (sorry I don't know your background enough)

I think your story would be quite interesting for me personally too. I was born and raised Jewish and walked away, but as I get older I reallize I have been given the chance by Hashem to look at my birth religion again- and it's making a massive impact.

 

[Zoness]

Hear hear! I like a bit of story-telling. I hope you like long-winded tales of my whiny teenage years.

I was raised Catholic, going to CCD every day and getting confirmed in 7th grade like many others. It wasn't anything bad or good, it just "was". My parents became divorced a few years prior to that. My Dad was never really Catholic like my mom but when he remarried, he converted to Christianity and became a non-denominational Protestant [now Baptist]. The time I spent at his church showed me how different stripes of Christianity exist and it was really refreshing at first but then I began to doubt and I've always in my own mind kept a very logical approach to life where I didn't have to 100% trust something to believe it, but it had to at least be logically consistent, even if it was just wishful thinking.

Anyways, that church was unable to meet my needs emotionally and spiritually. Once I started doubting the string of passive-aggressive "did you hear?"s and "I'll pray for you"s began and suddenly kids my age [at this time around 16-17] stopped hanging out with me because I was a bad influence and "taking kids off the path". My parents eventually left that church because of a major criminal and administrative scandal. I officially "resigned" from Christianity and began a long religious venture.

This adventure [with a few friends who went through the same] brought me on a variety of paths, at first in the Eastern world: Taoism, Shinto, Buddhism, Falun Gong etc. but I feel as if I did not fit in the wider culture and system and moved on. I never had an attraction to Judaism, Islam or Hinduism in particular. I never had "the itch" to get involved after more than a cursory glance. Eventually my best friend took up study of western Hermeticism and the occult arts. At first I sort of blew it off as nonsense but then eventually I got involved and found my niche in studying geometry, numerology, astrology as a past time.

For a brief time in my life I was a part of a loose order of about 8-10 seekers who came from a non-religious background or who left Christianity for various reasons. We studied occultism in a neutral [not biased towards a religion] context. We spent time learning and practicing various forms of basic magick but most of our time was spent discussing magick as a philosophy and not a literal act.

Eventually, after a year or so messing with Greek mystery traditions and general Hermeticism, I found myself attached to pagan rites and ritual of the old Celtic peoples. Maybe its an ancestral connection but I have always seemed to have drawn my power from that though I was not an adamant worshiper. I adopted Wicca is my official religion and title because it provided a nice, organized system from which to manage my beliefs. In the last year or so I'd more so call myself Agnostic but I wear my pagan title as a badge of honor and am going through a process to sort of re-commit myself to the natural world and a more holistic view of life.

Short description of where I am at now: Celtic-influenced Wiccan with an Agnostic tendency of doubt and openness.gl

 

[LoAmmi]

I'd like to know more- your post focuses on why you decided not to be a Christian, not why you chose to become/remain Jewish (sorry I don't know your background enough)

I've honestly made it a point not to delve into my actual background much due to some issues I've had in the past which made me a bit gun-shy. Long story short, someone years ago was able to use the information I gave to track down my MySpace page (yep, years ago) and then post personal information about me. It made me a bit hesitant to give many details. That said....

I view the continued survival of the Jewish people to be the biggest reason I believe Judaism. It may sound like a weird thing to base it on, but when I look at history and see just how many times people rose up to remove Jews from existence it is truly humbling to see Jews still around. It fits perfectly with the promises HaShem gave His people.

Beyond that, I find the Torah to be something good. I know people look at the Torah and laugh at all the "weird" restrictions, but keeping those restrictions allows me to remember HaShem in many activities I wouldn't remember Him in.

Lastly, the extensive amount of Jewish literature is something I am fascinated by. The morality put forth by the sages and the teaching stories are things I can read all the time. I have read many books on the subject and really enjoy trying to apply it to my life.

 

[ContraMundum]

Thanks Zoness! Interesting story!

 

[ContraMundum]

I've honestly made it a point not to delve into my actual background much due to some issues I've had in the past which made me a bit gun-shy. Long story short, someone years ago was able to use the information I gave to track down my MySpace page (yep, years ago) and then post personal information about me. It made me a bit hesitant to give many details. That said....

I view the continued survival of the Jewish people to be the biggest reason I believe Judaism. It may sound like a weird thing to base it on, but when I look at history and see just how many times people rose up to remove Jews from existence it is truly humbling to see Jews still around. It fits perfectly with the promises HaShem gave His people.

Beyond that, I find the Torah to be something good. I know people look at the Torah and laugh at all the "weird" restrictions, but keeping those restrictions allows me to remember HaShem in many activities I wouldn't remember Him in.

Lastly, the extensive amount of Jewish literature is something I am fascinated by. The morality put forth by the sages and the teaching stories are things I can read all the time. I have read many books on the subject and really enjoy trying to apply it to my life.

Thank you! I can identify not only with your story but even the bit about not saying too much on line and getting burnt when you did.

One thing I often hear about the Torah from some as points of criticism are the difficult bits- not the mitzvot but more some of the history and certainly the violent parts. I agree wholeheartedly that the sages really clear those parts up and teach a great lifestyle based on Torah.

 

[LoAmmi]

Thank you! I can identify not only with your story but even the bit about not saying too much on line and getting burnt when you did.

One thing I often hear about the Torah from some as points of criticism are the difficult bits- not the mitzvot but more some of the history and certainly the violent parts. I agree wholeheartedly that the sages really clear those parts up and teach a great lifestyle based on Torah.

Yes, I even struggle with the difficult parts sometimes but I try to remember context and such. It is comforting to read the sages had similar problems.

 

[Zoness]

Thanks Zoness! Interesting story!

Sure. I like sharing.

I view the continued survival of the Jewish people to be the biggest reason I believe Judaism. It may sound like a weird thing to base it on, but when I look at history and see just how many times people rose up to remove Jews from existence it is truly humbling to see Jews still around. It fits perfectly with the promises HaShem gave His people.

Interesting because its funny, I find this to be one of the few threads that kept me believing in Christianity at the time. The overwhelming survival ability of the Jews as a promise of God to preserve his people. I did in retrospect, find it almost ironic that this was used as an argument for Christianity which in its modern form seems to have a bit of unrequited love for at least the simple vestiges of Jewish culture. In the past, this Christian interest in Jewish culture was...nonexistent, to say the absolute least. Anyways, I still respect and find Judaism to be very interesting at least on this historical survival.

 

[LoAmmi]

Interesting because its funny, I find this to be one of the few threads that kept me believing in Christianity at the time. The overwhelming survival ability of the Jews as a promise of God to preserve his people. I did in retrospect, find it almost ironic that this was used as an argument for Christianity which in its modern form seems to have a bit of unrequited love for at least the simple vestiges of Jewish culture. In the past, this Christian interest in Jewish culture was...nonexistent, to say the absolute least. Anyways, I still respect and find Judaism to be very interesting at least on this historical survival.

It always did strike me as an odd argument. It seems like the survival of the Jewish people would be an argument against Christianity, but what would I know.

 

[awitch]

I'm not very good at telling stories, and I've probably told this one a few times already, so the short version is I considered myself an atheist who thought about what a god would not be like, and I had some interest in Pagan themes growing up. In college, a friend invited me to a small ritual where I had a rather profound experience and started to study up on Wicca. That didn't turn out to be the path for me, but was inspiring enough to find my own.

 

[ContraMundum]

I'm not very good at telling stories, and I've probably told this one a few times already, so the short version is I considered myself an atheist who thought about what a god would not be like, and I had some interest in Pagan themes growing up. In college, a friend invited me to a small ritual where I had a rather profound experience and started to study up on Wicca. That didn't turn out to be the path for me, but was inspiring enough to find my own.

Thanks for that- can I ask what kind of ritual and what was it like in particular?

 

[ContraMundum]

It always did strike me as an odd argument. It seems like the survival of the Jewish people would be an argument against Christianity, but what would I know.

A lot of Christians still think God has a special purpose for the Jewish people in the future. So, the survival of the Jews is proof not only of God but of the authority and authenticity of the Bible, including the NT as they understand it. One guy I know always says "the first Christians were Jews, and the last Christians will be Jews".

 

[BruceDLimber]

Greetings!

I was a very active Christian in my early years.

So much so, that as a teenager I had a part-time job (for no pay) every week at the church: I was the one who printed the bulletins, put up the hymn numbers, changed the candles and boiled the candle burners (the glass caps on top), etc..

And when the church got a carillon (bell system), I helped the installer (suggesting cable routings, etc.) and was later the only one who knew how to operate it; so I became the carilloneur--a regular Quasimodo!

I was also always an enthusiastic discusser and debater of religion!

Later on several things happened that caused me to review my beliefs. I didn't drop out of the church, but I was reflecting and keeping my eyes & ears open.

I first heard of the Baha'i Faith in North Dakota, of all places! (I grew up in PA).

There was a Baha'i DJ on a local radio station there who used to air public-service spots: "The Baha'i Faith is a world religion working for peace and unity. For more information, call . . ." I never called, but I'd heard of it from this.

Later on, I was involved in a drop-in center. One of the local Baha’is was sitting on the sofa across the room telling someone about the Baha’i Faith. I was sort of listening in, and came to realize, “That’s me she’s describing!” Later on, she invited me to a fireside (informal informational Q & A meeting). I went, was fascinated, and kept going.

Meanwhile, I read, researched, investigated, and prayed like crazy. I also drove the Baha'is crazy with questions!

Some time later, I found myself--still not a Baha'i, telling other folks, "This is really neat--you should check it out." I finally said "This is ridiculous!" and enrolled.

That was over 41 years ago, and in all that time I have NOT ONCE found any reason to regret becoming a Baha'i!

Best regards,

Bruce

 

[Supreme]

I grew up in a Christian household- but like most Christian households, it was only 'culturally' Christian, ie going to church at Christmas and Easter, not discussing God or the Bible much at all.

In my teens, I discovered a local church that espouses a Pentecostal theology. It was unlike any church I'd been to- half the service was singing (and modern, simple songs!), the pastor was so incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgable (even listening to him today raises hairs on the back of my neck), and it was filled with youth- white, black, Chinese, even Indian.

I attended the church frequently and it really brought me to know God properly. It's grown so large now that they have to have two Sunday services to fit in everyone who wants to come.

 

[awitch]

Thanks for that- can I ask what kind of ritual and what was it like in particular?

The ritual was an Esbat, or a ritual held on a full moon. I don't really remember the purpose since I was a bit distracted by what I was experiencing.

It was a very simple ritual; no fancy props, Shakespearean speeches, or special effects. It was just me, my friend, and his girlfriend in his otherwise empty dorm room. I don't even know how to explain the experience itself but the ritual followed a generic format: preparing the area, invocation, purpose of the ritual, and then dismissal.

 

[LoAmmi]

A lot of Christians still think God has a special purpose for the Jewish people in the future. So, the survival of the Jews is proof not only of God but of the authority and authenticity of the Bible, including the NT as they understand it. One guy I know always says "the first Christians were Jews, and the last Christians will be Jews".

That is certainly not the way the Catholic Church views it as far as I am aware. I believe it's a mindset that came to be in more modern Christianity as it became clear Jews weren't going anywhere.

 

[ContraMundum]

That is certainly not the way the Catholic Church views it as far as I am aware. I believe it's a mindset that came to be in more modern Christianity as it became clear Jews weren't going anywhere.

Actually, I have read very similar things from Catholic theologians, old and new, but the Augustianian idea of "Christendom" replacing Israel is very pervasive as well.

One interesting chap to check out on this kind of topic is the late Cardinal Lustiger, a Jewish convert who wrote very beautiful divine theology about the Jewish people and our role in the world and even in the church.

 

[ContraMundum]

The ritual was an Esbat, or a ritual held on a full moon. I don't really remember the purpose since I was a bit distracted by what I was experiencing.

It was a very simple ritual; no fancy props, Shakespearean speeches, or special effects. It was just me, my friend, and his girlfriend in his otherwise empty dorm room. I don't even know how to explain the experience itself but the ritual followed a generic format: preparing the area, invocation, purpose of the ritual, and then dismissal.

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ContraMundum]

Greetings!

I was a very active Christian in my early years.

So much so, that as a teenager I had a part-time job (for no pay) every week at the church: I was the one who printed the bulletins, put up the hymn numbers, changed the candles and boiled the candle burners (the glass caps on top), etc..

And when the church got a carillon (bell system), I helped the installer (suggesting cable routings, etc.) and was later the only one who knew how to operate it; so I became the carilloneur--a regular Quasimodo!

I was also always an enthusiastic discusser and debater of religion!

Later on several things happened that caused me to review my beliefs. I didn't drop out of the church, but I was reflecting and keeping my eyes & ears open.

I first heard of the Baha'i Faith in North Dakota, of all places! (I grew up in PA).

There was a Baha'i DJ on a local radio station there who used to air public-service spots: "The Baha'i Faith is a world religion working for peace and unity. For more information, call . . ." I never called, but I'd heard of it from this.

Later on, I was involved in a drop-in center. One of the local Baha’is was sitting on the sofa across the room telling someone about the Baha’i Faith. I was sort of listening in, and came to realize, “That’s me she’s describing!” Later on, she invited me to a fireside (informal informational Q & A meeting). I went, was fascinated, and kept going.

Meanwhile, I read, researched, investigated, and prayed like crazy. I also drove the Baha'is crazy with questions!

Some time later, I found myself--still not a Baha'i, telling other folks, "This is really neat--you should check it out." I finally said "This is ridiculous!" and enrolled.

That was over 41 years ago, and in all that time I have NOT ONCE found any reason to regret becoming a Baha'i!

Best regards,

Bruce

Thanks Bruce. I've never heard a testimony from a Baha'i before. Thanks!