I need someone to help set me at ease

[Fallimar]

Hello people,
My name is Sophia, and I'm trying to recover from seething frustration and hatred. In all seriousness, I simply need to be reassured.

I am a non-christian, first and foremost. This post is not about my beliefs, or the difference between mine and others. It is simply that I am sick of seeing only the bad side of religion and faith. I've had no questions answered by anyone that I have talked to that I know... All of the chaplains and religious teachers and family friends that I know either say they'll pray for me or that I'm wrong and should read the bible.

Please, I'd like to talk to someone who is religious, but willing to see that their beliefs are not the be-all and end-all and must apply to all people. I -really- don't want a debate, which is why I'm posting here. I really am trying to recover, my head spins and I get horribly anxious and depressed whenever I think about religion. I need to find peace with religion.

Burned by faith,
-Sophia

 

[madison1101]

Hi Sophia,
I do not have a religion. My faith is based on a relationship. Organized religion is man made and full of flaws. I do worship Christ in a church, but the basis of my faith is on my relationship with Christ. When I look at scriptures, I see what God has to say about me, what He thinks of me, and how much He loves me. Scriptures say that I am His beloved Child, and that He is my heavenly Father. He loves me with an everlasting love. He has plans for good not for evil for me. He will prosper me.

I would be happy to share more with you. My joy in my salvation is overflowing.

Hugs,
Trish

 

[Fallimar]

Thankyou for replying, Trish, I really do appreciate it

I'm very glad that you are willing to share your joy, but I cannot take joy that is derived from scripture. That was the problem with the people I have spoken to before, all they do is point me to the bible. Books are written by people, and to me all have their merits but can never be taken fully seriously. I have red enough of the Christian scriptures to know that they contain much good, but they also contain far too much of what I believe to be fantasy for me to take them as truth.

In no way am I mocking your faith, simply saying that reading can never give me solace.

The fact, however, that you have replied with a sense of happiness and not told me simply that I am wrong - now that does make me feel better.

 

[goldenviolet]

Sophia blessings and warmfuzzies...

if you ever want to talk about life's frustrations, i got a soft shoulder; and i've been around the block too many times, so i've got a very understanding shoulder too.
just let me know in pm. i'm scattered in a few forums so it will help me. lol

 

[woman.at.the.well]

I don't see in any way, shape, or form where madison1101 was trying to lead toward scripture. I see a true heart trying to share with you her experiences and where they come from.

Since you made what you do not want from (religious) folks pretty clear -- why don't you make it clear what you ARE looking for and then maybe people can help you a little more to your liking.

All of us - christian or non christian alike - I'm sure feel really bad that you feel burned by "religion." Which is essentially people or a body of people. I think we put far too much weight in other folks and do have a tendency to wind up getting burned. That is why a relationship with Christ is what we should focus on. Which is exactly what I believe madison1101 was trying to say to you.

Center on Christ Fallimar. Not the people in the religions who have burned you. We are all human and will disappoint you as well as mostly everyone else we meet. Cause it's just the way we are.

You will not find any one "religion" that agrees with everything you are looking for. What you WILL find if you are willing to look is - a Savior Who wants to be your best friend, your confidante, your All in All.

 

[Flicker]

I would recommend that you try to think about the good that comes from Christian belief. Brainstorm and write down a big list of valuable things that flow from the religion. Start a thread in general apologetics where you invite atheists to comment on the value that they see in Christianity.

Also, there are some good books by people who do not believe biblical theology but who nevertheless support christianity as a valuable contribution to society. Read Peter L Berger "Questions of Faith: A Skeptical Affirmation of Christianity"

Also, read C. S. Lewis, "Mere Christianity." He had as much use for Biblical Christianity as you do, but tried to rework the christian doctrines into something he could live with, and that is what "Mere Christianity" is all about.

Also, I recommend that you see a therapist and get on medication. The idea that God is provoked to destroy as a response to wrong, and that he shall destroy the human or Christ as a substitute for those who believe is an extremely anxiety-provoking theology, and as you back away from it, you need professsional and pharmacological help.

 

[Flicker]

Also, go to the "Liberal theology" subforum. there are lots of people there who are recovering from anxiety disorders like OCD and scrupulosity caused by Biblical theology and its threats of divine destruction.

 

[Fallimar]

I suppose I should have worded my post more clearly...

I can see that everyone that has replied here means very well in their responses, but I'm just not a believer in Christ, God or anything related. I suppose the problem lies more in that every time I speak with a religious person, I feel as if I am speaking to their religion instead of to the person, and that I always feel as though I'm being preached to.
I'm afraid to respond to anything with anything but an apology, because I feel that if I say anything contrary to what other people believe that I'll start an argument.

Basically, that's my problem... It's not with religion, because I'm not a part of it at all, it's with people that can't put belief aside and speak as a human being when asked questions. It's really very hard to explain, but I do feel very sad and doubtful whenever I write anything here, or talk to anyone religious.

The problem probably lies with me.

 

[Paul-martin]

Maybe they just read/understand the bible in the wrong way Fallimar.

Kindly Paul-Martin

 

[Flicker]

There is only one way to understand the Bible -- the way it is written: God destroys people who violate his law, or he destroys Christ as a substitute for those who believe these things. The Bible says this and will always say this.

But there are people who describe themselves as Christians who do not believe this Biblical theology.

 

[woman.at.the.well]

I suppose I should have worded my post more clearly...

I can see that everyone that has replied here means very well in their responses, but I'm just not a believer in Christ, God or anything related. I suppose the problem lies more in that every time I speak with a religious person, I feel as if I am speaking to their religion instead of to the person, and that I always feel as though I'm being preached to.
I'm afraid to respond to anything with anything but an apology, because I feel that if I say anything contrary to what other people believe that I'll start an argument.

Basically, that's my problem... It's not with religion, because I'm not a part of it at all, it's with people that can't put belief aside and speak as a human being when asked questions. It's really very hard to explain, but I do feel very sad and doubtful whenever I write anything here, or talk to anyone religious.

The problem probably lies with me.

it's going to be very difficult for you (at best) to find people who are Christians that AREN'T going to have responses that are influenced by their faith because that is so much of who they are - at least it is with me. That is where our value systems come from and since a Christians goal and aim is to be as Christlike as possible, you're going to get a heavy Christian slant on things. You can't really seperate the two.

It's like trying to request an athiest to objectively explain God without anti theist influence. It just won't happen honestly.

 

[Paul-martin]

There is only one way to understand the Bible -- the way it is written:

What do you mean, there are several interpretations of bible the bible (catholich protostant jehovas wittness ... and so on)?, as i see it you have to research and have meekness to find the truth ..

 

[AllTalkNoAction]

Fallimer - sounds like u r talking to sincere religious people who lack experience to appreciate what you need to see & hear to help you. The best things a christian can do is :-

a) listen and say nothing until they know what would help *you* appreciate what God offers you
b) share my personal experience / testimony
c) mention or introduce you to people who have had similar background to you, and what God did for them

 

[tracyk02]

Hi Fallimer. I'm sorry that you are having such a difficult time with this. I'm still not clear on what questions you have, or if you even have any. As for myself, I am a Christian woman who is very strong in my faith, but I do have friends that are not Christian. That's okay. However, I cannot separate myself from my beliefs, they make me who I am. My non-Christian friends know this and accept that about me, the same way I accept their unbelief. (BTW, I still pray for them ) For instance, unfortunately I just had a miscarriage, and it is impossible for me to talk about the experience or the pain that I'm in, without also talking about my faith and the peace and strength that I draw from it. I do hope you find your answers, and I hope you find people you can talk to. Please remember though, you can't choose to talk to a Christian and not expect to hear about their belief's. And please try to remember one more thing. Christians are not perfect, meaning we do still screw up, even if we don't mean to. Hope this helps just a bit.

 

[Flicker]

What is it about Christianity that bothers you so much?

 

[VioletAngel]

Hello Fallimer. Sorry to hear about your difficulties understanding faith, and religion. It is extremely hard to comfort someone (as a Christian) and not get into what makes our faith happen for us. Is it peace that you are looking for? Peace of mind, and peace and harmony in your life? Peace comes from sound teaching, and faith in God, and understanding the Bible. It is true that if you do not have the ability to understand what the Bible says, you do not have the Spirit of God speaking to you to help you through the verses. I know that is hard to understand, and it was for me at first. The Spirit of God opened my eyes to understand what was meant in those verses, and without that, it mostly doesn't make sense. This is why you do not understand religion or the Bible. The only peace that comes in our life is through the Holy Spirit, and faith in God. There just is no other way. It is like a veil lifting from your eyes. I hope you do find that peace.

 

[Fallimar]

What is it about Christianity that bothers you so much?

I can't reply on here for fear of staring an argument, and as I've said before, that's the last thing I want. Suffice to say I don't believe that it's possible for there to be a god.

 

[RomanPrincess]

maybe your fustrated because you don't fully understand God's word(the bible) because only God's children can hear his voice.
Christians don't focus on a religion,our focus is God.

 

[SherryWilliams]

Hello Sophia the beginning of healing from frustration and hatred is belief in something that over powers both and that's love. Love is the key to peace on earth. When you begin taking on someone else's problem you will begin to care less about yours that's selfless love.