Joining self-help group

[J snow]

I was baptized in my teens, but I struggle with my faith and I'm not sure if I can say I'm a Christian. I receive psychiatric help and am not comfortable going to church. I believe I will be more comfortable at self-help group (ACOA) and benefit from the experience, but I hesitate joining because it will be a non-Christian fellowship. I don't have a problem receiving help from a non-Christian psychiatrist or a counselor, but I feel hesitant (guilt) about joining a non-Christian self-help group. Maybe I don't have to feel any hesitance, but I can't help feeling it. Does anyone have any advice or thoughts about this from a Christian perspective?

 

[perfection]

Please J snow , you might have asked yourself, if God really exist then why are you trapped in such a difficult situation?

You see you have to understand that everyone has to choose for God volentarily, your free will is a part of being Gods child. If you don't feel comfortable in chosing for God right now, then don't do it. That you have been brought up in a Christian family , doesn't mean that you have chosen for God with your heart. And you should only choose for God when you are ready to receive him.

You don't have to feel guilty for joining a non-christian help group , God wants what is best for you what is important in your life right now is that you make the choises that you feel are right for you, it is your life. God would never deny you In making those choises which are most benefitial to your general health condition.

You know sometimes in life you have to feel your way thru a situation. And make the most rational choises which you feel are necessary to make you live your life to the fullest.

To this point whatever is in your best interest is in Gods best interest. When you are fully recovered , you can make your decision wether you want to live with God or without. You shouldn't force yourself to be a Christian, it's something you want to be with all your heart. All the religions on earth are made by God, but because everyone is on a different spiritual level ,christianity may be not what you require on this moment. You have to tune into those teachings of God which at this moment are the right one for you.

In any case you can go wherever you want. No pun intented. That's free will and nothing to be ashamed of or to feel guilty about.

 

[Bible2]

. . . All the religions on earth are made by God...

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth,
and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me."

(John 14:6)

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for
there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved."

(Acts 4:12)

 

[J snow]

Perfection: Thank you for your advice. I felt a lot more freed by your post. I've found online Christian support groups that accept non-Christians, but in my local area, I think I'll try non-Christian support groups.

 

[hamishgraham]

I was baptized in my teens, but I struggle with my faith and I'm not sure if I can say I'm a Christian. I receive psychiatric help and am not comfortable going to church. I believe I will be more comfortable at self-help group (ACOA) and benefit from the experience, but I hesitate joining because it will be a non-Christian fellowship. I don't have a problem receiving help from a non-Christian psychiatrist or a counselor, but I feel hesitant (guilt) about joining a non-Christian self-help group. Maybe I don't have to feel any hesitance, but I can't help feeling it. Does anyone have any advice or thoughts about this from a Christian perspective?

I feel for you mate, and wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do.

Be assured, that God is bigger than any religion can capture. Whether you remain in the Christian tradition or not, the relationship will always be there for you.

I too feel uncomfortable going to church. It is not uncommon, and is nothing to feel guilty about. Noone can make themselves believe something just by saying or doing it. It is a lie to think otherwise. It seems to me you are being honest with yourself and God - I commend you for it!

I dunno if you like reading, but here are a few books that may help regarding your Christian struggles:
Yancey, Phillip. Soul Surviver: How my faith survived the church
Yancey, Phillip. The Jesus I never Knew
Yancey, Phillip. Disappointment with God
Spong, John Shelby - Why Christianity must Change or Die
Borg, Marcus - Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time

In regard to psychology and counselling. I'm a doctor, and have found the most important things is to be meeting (in a group or individually) with someone you can relate to well and trust. A good psychologist should be able to offer their expertise regardless of religious beliefs or tradition.

Best wishes

 

[J snow]

hamishgraham: Thank you for all of your encouragement. I'll go to church or prayer meetings as soon as I become able to and will try to make sure that I don't skip church for mere negligence like I've done in the past.

Thank you also for books you've listed. It helps me to select which books to read. I'm very interested to read "Soul Survivor" now because I've found a very similar circumstance being written at its editorial review.

And thank you for your blessing, too. I'll remember your blessing and bring it to support groups with me.

 

[heron]

The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about trust issues. You might not have found yet a group of believers where you feel safe. You can slip quietly into the back of different churches, to see what's out there.

Besides the books, you can find support in radio, television, friends, music, coffeehouses, video rentals, the Bible on tape (check your library). Oh--and here! Everything doesn't have to fit neatly in the box.


The discreet sees danger and takes shelter, simpletons go ahead and pay the penalty.
Prov. 22:3

God's eyes protect knowledge, but he confounds deceitful speeches.
Prov 22:12

Shrewdness is a fountain of life for its possessor.
Prov 16:22

Figure out the benefits you'd get from a Christian group vs. secular...prayer support, new challenges, information, encouragement in different areas. Use your knowledge about toxic relationships when it comes to picking a church as well as a support group.

 

[J snow]

heron: I haven't really thought about going to other churches. I'm not sure, but maybe I can try.

Thank you for the Bible verses. I started reading the Bible just recently and am relieved to know cautiousness is endorsed in the Bible.

I'll pray God will guide me either in choosing a church or a support group. Thank you for your care and advice.
J snow

 

[heron]

J snow,
I hope this settles in for you, and that whatever groups you choose turn out supportive.

I love Proverbs; it's the perfect balance whenever church or Christian friends start getting overzealous...it feels very protective and sensible.

It sounds like you're earnestly heading in good directions. Only you know your situation and options.

If you don't want to shake things up with church too much, many churches have less formal mid-week open meetings, where people from other churches come and go. ...I'm just throwing another idea into the mix.

 

[J snow]

If you don't want to shake things up with church too much, many churches have less formal mid-week open meetings, where people from other churches come and go. ...I'm just throwing another idea into the mix.

Thank you for letting me know other option. I don't feel very uneasy attending other church as long as it is the same denominational church as mine. Maybe I can attend other church, but I can't be sure. Attending church feels harder for me right now than attending an anonymous self-help group. But it will be a blessing if I could find a church I can go to. I will try and see how it will come about. Thanks again for your care.

J snow

 

[heron]

Just remember that God isn't going to push you aside if you're hesitating.

 

[J snow]

heron: Thank you, I wouldn't forget it.