Why constraint yourself to someone else's Doctrines?

[tranced0ne]

Hello, I am new to this board. For the past year, or so, I have lost my faith. The further I research, and the further I dwell upon my reasoning....the less I find. I am 21, just now starting to go back to school. My main reason for not having faith is why constrict myself to someone elses beliefs? Why can't I just live my life without this constant worry over my head about "sinning". There is a lot more to say, but I would like to see some responses to this. I also grew up a christian, Pentecostal, and was "saved" at 9.


Thus does anyone care? Am I a lost cause to your "beliefs"? I would suspect this post would be overlooked, however since I was raised this way.....as does with anyone, it's behaviorly in me. At a time in my mid teens, I was very "into" the faith, or what I thought was it at the time. Now, like I mentioned above, I realize I am living FREE!

tranced0ne.....lonely, realizing the reality of this prison.



"Believe in NOTHING."
Maynard James Keynan
(Tool/A Perfect Circle)

 

[Glaz]

Well, life is a long journey friend. I wish you the best in your search for whatever you are looking for. All us f00ls will pray for you anyway

 

[tranced0ne]

Also, the more into my non-belief, I have actually found a couple of things interesting. For one, which contradicts my atheism, I am starting to believe there is something of a higher power. (Mainly to start the evolutionary process.)

2nd, I find love in a lot of things. For example my lil sister who is 2. She means the world to me. I find some of the teachings of Jesus to be true. I also believe he was a great man, better than probably most of us through history. However, again, WHY constrain yourself to live through his laws (in order to be in a "special" place?) What proof do you have? Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't most of the bible written like after 100 years of his death?

Yes, and I appologize up front, my thoughts are random as I am lost within this place. Again with the questions of my own demise.

 

[Glaz]

Also, the more into my non-belief, I have actually found a couple of things interesting. For one, which contradicts my atheism, I am starting to believe there is something of a higher power. (Mainly to start the evolutionary process.)

2nd, I find love in a lot of things. For example my lil sister who is 2. She means the world to me. I find some of the teachings of Jesus to be true. I also believe he was a great man, better than probably most of us through history. However, again, WHY constrain yourself to live through his laws (in order to be in a "special" place?) What proof do you have? Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't most of the bible written like after 100 years of his death?

Yes, and I appologize up front, my thoughts are random as I am lost within this place. Again with the questions of my own demise.

Well, I just don't feel constrained by Him at all. My personal life is pretty much a regular Greek tragedy, I could tell you a heck of a sob story. I used to get mad, blame Him for all my problems, the classic case of denial. I've had moments where I felt kind of like you do, but He has just seemed so.....real to me. I've walked away from Him a few times, but I have always come back. I can't explain it my friend. I really can't offer up much tangible benfits that I have recieved from believing in Him, nothing you can reach out and touch anyway. I don't feel boxed in by Him, in fact, I live freer now than I ever did before I was saved. It was a life of conformity, go to the clubs because thats what everyone else does, gotta get married by a certain age cause thats what everyone else does, gotta fit in, gotta have a good job, gotta make alot of money, gotta do this gotta do that gotta gotta gotta gotta......I have never felt that way with Christ. Then again, I'm kind of an outsider, I'm non- denominational, I don't go to a mainstream church, most wouldn't even consider it a church at all really, and I never had any sort of Christian upbringing. I can see how growing up in that could frustrate you though. Seems a bit smothering to me.

I would like you to know, I do care, and that its your life, not your families, not your upbringings, not your churches. Let go a bit, its between you and Jesus, no one else. Your relationship with Him is your own, no one elses. Figuring out your beliefs really takes alot of time and thought, the Churches can spout doctrine but making it stick takes alot of self-discovery. More and more I see stories like yours, people turning away from God after a Christian upbringing. We have forgotten the basics and are just teaching our children like they are computers to be programmed. Its like we are doing the devils work for him. You can teach a child the Gospel, but can you make him understand it? They are not the same thing. Sort of ticks me off a bit.

Anyway, sorry, long post, hang in there man, don't give up on God completely.

 

[tranced0ne]

Thank you for the reply. It does has some inspiration. What I mean by being "boxed" in, is if I want to do a certain thing, why should someone else say I can't....as long as it's moral and doesn't hurt anyone.

I DO believe in morals, but I like to think I set my own standards, and not be conformed. I had a lot of love growing up, through the church and in the family. I just disbelieve the Jesus is savior BS. And throughout my upbringing, I was told that the truth was in the book......why should I believe this is the truth? Who's to say the book of morman isn't true? Hell, it's only a 150 or so years ago, as opposed to 2k years ago.....seems odd doesn't it?

Of course, I am sure this has come up before.....just seeing for myself. What's wrong in believing in Nirvana? That seems a lot more appealing to me. Shoot, I suppose some of the Buddist beliefs sound truthful. Then again, I think I may be turning into a hippy....ROFLMAO.

sorry for the length........

 

[Glaz]

Thank you for the reply. It does has some inspiration. What I mean by being "boxed" in, is if I want to do a certain thing, why should someone else say I can't....as long as it's moral and doesn't hurt anyone.

I DO believe in morals, but I like to think I set my own standards, and not be conformed. I had a lot of love growing up, through the church and in the family. I just disbelieve the Jesus is savior BS. And throughout my upbringing, I was told that the truth was in the book......why should I believe this is the truth? Who's to say the book of morman isn't true? Hell, it's only a 150 or so years ago, as opposed to 2k years ago.....seems odd doesn't it?

Of course, I am sure this has come up before.....just seeing for myself. What's wrong in believing in Nirvana? That seems a lot more appealing to me. Shoot, I suppose some of the Buddist beliefs sound truthful. Then again, I think I may be turning into a hippy....ROFLMAO.

sorry for the length........

LOL, you dang hippy..........Ya know, one thing I've learned in life is there are alot more questions than there are answers. I don't think that invalidates the things we question though. I've been told that life is just one long learning experience, I think thats true. Some things you really do have to figure out for yourself. I think you'll probably find yourself drawn back to Christ eventually. And when you do, Heaven will rejoice. I'm not trying to sound like I know you, but I do know Jesus and He never really goes away once you've believed in Him. It may just be a nagging in your heart on occasion, a feeling you can't shake, a little inner voice you can't silence, but He'll be there. At least He was for me. I'm glad you shared all this, I've enjoyed the discussion

 

[BornAgainBabe]

Hiya, listen I think what makes you feel constrained is the fact that you feel like u have to have the same faith as everyone else, I've been there. You dont understand Christianity with your mind, you understand it with your spirit. When God starts speaking into your life and is so real to you you can't feel anything but free. However, I was saved from something, I have a pretty dicy past so I'm still wearing the rose-coloured glasses of thankfulness so that might be why I can't doubt God. I'm sure I'll go through struggles but God has proved he is real and that's good enough for me!

 

[BornAgainBabe]

That sounds really self-righteous and judgemental now I read back on it. I'm really sorry I didn't mean it like that. I jus get over-excited when I talk about God!

 

[tranced0ne]

You brits seem nice enough. Totally off subject, but I would love to live in England for a while...as long as there is good rock climbing available...I know Wales has some of the best climbing in the world.

But, as to my above question, why believe in the bible as the only true "word". It was written by men, for men. Who is to say that it wasn't added to or changed. Just the the writer Homer (Illiad, etc.) and Shakespear. Don't you think a little of what the authors wrote had their own influence? Again, what proof is there....

I like to think I am spiritual, definitely not religious, especially when I am high (more random thoughts into my head)

tranced0ne

 

[Faith In God]

...just fyi, we don't see it as merely 'someone else's beliefs.'

curious; if you admit to there being a higher power of some sort, why the atheist icon?

 

[psychedelicist]

Well I'm not a christian anymore either... instead of seeing you as a lost cause I see you being the way a lot more people should be these days. Too many people, including me, are brought up christian, so they never question it, because its all they know.

It also seems to me to be strange to follow someone else's doctrine. Kind of like cutting you to fit the dress, instead of cutting the dress to fit you. I found that I like shamanism much better, because you can be about anything and be a shaman also. You can believe in God or not, you can be atheist or theist, evolutionist or creationist, so its really more like a job that I really really like instead of a religion. Also there's no scriptures or rules to follow. But whatever floats your boat, I don't want to sound lie I'm tying to convert you or anything.

 

[Faith In God]

I'm sorry, but I must dissect this just a bit.

Well I'm not a christian anymore either... instead of seeing you as a lost cause I see you being the way a lot more people should be these days. Too many people, including me, are brought up christian, so they never question it, because its all they know.

too true. you can say this of any religion. but I have lived a 'Christian' life my whole life, devoted it to Christ a short while back, and now mean it. and even moreso, now when I have been exposed heavily to other doctrines (ie here. )

It also seems to me to be strange to follow someone else's doctrine.

...again, that 'someone else's doctrine'. can someone explain how any doctrine that you live by is 'someone else's'?

Kind of like cutting you to fit the dress, instead of cutting the dress to fit you.

communism. the main idea: a new coat on every man. The bible. main idea: a new man in every coat.

I found that I like shamanism much better, because you can be about anything and be a shaman also.

shaman is (layman) witch-doctor? I'm curious.

You can believe in God or not, you can be atheist or theist, evolutionist or creationist, so its really more like a job that I really really like instead of a religion. Also there's no scriptures or rules to follow. But whatever floats your boat, I don't want to sound lie I'm tying to convert you or anything.

good. but are you? don't incriminate yourself

 

[tranced0ne]

Good question about why I have atheist icon. I suppose it's because I don't believe in a "being" of higher power, just a higher power itself....call it energy, call it love, call it mother nature.......but I don't call it god. Tis weird for meh.

Peace

 

[Radagast]

Welcome to CF!

... why constrict myself to someone elses beliefs? ...

It's not whose beliefs they are, but whether they're true or not.

...Why can't I just live my life without this constant worry over my head about "sinning"...

Well, if there is a "higher power," He might think it's important.

-- Radagast

 

[TheMainException]

My brother....I look out and see you there...and do you know what I see? I see a prison...and I see you locked inside...that's what I see...I'm not judging you, that's just the perspective that I'm seeing things from...

Some books that I recommend to you if you want to understand more....and see more into this Christian faith you have given up. It's good to make your own choices, by the way...I've always liked how much most atheist think...they are usually some really intelligent people (not all of them are, just most of them that i know of)...
1. "Abba's Child" by Brennan Manning- A book about Jesus and about us...his love.
2. "Black," "Red," "White" by Ted Dekker- The most amazing series I have ever read. Read "Black" then "Red," and finally, "White." It is a fictional, fantasy-type series about God...but if you don't relate it back to scripture, it is just amazing in itself, but it gives a new perspective to look at God...

My dear friend, tranced0ne...about this constraint that you believe we Christians live by. Here's what I think...premarital sex...what's the point of a lot of useless sex where no relationship comes in? Swearing...where does it get you? Hate...do you really want to be mad at someone all the time? And would you want someone to hate you and treat you like junk? Honoring your parents...it keeps the relationship good, why would you want it any other way? You see, these things don't hold you back...they aren't just to make the man in the sky happy...these rules are set to keep you happy. Satan hates those rules and wants you to think otherwise, but if you do...I'm not glad, and I will spend some time in thought over the loss that has occurred, but I will only continue to think highly of you. I think highly of everyone. Humans mean so much to me...you are valuable to me. You cannot ever compare a human to anything on this earth...not beasts, not manmade things...not the ocean...we humans are special and I have taken on God's love for them...it hurts me to see you turn from God and I know it hurts him so much more...I will pray for the truth to be told on earth...if what I believe is not the truth, I want to know...do not let me drown...but for now...I am not drowning, nor am I going to ever...I will live forever in heaven eternal where my every want and need will be met before I want or need it...all things good come from the father...remember that.

 

[psychedelicist]

communism. the main idea: a new coat on every man. The bible. main idea: a new man in every coat.

The belief of cutting the dress to fit you is communist? I dont want to start a debate or anything, but this just seems a little strange

shaman is (layman) witch-doctor? I'm curious.

Basically, but it is much broader than that. Some choose to be healers (witch doctors, by definition), some are more of psychonauts: they study the "unseen world," "otherworld," or whatever you like to call it.

 

[psychedelicist]

LAWise, I do not want to argue with your post, but there is one part which i gotta comment on...

"You cannot ever compare a human to anything on this earth...not beasts, not manmade things...not the ocean...we humans are special and I have taken on God's love for them..."

I gotta say this sounds a bit speciesist, saying that humans are above everything else, doesn't that sound a bit weird? Thats also the belief that causes so much pollution, deforestation, etc.

 

[Faith In God]

LAWise, I do not want to argue with your post, but there is one part which i gotta comment on...

"You cannot ever compare a human to anything on this earth...not beasts, not manmade things...not the ocean...we humans are special and I have taken on God's love for them..."

I gotta say this sounds a bit speciesist, saying that humans are above everything else, doesn't that sound a bit weird? Thats also the belief that causes so much pollution, deforestation, etc.

It's biblical doctrine (if nothing else), saying man is above animals. gotta remember where people come from.

 

[Surprised by joy]

I don't think of living under God's Law as constraining -- rather, I find it the ultimate freedom. The freedom to be happy, to grow in love, and to be a creative rather than destructive force.

Think of it this way. Power of any type, without constraint, is not creative but destructive. This is a "law" of this earth. If all physical power needs constraint, why should our minds and our actions be any different?

If, when you were angry, you did not constrain your anger, it would become very destructive. We all constrain ourselves in some way; it's something we take for granted. The question is only: how much, and what type of, constraint?

God's Law, or God's variety of constraint, brings me and others in my life happiness; because God's law is not a law of judgement, but of love, forgiveness and mercy. His Law says that He loves me; and my highest calling is to love Him, and love others, with true and self-sacrificing love. In the light of that sort of love, all the problems of the world tend to disappear, because they just aren't bright enough to outshine that sort of love.

 

[newname]

Consider what the Spirit says;

this, you will not hear from many,

"Many are called, few are chosen"

Noone can convince you that truth is truth, except God.

Man can speak the truth, and that's whatever understanding he has been given by God, but only God can convince you.

You will know if he does.

Man is "called" unto the kingdom of God, by God. This is what "faith" is.

The differant denominations are there for those that are "called" by God.
When one feels that need to please God, then one seeks a denomination. When one has heard the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and the Only Way to him, then one has been given "faith", which is knowledge that Jesus Christ is who he says he is.

All the Christian denominations hold the truth, but, they also hold FALSNESS also.

This is why each one says that are the right one, and the others are the wrong ones. They, the leaders especially, have not "come unto unity" and this can only happen by God, when he gives them the spirit of God, giving them discernment of God's way and the world's way.

I pray that when God, our Heavenly Father, "calls" you that you will hear.

We ALL must go into the wilderness to come out.

We ALL must go into falsness to find truth.

Here's a true parable for you: Twin sisters in the church when they were young, both "accepted Jesus as Savior". Both went into the world doing wordly things. But one hardened their heart towards God and became an athiest ( even when all know that there is God) and says that God is a mean and hard whatever. And the other, when God "called" heard and started to seek Him.

This truly is in God's hands, he chooses whome he chooses and gives understanding to whom he wants to.

But, if He does "call" be ready to listen and do not harden your heart.

speaking truth by the Holy Spirit only by God's grace and mercy,
newname