Religiously Stuck

[OrpingtonManor]

Quote:
I was just about to say the same thing. And also for everyone who has responded so thoughtfully. I read some of the posts, and I thought, "thank you for making this place seem even more welcoming than it has already been."

I also had a dramatic change in faith in my life. I was raised a Christian, and firmly held to that belief system until my late 20's. Then I started to feel that God probably had a plan, "a deal" with every religion that was equally valid. Then I finally realized that my answer was not about religion at all. I stopped fearing what might come after this life ended, stopped worrying if God thought I was "saved" and started just living the best life I could. That was 20 years ago, and that change was right for me. I hope you find a path that works for you. I applaud you for being willing to search within yourself. Many people have said to just sit quietly until the answer comes. You could also just keep busy with living joyously until the answer comes. Either way, hugs and thanks.

 

[cwc362]

Am so proud of everybody- Christian and others who have responded to this thread . The OP reached out for support and all posts that I have read have been good- Not preachy- not judgmental . You all are a great bunch of folks- I hope you can get over that blah feeling- Probably only temporary- Like most things here on Earth- Wishing you the best--
Wayne
n
Tennessee

 

[CoopCrazy]

I also was a practicing pagan for many years and had was High Priest of our coven CAYA Clan in seymour ,IN. I recently had the same experience as you, I wore the same pentacle necklace for over 12 years, i never went anywhere without it, taking it off only to shower. One day i just did'nt feel like i needed it any longer.
I truly feel that the universe is trying to tell us to put aside these material things and to stop putting power into inanimate objects and more into ourselves. I don't know about you but I feel that a large amount of pagans and wiccans rely solely on their tools as their source of power, the universe is telling us that we are the only tool we need, we are God and we are Godess.
I have since been attending a local church and have had some amazing experiences. The Lord has touched me many times and enriched my life greatly. I still hold everything i have learnt and the knowledge that has been bestowed upon by the universe in great respect. But have also learnt that know matter what name you call HIM/Her there is a higher power and He/They truly love us all.

If you would like to talk me please free to pm me. I think we could learn a little from eachother.
God and Godess Bless!

 

[beak]

I was raised a Catholic. Even did the alter boy thing. I started questioning my faith at about 13 yrs of age. Just didn't add up. So now I'm Agnostic. I would be Atheist but I can't prove that God doesn't exist any more than it can be proven he does.

My wife is a Wiccan and I've read a few of her books. I would like to join her but I can't quite get there on believing in powers other than those I can see. So it's ok to question your faith. Remember Christianity is based in Paganism.

If you lead a good life and treat others as you should it shouldn't matter what your belief system is. Whatever waits beyond should treat us all for how we lived our life, not what we were taught to believe.

 

[Jameberlin]

While i have never been a pagan, i was raised Catholic and fell into agnosticism for a number of years....

I've been in the same place as you regarding belonging for a long time. There are so many things i don't agree with the Chruch on, and they've kept me form her for a long time... Then things started happening in my life, i had a son who was not planned, got cheated on, had my dad diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, etc. During this whole time the only place i felt safe and at peace was alone in my old church, and that's where it stayed for a while... No huge conversion, no answers in bold letters, just peace.

Now i'm trying to get back into my faith journey, not because i feel there is a void in my life, or because i feel i need the "crutch" of religion... i just want it... i long for that sense of peace that is almost overwhelming when i'm in church. *shrug*

Don't worry, you'll find where you belong soon enough, i know it.

It's good your husband is so supportive of you, it's kinda rare for that kind of thing

 

[debilorrah]

Ok, any of you who wish may me PM regarding this. I am Christian, non-denominational.

 

[HSmamma]

You might want to try unitarian universalism which honors all religions and was founded on christian and jewish values. I wouldn't be anywhere else.

hsmamma

 

[conradpdx]

Personally I went through all the same for the most part. And now I am a die hard agnostic. I came to the conclusion that the basic rules of all religions are the same two things:

The Golden Rule, Karma or whatever you want to call it.

and tread lightly and with responsibility.

So I live my life based on these two rules.

Anything above and beyond this is just dogma, and if it isn't than I really don't want any part of the eternal BS that goes along with the rest of it.

 

[mamaKate]

God loves your earnest and sincere heart. Keep patiently listening and I will pray for your ears.

 

[Beekissed]

I've never changed my religion, nor questioned my path in that regard. I've questioned God many, many times when my life was in a major stress....but I've never questioned His existence or my relationship to that. I can relax and love life because I know His love and He knows mine.....nothing greater than that feeling!

I've had many ups and downs in my life, but have always had the inner peace of knowing where my faith lies. I can't even imagine not having that "knowing" and it must feel awful!

Here's hoping you find yourself where you should be in your search for inner peace and contentment!