Religion Uncertainty
Hi everyone!
I've been a Catholic all my life, but I've never really felt connected to it. I grew up with very religious parents who made us go to mass every day and pray the rosary every day. We almost never read the bible outside of mass though which I find extremely disappointing. I got to the point several years ago where I began to resent my religion and felt like I only received the sacraments because it was expected of me, not by choice.
I yearn for a religion where I have a personal relationship with God and actually choose Him. I'm currently looking at the Baptist church.
I'm open to basically anything at this point, please share your experiences!
@Mathmelody2379
Try an independent Baptist church. 😊
@Grayhair
Thx for the advice!
@Mathmelody2379You're welcome. Sorry I only had a moment to pop in. I was raised Catholic and sent to their school. They make God unattainable to average folk, which is part of why they don't encourage Bible reading. Truth is, over half the things they do go directly against God's word. Read the Bible through and your eyes will be opened. :)
@Grayhair
But how do I know that I'm reading the Bible correctly? I can't participate in Bible studies without my parents getting suspicious. Same with attenting a Baptist church. Do you happen to know any online sources or groups that may help?
@Mathmelody2379Pray for understanding, then pick it up and start reading. :)
@Mathmelody2379 This is a difficult concept in Christianity. You must first accept the authority of some group to interpret the Bible correctly, it seems. So many disagree on the meaning of NT passages, that new denominations are formed. The two biggest Christian denominations split nearly a thousand years ago because they understood Papal primacy differently (the Filioque issue didn't help either)!
@Mathmelody2379 you asked "Do you happen to know any online sources or groups that may help?"
I looked at a google search and did not find major denominations listed so the next step I would take is to locate the churches you may want to attend and either search or look on their website to see if they offer online services.
The other option is to go on youtube and search for churches you know of by name. Be careful about services that ask you to send money. There are some that focus only on getting more money while others focus on sharing the Christian message.
@soulsings
I appreciate you taking the time to look!
@Mathmelody2379 if you are choosing a nearby church that may be a good chooice, but try and see if some of the same things you find challenging in your present church may also be in the other. There are many denominations so maybe experiment and see what feels best.
@soulsings
Thx!
@Mathmelody2379 I've had a rough road with religion, so now I don't class myself as any particular religion. But I have faith and believe in God, angels and heaven 💖 so I encourage you to explore this topic and follow your heart 💖 gives you a giant tiny hug 💗
@Tinywhisper11
Thx!
@Mathmelody2379
Hi! I appreciate your thoughts...I have to ask, are you sure that you want to remain Christian? I write about religion and identity. I believe that many people remain in a religion because of social expectations and because it's how they label themselves. Still, they couldn't explain why "this" religion and not "that" one.
@Mathmelody2379 the best way to find God is make a heartfelt prayer to him to bring you closer to him and show you the way... and trust that God will accept your prayer and guide you....because God loves his creations and will not leave them alone....
Prayer can move mountains. Talk to God as much as you like. God is with you always ! ❤️