Psych Central removed my last post from this Spiritual support group forum, so they may remove this one too...

I'm also unclear as to what we are allowed to discuss in this forum. I'm getting the impression they only want us to post "rosy" things, like positive, uplifting spiritual or religious quotes. Which, of course are nice to read and can be helpful, but those warm and fuzzy sayings only get you so far.

I thought this was a place to express our experiences with spirituality/religion, and to get feedback, so we can learn from others what they have either struggled with, or perhaps found insights, comfort, and healing in.

I think being able to discuss spirituality and/or religion, and the pros and cons of each, is a very important part of managing mental health. Many of us were raised with some degree of religious doctrine, and unfortunately many times this has been used to guilt or shame people struggling with mental illness, leading them to believe the illness is all their fault. Nothing else in the human condition motivates/ forces one to question this life, this universe, our own mind and body, and our "Creator" quite like struggling with a mental illness. The majority of mental illnesses have the potential to force a person to develop a humility to the realities of how "mother nature", the biology, chemistry, and physics of life are really, ultimately the ones in control, and not our delusional human arrogance. Most people are under the delusion that they are in total and complete control of their mind and body. This is often why many people don't understand that someone with mental illness can't just "snap out of it" or just "think positive thoughts." However, once such a person encounters a life stressor that really challenges their self concept and world view, this arrogance, we all have had to one degree or another, is challenged and this can be highly unsettling and distressful for people. Some people grow, become more cognitively flexible and open minded, evolving their concepts and world views. Whereas other may become even more rigid and entrenched in narrow beliefs, out of an intense sense of fear.

Especially when a person experiences an episode of mental illness, they can be forced into the realization that the human mind really does "have a mind of it's own." Further, historically, persons afflicted with mental illness have many times been inhumanely treated in the name of religion, or spiritual idealism.
In contrast, when religion or spiritual guidance are taught from a foundation of true empathy for all life, compassion is valued as a daily practice, and utilized to nurture the evolution of human consciousness, offer unconditional love and support to all humans, especially those in suffering, then religion/spirituality can be stabilizing, help facilitate healing, broaden awareness, radical acceptance, and a healthy sense of "self" in relation to this world.

I was raised Catholic, but not in a strict sense, and I have explored different religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, and in college read and studied various religions around the world. I think, for me, what felt the most "realistic" practical and helpful in understanding this universe, life, and dealing with being human has been Buddhism.
But, of course, I want ALL the answers. And, of course as we all know this is an impossible desire to fulfill.

Overall, what I truly find most healing, when I feel most spiritual and connected to life, the universe, and God--or the "Great spirit" (or whatever you prefer to call it) is when I'm out in nature, hiking and with the trees, dirt, weeds, and if I'm lucky by a stream or river. Being in nature, for me, is the best church.

Seeker33, I'm sorry, but I'm a little unclear as to what you are wanting from religion/spirituality. You mentioned you feel you need something to make you feel safe and secure, and that you do not trust God at all.
A few things that helped me in me journey, was I once read a book called "Thick Face Black Heart." And, the author said "if you're going to be mad at anyone be mad at God." She was pointing out the irony, that is all too common, that people go to their places of worship and may feel very devoted to God, think they are being a "good Christian" (or whichever faith they are) by following the cultural norm, but they have no empathy/compassion for any living beings, including humans, that they are with day in and day out. They may be mean to their wife, husband, children, co-workers etc., but they're not mean to God. Her point was God can take it, and he/she will gladly take it, because God is unconditional love. So if you're struggling, be mad at God, tell God your pissed, hurt, etc.. But foster, practice compassion for yourself, your family, friends, the stranger on the street, the homeless person, the animals, etc.. Because, that's what matters most, compassion for all sentient beings, including yourself. God is patient and will be there whether you're pissed off at him/her, or whether your relationship changes and grows over time. Just as "Heaven and Hell are within us" so is God/the Creator, as we all are the Creator's creation.
I've gone through cycles of this with God/the Creator. Especially one this past year of going through a very severe episode of Major Depression, it had been a several years, but I once again in the midst of my illness was very angry with God. I still am at times and over certain things, because I don't see why there has to be such extreme cruelty in the world. So its an ever evolving relationship, and I'm learning to accept and be okay with that.
Okay, I better stop there, I could go on and on.....

****So, is there a forum where we can respectfully have open discussions about people's experiences with the pros and cons of the many religions and spiritual practices?
A forum where we can express our beliefs that help us cope, positive experiences, questions, as well as our frustrations and negative experiences in our journey to find support, a sense of belonging, and faith?