[cashart10]

In the past, I have been super hyper-religious and loaded with religious delusions during a manic episode. A few days ago a pastor at my church wrote an article about Jesus' return. That same day a friend posted something similar on Facebook. I decided since two people posted about it on the same day that it was not a coincidence and must be true. Jesus' return is imminent. Furthermore, since I'm not really religious anymore I am going to hell. the thought hasn't left me. It's been ruminating in my mind. Since I am aware that this is probably not logical, this is not a delusion and I should not be concerned, right?

[cashart10]

Or am I wrong? I don't want to go off the deep end.

[A Red Panda]

It's a delusion. Coincidences happen, and the more people whom you know who are religious already, the more likely there is to be a coincidence. I've had friends on my fb who did not know each other or have ANY mutual connections (as in, one lived in England and one lived in Canada)... they posted like the same thing within a few hours of each other. The exact same meme.

I also had two friends with the same first name on FB.. who both had pictures of a pond/lake as their user pic. I probably messaged the wrong person a few times. It was super confusing and a huge coincidence!

If you're having troubles with things, then just try to focus on living a good life - it doesn't mean you have to live a religious life. Just a good one where you don't harm anyone and try to be kind to others.

[River11]

Cashart10 - no one goes to hell because they're "not religious"!! Please don't condemn yourself. Jesus Christ himself said those who are 'saved' are not automatically those who religiously cry out, "Lord! Lord!" to Him, but that those whose hearts are humble before God, who act in love and are merciful to those who are weaker. Nothing to do with religious stuff!

i'm not getting involved in religious debate.

it's the last thing someone wants to start with me... i'm religious, but not. and i'll sit here until the cows come home debating it and proving my points

[cashart10]

Thanks Red Panda and River 11. That makes me feel better and is generally how I feel about the topic these days. I may be a bit stricter in my beliefs...but I am not very religious. That is what worries me. The last time I had this thinking, I became insane.

[cashart10]

Originally Posted by shattered sanity

i'm not getting involved in religious debate.

it's the last thing someone wants to start with me... I'm religious, but not. and i'll sit here until the cows come home debating it and proving my points

Thanks Shattered Sanity, I probably should have put a trigger warning on this post. I didn't mean to start a religious debate. I was more wondering if I am delusional and should call my doc and be worried, etc, or if this is somthing that maybe everyone might do given the situation. I am honestly not sure and since I am still slightly manic, I would need to get this under control in a hurry.

[Phoenix_1]

As I tell my daughter all the time, you don't have to be attend church every Sunday (or Saturday) and be religious to be a good person before the Lord. Follow the golden rule.

[cool09]

Just curious what you mean by "super hyper-religious"? Do you apply religious teachings to everything you encounter no matter how small? That would be very tiring.

Just off-topic a little bit: The LA Times used to report that 15 people a week used to walk into the lobby and claim that they were Jesus. I don't know if you'd call that a coincidence or put any validity into any of that. I'm not sure how a delusional person would view that.

[cashart10]

Originally Posted by cool09

Just curious what you mean by "super hyper-religious"? Do you apply religious teachings to everything you encounter no matter how small? That would be very tiring.

Not at all! Typically I am hardly religious. But once, when manic, I went off the deep end, believing I could cast out demons, hallucinating Jesus and the voice of the Holy Spirit, believing spiritual people could read my mind, etc (thus, super hyper-religious). I was also reading the Bible six times a day and constantly praying often out loud like a carismatic preacher. So, you can understand why I worry that if I become overly concerned with spiritual matters I am becoming delusional. The above episode was the worst of my life and as a result, I try to be extremely cautious of both mania and spiritual matters. In this particular case, I'm not sure if I am becoming delusional (I've been manic for weeks) or if maybe I am just worried about some things I've read. I'm not sure, thus, seeking advice. Like I said, I didn't mean for this to be a religious debate or anything. I was trying to make sure I'm not completely losing my mind again.