Because I believe in God...

Some people think I'm stupid, primitive, illogical, ignorant, cowardly, and foolish.

Some think it means I hate certain groups of people. I don't hate anyone. I am respectful and open-minded.

Some believe that I want to force my faith on them and convert them. I don't. I just like talking about the most important aspect of my life.

Some believe I need to be "cured" of religion.

I don't judge others. I don't think I'm morally superior. I don't think I'm better than you. I don't tell others how to live their lives.

Yes, I like science and believe in evolution.

Yes, I know Christmas used to a Pagan holiday. Your point being? It's not as though it's a purely religious holiday anymore. It's for everyone who chooses to celebrate it in their own way.

I am tired of people's assumptions and judgments about me

same here, I've always and will always believe in God.
people tend to look at you a bit weirdly on the subject, i think it's almost a trend for people to look down on that belief like it's some kind of fairytale, so i definitely understand your frustration.

maybe it's just a chance for some people to show off their belief in science? to look like they're in complete control of their lives because there's a misconception that believing in God and/or religion makes you reliant on them.
not true and absolutely no reason you can't believe in God and science equally, including evolution.

good quote from Einstein on this,
"Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind."

it's frustrating because people can go on and on about their families without anyone questioning them as it's the most important part of their life, but if someone does the same about their spirituality for the same reason they can be patronised/belittled.

I think that it's possible this thread may end up being moved to the spirituality forum since it doesn't specifically address anything to do with depression.

You have sort of implied that other people's attitudes towards your being religious are troublesome. That makes total sense to me. I am what's considered a "liberal Christian" in the US.

Even though I feel a huge distance from evangelical Christians, I am glad that I live in a country where it's still mostly considered "normal" to believe in God.

I also wondered if it might be moved, but it's all making me feel low.

YOU GO faithful ones! Don't despair. When I get a negative reaction, I figure that person has some problem and needs help. So I silently wish them well (pray) for them.

Faith is pretty personal; talking about it to people who don't share it is like telling people about a TV show you watch. Unless they also watch it it's good for about 10 seconds of conversation.

I can understand how getting rejected can make you very depressed. If your not " preaching " or put on an air of moral superiority then these people are getting the wrong idea about you and where your coming from. I know one thing and that is if I had a belief system like you I would probably be LESS depressed because at least I would believe in something. Whereas now all my belief systems are shattered.

Good point. Thanks

Faith doesn't always manage to stay strong during severe depression. It can be stripped away just like everything else we believe in. I've been through several episodes of depression in my life, and I now try to remember that when the depression gets better, my brain and faith and belief systems in general will return to normal.