Scared of believing

Hey all.

So, I've been going through an especially rough period of my life. A close friend of mine, who I spoke to every night for up to 8 hours for 5 years, has cut me off completely and told me never to speak to her again.

The day after this, I found myself wandering past a local church on the one weekend of the year where they had a huge family activity, and I found myself entering. I explained my situation to the vicar, and was welcomed into the church as a sort of "prodigal son". People prayed for me, and I felt accepted for the first time since I met my now-ex friend. I looked up to her (too much) because of my lack of self esteem, and saw her as constantly better than me, causing jealousy and resentment even though I loved her vastly.

Anyway

I'm afraid that I'm using god as a crutch. I've come from a VERY agnostic/athesitic family. I struggle with miracles. I find the idea of a man who sacrificed himself to save me touching and I believe that something is out there, but I can't shift all my faith from this girl onto God, whilst still remaining unsure of myself and my own abilities.

I'm scared God will become my caretaker, rather than my guide.

As this forum does not allow "religious" talk, which is odd by the way to any moderator reading, I don't get that given the forum title...but feel free to PM me if you wish to discuss this.

You can send me a message, too!

Me too! I'm happy to discuss it.

I'm happy to discuss this through PM also

You are cared for & watched over unconditionally.Your only requirement is to beleive.

It is a crutch. I'm not saying that's a bad thing necessarily. Be very careful. Vulnerability makes you... vulnerable. This is typically when people get drawn into cult behavior.
Good luck.

I can do nothing WITHOUT God! He knows that...He made us that way... so using Him as a "crutch" is perfect! Think about if you had a child and he/she ignored you and never asked you for anything, not even milk from a bottle...would you feel like a father?

The difference being that the the father is real, not a fictitious character in a collection of ancient writings.
I think that everyone should keep as in touch with reality as possible but people who suffer MI should be very cautious in getting involved with delusional activities.

I disagree George. For many, it is a way of living life to the fullest. Of course, you are entitled to your opinion.

It's okay to disagree I'm not sure what you are disagreeing with. We are told that discussing specific religions is against the guidelines though.

Don't be scared. God is real. There is nothing wrong with believing in Him or having a church family to support you.

I'd be lost without my faith in God. The people in my church have helped me through so much over the years. It's my support system and my way of life.

We will always be let down by people. Only God can be trusted.
Believe in Him and let Him guide you on this new journey.

Im disagreeing that it is a crutch. We probably both know what it is we are talking about. The rest of your post I dont have any issue with except to say that 'cult behavior' means many things. Are you referring to mass suicide or sacred ritual or meditation or praying or???? Mass suicide btw is not typical cult behavior.

There is nothing wrong per se with 'cults' imo. Many operate freely with none of us the wiser. A cult can be a few followers or a large organization. We only hear about the ones where things go wrong, much like plane crashes. Would you tell someone not to get on a plane because it might crash? Of course not, so why would you tell someone not to join a cult because it might turn out bad? Oh right, you didnt. We have more control over our spirituality than people riding in planes have over controlling the plane. Be careful is very good advice. For me, its funny, the addem '1st do no harm' applies here, as well.

Really? Which god? What does he look like?
Do you have photos?
So this god is male. Can you hear him talk and feel him take you by the hand?

People, there are forums here devoted specifically to you to discuss your Christian religion. This isn't one of them.

allimsaying... believing something that isn't real may help but I think accepting reality and dealing with it through personal strength is a goal we should all strive for.
Telling this poster that you know your god is real when you can't know that he is real is misleading the poster. It may come from a true desire to help but I don't think that is always the case. The poster has expressed doubts so I think he/she should be made aware of everything needed to make a decision... not just the Christian desire to bring him/her into the flock.
I can't prove a negative so I don't say anything that would be dishonest or misleading.

That God isnt real is your opinion and you are welcome to it

You show me some evidence that any gods or goddesses are real and I'll consider it
Until then we'll just have to agree that you can believe in things that can't be seen or proven and I'll believe in the evidence that men made the whole thing up

Faith is not a question of reason. That's why its called faith. There is no evidence. Only belief. I know what I believe through my own experience. I see proof of Gods good work everyday. Have you been to a mission for the homeless?

Faith: 2. belief that is not based on proof
I can't do that. And if I could, why would I choose your religion when there are many religions that predate yours and don't have to ignore certain sections of their holy book because to practice what is preached in those sections would get you arrested.
I'm not sure of the point of your question about homeless shelters but yes I have been to one.
Question for you: have you extensively or even casually studied the history of religions?

What idea do have about my religion? I may not be Christian at all. Yes, I have studied.

Are you Christian?
If you've studied the historical aspect of religion and archeological findings then you know there is no evidence that any gods exist and a lot of evidence that religions are a creation of man.

You have your opinion, I have mine. I havent tried to discourage you yet you persist. Why is that? Btw, not Christian. Discussing specific religions is forbidden so I cant name mine, if it even has a name. I believe in the power of love. I see the work of love everywhere. Its in every manufactured product, every song, every food item bought in the grocery store, even in computers. These items were made, packaged, sold or distributed by the hands of men, women and children everywhere, with hearts full of love for their family, friends, and the strangers who would one day consume those items. I see love in the way a mother bird nests with her young or how a lion teaches the young to hunt. I can see these things, you cant. Its ok. We can be different. What I dont understand is why you would come into this forum and attempt to discount everything that its about? Are you unable to live and let live? Or does someone have to defeat the other? You cant answer spiritually and if you want to give a rational response I think your post is more appropriate elseswhere, dont you?

George H. If you don't believe or have faith, then why are you posting in a forum about faith?

Can't you just let us who do believe share with the poster and stay out of it? Not trying to be rude, but I wouldn't post on your thread about atheists.

Let me see if I can answer both of you.
You both posted to me but now it's my fault for responding to you? Okay
I haven't made any attempt to discount everything it's about.
The OP expressed doubts and stated plainly that he/she did not want a crutch. One of your fellow believers stated that religion should be a crutch.
Why is nobody listening to the OP? Some posters offered to "discuss" in private messages. I have a really good idea of what their concept of discussion is.
Nobody comes here to be converted. Following through on a potential convert is not what this is about.
This forum isn't about faith, gods, or religions. It's a spirituality forum. There is no reason why spirituality and rationality are mutually exclusive.
You both were eager to argue the merits of your faith but now you're inviting me to leave the thread and the forum because you've run out of argument.
I don't come looking for believers to call them out. You both brought this on and now you want to blame me. Everyone is free to believe whatever they choose to believe but you are not free to try to make converts. I don't want to convert you or anyone else to atheism. I'm not an atheist myself. Nice conclusion jumping there.
Think about it.

Your point of view is very important here. There are several sides to the cube. I'll never run out of argument because I wont be dissuaded to the point of view that God, or Spirit, or whatever you want to call it, doesnt exist. In my spirit I know it is true because I have witnessed. I hear you about winning converts here. Like its a used car show room floor, everyones a mark. Thats not how I would prefer we conduct ourselves in here either and I hope people arent doing that but we can only control ourselves, right? Naturally some will attract to someones faith and shouldnt we let that person make the choice on their own? Or if they want opinion, let them ask, like the OP has. No one blamed you for anything. I have no idea where that came from.

I find nothing wrong with this. You found a group of ppl who took you in as you. Thats a good thing.
To be accepted is nice.
Good luck to you. And feel some peace. see how it goes.