[amysmom9098]

Hi, my name is Jessica. I guess I'm kinda having the same problem an earlier poster is having, in that I'm having trouble choosing a religion. I think my situation is a little different, because I have it narrowed down to two. I have been attending a very satisfactory Presbyterian Church that is really great. In the past Buddhism really seemed to appeal to me. Now, at this point in time, I seem to be growing away from God again like I always end up doing sooner or later. I have this problem a lot, and I think it's common to Borderlines. I keep wavering from Christianity back to Buddhism, and back again.

Buddhism seems to make more sense to me logically, but then again I am weary of always changing my mind. I just want to decide upon something and then stick with it, whatever it is. How do I do this? I have never made a very good Christian, and I have trouble with a lot of Christian beliefs. But I'm so scared to abandon this religion and go back to Buddhism because I am afraid God will punish me.

I also like the social aspect of Church, because I am very lonely and don't have any real friends. Going back to Buddhism, my first love, would be lonely but that seems to be where my heart is leading me. I know this message was kind of long winded, but does anyone have any thoughts?

[ally88]

well, I am a christian myself..but i think you should only choose a religion based on what you really "truly" believe yourself. Read up on the religions themselves, and just sit down and think about it and look around today, what do you think really happened? What are your beliefs in particlar? What do you think is right and/or wrong? I hope you settle with something soon.

[Maven]

You don't choose your beliefs. What makes sense to you, makes sense. There may not be a specific religion that fits your beliefs, but you can be religious without belong to an organized religion. I think you should examine many religions and see if any fit your beliefs more accurately than Christianity or Buddhism, if they're not working for you. Or, maybe a specific denomination of Christianity is for you.

You can find other sources for being social. Maybe volunteer at a pet shelter, if you like animals. Join a club. Go to a themed event. There are lots of options.

I'm agnostic, by the way.

[tranquility]

Hi there,

I had posted this very long response and it is missing, so I am going to abbreviate

I wasn't sure if buddhists believed in God, so I googled it. Now I want to read up on buddhism - very interesting. Anywho, the upshot was that alot of people that are buddhist do believe in God but you don't have to to be a buddhist - they don't base their religion on a God.

Now, having said that, I struggled with what to believe because I was raised a strict catholic. The God taught to me was loving - IF you did everything the way they told you to. So really my God was punishing.

I now have a higher power of my understanding that I call Source. I do not follow any particular religion. I know that if I am a good person and do my best then my "after life" will be just fine. I also believe the only person that will judge me when I die is myself. I will need to sit and reflect on my life and ponder what I have learned and what I still need to learn if I choose to come back.

You need to do some soul-searching to see what you truly believe, not what you were trained to believe or what you believe out of guilt. The bottom line is you have the freedom to choose what you want. So if you want to be a Buddhist that believes in God, then more power to you!

Tranquility

[(JD)]

One can possibly find the elements of buddha within the Christian faith. God created all things good... and mindfulness and peace and all those things are found within the Holy Bible.

If you truly think it's your disorder causing your intermittent disruption of faith, then stick with the Presbyterian church even when unsure... don't stop doing what you know to be right, when you aren't sure. Don't doubt in the dark what you knew to be true in the light.



Reach out to others in the church at that time, and let them carry you..and maybe show you ways to keep the episodes from removing you so far away? TC

[amysmom9098]

Thank you, Sky. I think you have given me some good advice. I am so tired of flip flopping back forth in my faith and what I believe. And I do have a really good church, there would be no harm in sticking with it. I guess I just want to be able to still incorporate some elements of Buddhism and Eastern belief into my daily life. There is some of it that I have always believed in, even while I have been in the throes of Christianity. Meditation and some of the ideas about alternative medicine, such as energy, Chi, and Feng Shui will always appeal to me. I just have to find some way of incorporating all this together. Does anyone else do this type of thing? What I mean is, are there other people in this community who consider themselves Christian, even go to church, but also believe in some other things that most Christians don't, or am I alone in this way of life?

[(JD)]

Amysmom... I incorporate all manner of things into my lifestyle that others consider "alternative." Yet, as I mentioned, I find them in the Bible. God, in my belief, created all things for good. HE made all the things we can use to improve ourselves and make this life wonderful. God wants us to prosper and be content too!

The Psalms are full of meditations, the NT is full of Scripture talking about putting on the mind of Christ, not worrying for anything, finding peace and contentment. Once I'm done readying for my big trip (or after) I'll begin digging those out for us all here.

[Rapunzel]

My advice that I gave in the other thread would apply here too. Study each of the religions, then pray and ask God what is right. You can pray about particular doctrines or beliefs too. You can even ask God about whether you will be punished if you change your beliefs. Just pray sincerely about your questions, and listen for an answer.

I am Christian, and I find a lot of good in Buddhism and other belief systems. I would study them more if I had more time, because there is a lot to learn there. I have a lot of appreciation for meditation and alternative medicine. Those things definitely have something going for them. I enjoy yoga, and I'd like to learn about Tai Chi. That energy is very real. The universe is full of energy. Prayer is a meditation and energy practice too - it's just that we don't necessarily think of it the same way.

[sassypants]

I understand you going back and forth to different religions.
I myself have stopped going to Church, (Catholic) because
I don't believe in it totally. Therefore, I don't go to another
church, because I feel quilty. We Catholics are taught that.

I just believe in God, and I try to live a Christian life. Which
includes morals and values, compassion. I think If you
need to find another religion go for it. Trust your instinct.
I think people get judged if they don't go to Church. I believe
God is everywhere and listens to our prayers and loves
us for who we are.
Hope you find the one.

Good luck and wishing you well.

[Maven]

Another thing that may be helpful is taking a religion test. It can help you find out what religions are most compatible with your beliefs. And they're kinda fun! Here's a few you might try:

The Religion Test
Belief-O-Matic
Religion Selector

And, for some humor, a link I just found: Wauism - The Religion for You

[tranquility]

Maven - THANK YOU!!! I never knew they had such a thing! I just went out and took the Belief - o - matic survey and I matched 100% with Neo-Paganism.

I never thought I matched to anything and I've never looked at this before so this is awesome!

Tranquility

[selfy]

well, go for what u believe inmost strongly. i dont think God will punish you, ans tere are many paths to the light. that is why there are different religions. i would think about it. if u believe in buddhism more i would go for that rather than going for christianity coz it is more social. but idk it is up to u
take care and hope u r happy with your choice
self

[Maven]

I'm glad to help.

[Liberada]

Apparently I am a (proud) religious mutt.
Theravada Buddhist, Sikh, and Orthodox Quaker. (they left out my wiccan/pagan envy)