[TaintedGoth1]

I'm really confused about religion....can someone help me??? Please read my blog to understand where I am coming from...I know I cannot go into detail about it here.

Thanks.

[MyBestKids2]

I can't help with your confusion

But I can offer a ((((TaintedGoth1))))

[recluse1]

(((((((TaintedGoth1))))))) I read your blog and I can see from your past experiences why you might feel the way you do about certain things. I just wanted to say that I am sorry that you are struggling. This is a very important thing you are questioning, which makes it that much more difficult to deal with.

I hope you find the answers you seek.
recluse1

[TaintedGoth1]

thanks!

[nowheretorun]

i too have had religious/spiritual confusion... i was like you too, looking for the spirituality that fit me.... like you i tried different forms of spirituality.. i kept what felt right out of each i tried.. a little here, a little there... always looking for 'the one' that fit..

i liked several things about many of them.... over time it became like a pot pie of sayings, philosophies, truths...

what ive realized over time is that this is the method i prefer... this blending of ideas and faiths... i find that at times a quote or story from one path is what i need to get thru a certain difficulty, while at another time, it might come from a different source...

i dont believe religious philosophy has to stand so separate from each other... for me (maybe its me) there are inter-flowing levels amongst them.... spirit abounds when we really try to find it...

for myself, i enjoy being able to find spirit in the basic and simple.. its in the trees and grass and the love of a new born family...

as for community, in most cases, that hasnt ever been an issue for me.... as ive grown older ive realized there are good people from all walks and there is a path we all can travel together in goodwill ....

thank you for your thoughtful post and this opportunity to think about these things with you... sending my best hopes for you always

((TaintedGoth1))))))

[KathyM]

TG

You have a right to your own beliefs about this world. It's not necessary to take up a torch against anyone (discriminate or condemn). I also doubt if God really cares if you see him as male or female. I'm pretty sure he'd put a dress on for you if it made you feel more comfortable, but then we're getting back into the other part of your question.

I'm not Catholic, but I don't see why it would be necessary for you to walk away from the church - especially if it gives you comfort. You can still take what you need on Sundays, and you don't have to be a hypocrite during the week like the others you've known.

No one should take away your relationship with God - not even religion.

[eskielover]

I read your blog & want you to know that I have been in the same place you are.............grew up in a Christian family with church......but it just didn't fit really......with the questions you have & more.....but now I have been doing some real research.....into the history & basis of religions & where they come from. I want to know what is true, what is real.....not something that is made up in some humans mind. Not just what I think is right or that someone else tells me is right. I want to know the history behind the religion that I choose to believe in.

What I have researched & come to know as the truth for me is something I feel is in need of a PM as I don't want to start any sort of debate on your post since I want the information to be just that.....information to support answers to your questions. The issues & questions you are dealing with in your blog, I can only respond by use of PM . I know for me, I hate people telling me "because I say so" or you have to believe or do what I say....even with information to support the statements, I want my belief to be my choice...not someone telling me I have to believe.....but wanted you to know that I am working on a PM with some answers & their historical basis for informational purposes only.

Hope the PM will at least give you more information to help with understanding....nothing more.
Debbie

[Rapunzel]

I answered on your blog. I hope it helps. I do feel the pain that you are in right now, and wish that I could lead you out of it. I also believe that there are pieces of truth to be found everywhere. To me, they can all fit together, and I believe that they will, even if we don't understand how they could from our current perspective.

[(JD)]

Are you squared away in all your thinking except for "religion?" Probably not? Perhaps your intense feeling of confusion is because you sense you need a religion to help you right now, idk.

I don't wish to discuss religion, because that is, more or less, man-made. What you can talk about is faith. You need to choose the basics of your faith, what you believe as premise for your reason for a God in the first place. (You can add religious factors some other time.)

I really think once you find what basics of faith you have, you will know if it fits into something that God says and man in his efforts are trying to follow, or if it is more in choosing of your own. That might be where your initial angst comes from, and not really from any religion.
If you are happy with what you believe, there won't be any more frustration or confusion, imo. If you still have this unsettled feeling, then perhaps it is God who wishes you to change some perspectives. I'm sure if you ask, and are willing to change your mind on some things (if so at that point) He will help you.

Good wishes.

[TaintedGoth1]

I have a strong faith...I know that is true. Maybe I place too much emphasis on needing to be part of a distinct crowd??? I dunno.

Thank you everyone for your wonderful PM's

[recluse1]

((((((TaintedGoth))))))) I think that by reaching out and asking for some help or guidance was a great first step in getting where it is you want to go. And I must also say that it was very brave of you to step out and do that.

If there is anything that I can do to help, I am just a PM away! I am always open to talk or just sit back and listen...just whatever it is you need.

Wishing you the best
recluse1

[50guy]

I can tell you this much here on the forum.

We are all spiritual beings in human form. There is much we all can learn from each other. You can be spiritual and not religious.

I have studied religion and spiritualism for over 25 years.

Feel free to PM me anytime. The offer is open to all that seek.

[Rapunzel]

Seek and ye shall find. Ask and it shall be opened unto you.

Reaching and asking and looking for truth is part of the journey.