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Q: soo i'm kinda stuck. I'm not really sure how to explain this. I'm considered catholic. But at the same time, i'm not really sure if I believe in catholicism. My family and I celebrate catholic holidays like christmas and easter. Its a tradition blah blah blah but i'm not like super religious about it. I don't go to church. like ever. the last time i went to church was maybe 7 years ago for christmas. My friends talk about the bible, about mary and jesus and his disciples. But in all honesty... It makes no sense to me. I really have no idea how to explain this haha. I believe in it.. but not that much. Like I believe there is a god, and there was a jesus. But i'm not like super duper religious, like I don't read the bible. I don't think I have ever read anything from the bible haha.
anyways.. I'm at the point in my life where a lot of bad stuff is happening. A lot of drama and stress. One of my friends told me to pray and become more religious. She said that I should go to church more often and confide in a priest and confess my sins. She says this will make me a happier person. (I am almost at rock bottom in my life right now)
Part of me believes that I should pray and confess my sins etc. But part of me believes that this will make no effect at all. I've tried praying before.. I really have. many and multiple times. I tried praying so hard, outloud and in my head. But the thing is... nothing ever changes. I dont understand how some people can pray and then things magically change for them. But how come when I pray, nothing changes???
gah i'm just so confused! I'm catholic and believe in god and jesus. But not overly religious. Why does nothing change for me when I try to pray? I just need some religious advice please!
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My answer's going to be a little odd because I'm an atheist.
It's my opinion that faith should be a personal thing. Faith has nothing to do with what church you go to. It's all about your personal relationship with your god. So if highly ritualized confession, bible study and prayer isn't your thing, try something new.
Faith is supposed to be a comfort, right? So find a way to pray that makes you feel better. I've always interpreted the Bible (yes, I've read it, multiple times, even though I'm an atheist... it's good reading!) as having one message once you get past all the gooey stuff that was put in there by people: love. Love yourself, love others and love your higher power because all of them love you. It means you're never alone as long as you have your faith.
So you can try to use prayer to ask for your life to be turned around. It probably won't happen, and it doesn't for most people. Good things come to those who fight for themselves. What you can do is look to your higher power for an emotional boost to help you through this time, and for a shoulder to cry on when things aren't working out the way you want to.
You can choose to view your god as an almighty, vengeful being who will cast into the fiery pits of hell anyone who doesn't do as one particular religion says. That doesn't seem all that comforting to me, though. So explore your personal relationship. That might come to you through bible study, or personal reflection. I've heard some say that their best way to understand their higher power is to get outside and enjoy nature. So enjoy your faith!
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thank you so much!!! :) you really helped me a lot.
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bio
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My Personal Forum
My name is Amanda and I'm 26 years old. I'm currently studying electrical engineering. Armed with a fairly odd sense of humour and a sunny outlook on life, I'll take on just about anything. I'm also cussedly stubborn, which has its ups and downs. Things get tough sometimes, and I've never been one to run from it.
In my last 8 years with Advicenators, I've gone from honours student to failing out of university (and getting back on top again!), from single to married, from tenant to homeowner.
Until lately, I have been struggling with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and OCD, which had basically ruined my life and taken just about everything from me. I'm thankful every day for every experience I've had because of this ordeal, because it's helped to make me who I am today. Things like that really make you appreciate what you do have. Now that I'm back in work and school and starting to become myself again, I couldn't be happier. I credit Advicenators with saving my life back when I was a teenager, which is a big part of why I'm still here.
I won't necessarily give you the answers you want to hear, but I'll always be honest and do my best to help.
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Info
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Gender: Female Location: Ontario, Canada Occupation: Student Age: 26 Member Since: February 14, 2006 Answers: 2207 Last Update: September 26, 2016 Visitors: 92442
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