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believe in God
I dont know if I believe in a God anymore. It just doesnt seem real. How do I figure this out and stop being confused about it all. Also, my friends believe in God.... should I talk to them about it? Do you think they would be upset with me if I didnt believe in a God?
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Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Spirituality?
I am a nonbeliever in any sort of God or deity, and have been pretty much all my life; ever since I was old enough to know the difference between reality and fantasy, I was essentially convinced that God and most of the Bible lay firmly in the second camp.
An atheistic or agnostic belief does not make one an immoral, untrustworthy, or otherwise deficient person. Morality is not dependent upon the God one chooses to worship (or not); it is a quality that one determines within oneself, based on what you learn and experience in your life, combined with an instinctive idea of what is "right" or "wrong" that has evolved within us much the same as our other senses. This is my belief, and I have yet to see it successfully challenged.
However, there is an unfortunate stigma against the Atheist; it is often assumed that since we don't fear divine punishment, we take that as a license to act however we want without regard for others. This is absurd, of course; one who believes in no afterlife is more likely to make the MOST of the real life we live, because we know that this is our only chance to make a difference! But try explaining that to one raised to believe that those who follow God's path are somehow more righteous than those who don't.
The point is that if your friends are devoutly religious, they may indeed give you a hard time about it; religion has a way of making people unreasonable, even when they are reasonable about everything else. Furthermore, I'd say it's not any of their business, particularly. However, if the subject comes up, I'd advise you not to actually lie about it. Tell them the truth: that you feel uncertain about God, and you're leaning toward a state of disbelief. If they are good friends, they will respect this. You may even be able to have some interesting discourse with them about it (though bear in mind, this can lead to some pretty heated arguments if you're not careful!)
I have many friends who attend church regularly, and they are well aware that I don't believe in their book or their God. We get along fine. We don't talk about it much, because it rarely comes up. If we were to do so, though, I'm confident that we could continue to get along.
Don't sweat about it too much. Perhaps you should become clearer in your own mind about what you believe before discussing it with more than a couple of your closest friends.
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Normally, it's okay to be confused about religion. I'm agnostic, and I used to be Catholic. I was really confused for a while and then I just found it would be easier to not believe in anything. Now, the part that was easiest is that two of my friends, one is agnostic, one's atheist. Hardest part? The third one is Catholic. But if your friends are really your friends, they'll support you in your decision. Try talking to them about it. I think it would help.
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How your friends will react depends entirely on their personality. I know this is vague, but you are dealing with a subject that has caused more wars than anything else on this planet. Some of your friends may well react badly to your new realisation.
Now, let me give you my (agnostic) opinion on this subject. Its ok to be confused. In fact, I have much more respect for a person who admits he does not know something than for someone who swallows whatever he is told, or who jumps to conclusions.
One of the greatest, most frightening aspects of humanity is our inherent need to explain everything. If we dont have real knowledge, we fill in the blanks. Even in tribal days they would have given you some bogus explanation on why storms occur, or why the tide rolls in. Far greater wisdom comes from the realisation that one does not know something.
So, dont worry about being confused. Take your time about this, and keep your mind open as much as possible without passing judgement until you have seen enough evidence (even if that point never comes).
Also dont worry about what others might think. This is a personal issue and it concerns no one else but you. Talk to people if you like, but be prepared for some seriously flawed, biased, and emotional argumentation. Im not saying that all will react this way, but some will.
Otherwise reading is always a good idea. Just make sure you get all sides of the story (different religions, as well as the different kinds of athiests and agnostics).
Good luck.
Edit: Oh I almost forgot. The one very important argument that religious people use is they point to the unknown and ask "Can you explain that?". If you say "no" then they take it as proof of God. This type of argument is flawed beyond imagination. Showing that science cannot explain something is in no way whatsoever proof of a supernatural being of any kind (least of all proof of a specific religion e.g. Christianity).
Not having all the answers, or not finding current scientfic theories plausible in no way justifies religion. There is no connection between the two at all.
Just in case you do decide to talk to people about it...
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I don't believe in God either. I knew I didn't this whole time, but I was so scared to tell anyone. I just recently told my mom & she flipped, but I don't think she cares so much anymore.
Anyways, if you're really concerned about it, I would just talk to your friends, and see what they have to say. If they got upset with you because you have different religious beliefs, then they're not really your friends.
♥T!NA
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What about it doesnt seem real? I used to be in the same position and I got my answer by looking at all options.
You have the widely popluar Evolution.. This to me doesnt make sense.. Billions of years ago It rained on some rocks and life sparked.
Im sorry but My ancestor was not moss.
Next is the big bang theory. The universe was the size of this period ---> . started to rotate at massive speeds then it just exploded into what it is now, sending galaxies spiraling into the universe.
If thats the case then why do some planets and galaxies spin backwards? According to Angular Momentum if something were spinning at great speeds all objects comming off it MUST also spin in the same direction at the same speed. We have all kinds of stuff out in space spinning in every direction at different speeds.
I look at it like this. Scientists cant explain where the atom came from.
You just cant take nothing and then blow it up.
You cant take grass, add some water and make a person from it.
I used to be the guy who would tell jokes about Jesus and God and all kinds of bad crap, then one day I just heard the truth. Ever since then Ive had so many blessings in my life. Ive prayed for obvious signs and Ive gotten my answers. I look out into the world and see so many things that point to the existence of God. For example I always read in the paper that someone should have died and while in the ER they just got better. I love reading that doctors cant explain it. I love when they say there is no reason why this person should be alive right now. That to me says God is very real.
If you need more help you can E-Mail me at
Strata_XIII@hotmail.com
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True friendships are never based on your religious beliefs.
If they are true friends, you should be able to talk to them about this without them criticizing you for your confusion. They should listen to you without bias.
If your friends fit into the "true friend" category, then you should talk to them. What are friends for, right?
As for how you figure out this confusion- I can't tell you that. All I know is that belief in God is something you have to find within yourself. He is real to you when He is real in your heart.
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I'm not a big fan or organized religion but that is because of my personal dealings with the same doubt you are having. There are several different churches in your area. Visit them and make appointments to speak to the priest/reverend/pastor/preacher of a couple of them and express your doubts. Each one will be glad to discuss this with you and each will probably give you a different perspective. Then you can think about what they have said and maybe begin making up your own mind. Oh, and dont forget Temples and any other religious goings on in your area.
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There's a difference between believing in the churchy, religious God and the spiritual God. Chances are you might be doubting the existence of all the "miracles"...everything jesus did, a lot of stuff in the bible. Keep in mind that's not what matters! If it doesn't make sense to you, you're not going to hell for disbelieving a little bit. You need to figure out it yourself and not be biased by your friends' opinions. What do you believe about ghosts, the spirit world, psychics, reincarnation, the afterlife? Do you believe in predetermined fate, the idea that everything is meant to be, or do you believe that you control your own life? That's the stuff you need to figure out. The thing about god is that he doesn't need you to believe in him...he already knows he exists. This is probably just a phase, but I wouldn't recommend seeking out your friends' advice. Chances are they will make ineffective arguments that will make you more confused. Don't worry about it, it's not something you need to decide right now. Give yourself a little time, and you'll figure out what you believe.
And just so you know, I'm not coming from a Christian background (i'm an atheist) so I'm not trying to convince you to go to church or whatnot. Whatever makes you happy is what you need to do.
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Hey there. ...Maybe it's a phase. I went though one. I was questioning God and my religion. For the God part eventually I made my own spiritual connection... with time and meditating. I just figured not everything has to make sense... I felt that maybe our minds can't fully comprehend the concept and the knowledge of the secrets of the universe and existance and stuff but I was at peace with that. I could accept not knowing everything. so it depends why you don't believe in God. For the religion part well I decided I don't agree with every small thing the "Catholic church" says... but I'm still Catholic. The reason I am telling you this is in case your doubt in God comes from disagreements with your church or unanswered questions you have about God.
Well I can't tell you what to believe. And I wish I could hand you your faith back but I can't do that either. You are going to have to go through YOUR spiritual journey and/or evaluate your faith and beliefs and find the answers on your own. ...You know something though, sometimes it helps to believe in God. ...Even if there aren't explanations for everything and stuff... because faith makes you strong. It keeps you warm at night and it gives you something to hold on to. Becuase the truth is that there are no right or wrong answers... at least not for humanity as a whole. We as individuals have to look for our answers. I found my faith. I went though doubts because I was doubting myself... I felt lost and alone and forgotten... now I understand there are challanges in life... but that's OK. There are supposed to be. ...My aunt (who was very religious) forgot everything a few days before she dies. She couldn't remember anyone or even herself. Right before she died she remembered and said her goodbyes... she dies saying Virgin Mary's name... I don't think that's jsut some story... I don't think she saw it because she wanted to see it... I feel very strongly about that and what happened that day and what it meant... when you find what you are looking for you will feel jsut as strong about it and nothing will defy it. You'll see beyond the rules and the things and beliefs impoosed on you. Good luck... I'm sorry if I wasm't much help. Feel free to tell your friends but keep in mind their ideas may be biased since they believe in God (especially if they are very religious). Aslo if you DO tell your friends only tell the ones you really trust and know won't judge you and trust their logic as well =)
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well if they wouldnt want to be friends with you based on your religious beliefs, then you dont want to be friends with them. there really no good person to talk to about this. whichever side you talk to will try to sway you towards them. i personally believe in GOD, but its a decision only you can make for yourself. You can talk to your friends sure, but be prepared to hear a bunch of stuff like "you need to, or you'll go to hell". Its not exactly a decision you need to make immediately. Take your time, examine your beliefs, look to see what other religions have to say, and come to a decision.
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