Religion question
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive June 2006:
Religion question
****** if this needs to be put on the prayer board or somewhere else please move it, I wanted it to be seen but wasn't sure where to put it, thanks ******
This past Sunday my mom, my younger sister (16), my son (5), and I went to the church that my son attended vacation bible school at last week. He had a great time and seemed really comfortable there and they were always so helpful and friendly over the course of the week that mom and I decided to check it out.
My younger sister, was really nervous as this was her first time in a church experience outside of funerals and weddings. I, myself, have tried several different types of churches throughout my adult life and never "felt the connection" with any of them. I'd come to realize that mainly I liked non-denominational churches but this was a baptist church and I went to see how it was and give it a whole hearted try.
Okay now I little history with me... I wasn't raised in a home that went to church on a regular basis, we'd go every great once in a while. I've vowed to at least expose my son to church on some level so that he can make choices of his own in this department as he gets older. Now back to the history... At the age of 18 I had a life shattering and life altering event happen to me that changed me forever. Now I can't say I really had faith before then but after-wards I became REALLY angry with everyone, including God. I questioned then (and still do on some level) how a loving God could make such a horrible thing happen to a person like myself.
Now skip forward, I'm a mom. I've just went through life changes, career loss, a separation of a five year relationship, my independence (living with mom currently) and I've gone from a stay at home mom to a single mom with a son full time. Add a terminal illness that always plays in my mind and you can see I handle alot.
I, however, WANT to change my life. I want to have the belief that some of my friends have in their God. I want to be able to pray and believe that things will work out and believe that once again I will see my Grandparents in Heaven and that there is "something" after death.
Now here's the problem... By nature I'm a "facts" person. I question everything. I like to see things in black and white, now I see the bible there but my question is "how do we KNOW that this is the book we are supposed to live our lives by?" "How do we KNOW any of which is said to have happened just how do we know?". Now I've told myself over and over again that it's just the way it is, but somehow that just doesn't do it for me.
I received a bible at Christmas time from a church that helped me out at Christmas time and I've begun the readings it suggests in the back to better understand what is written in there. I attended Sunday school and plan to continue in the class and see what else I learn, I actually really enjoyed the preachers sermon on Sunday and I'm actually looking forward to it again this Sunday. BUT back in the back of my mind I feel that whole heartedly I won't ever get to that place because of my doubts about the facts...
So my questions are: 1) have you ever been where I am at in search of facts, and if so how did you come to believe that this is what is says it is? 2) Am I taking the rights steps in helping what I want to happen to happen? 3)Can you all help me to be the person who believes and lives in the way that the bible intends for us to be? Any suggestions/hints/readings/websites/etc???
I believe that what you should do is talk to the preacher and ask him if he will sit down with you for a series of Bible studies or counseling sessions.
I was not raised in a church, either, but I had a lot of exposure to churches of various denominations. My parents went with my grandparents to a Methodist church when I was really young, but then they changed to Presbyterian and went with my other grandparents when I got older. My neighbors were Baptist and they held a Bible club at their house every Wednesday after school. On Sundays my parents would rather watch Robert Schuller on TV than get dressed and go out to church. So it was all around me, even though going to church was never something we did every Sunday.
After 9-11, I had to go somewhere that would help me get through the fear and the sadness over the massive loss that we had suffered as a nation. I didn't feel safe anymore, and I was afraid of what kind of world this would be when my son grew up. My neighbor invited me to a prayer service at her church (Church of Christ- non-denominational) and then to a Sunday service.
I asked for a little counseling from their preacher, and he and a church elder met with me twice a week for a month. That preacher communicates very well about the Bible and answered many questions for me. Then I went back to church and was baptised again, and began taking a beginner-Christian class for Sunday school.
Good luck and I will be praying for you. ((((HUGS))))
Okay Christy, I've been where you are. And I completely 'get' the part about wanting that strong faith your friends have and that peace they have. I believe that right now God is calling to you and hoping you'll answer him. You are seeking, and He is answering you thru your son's VBS and the bible you received at Christmas, and your mom and sister's willingness to accompany you to church. All those things are neatly falling into place, wouldn't you say? God has opened all those channels for you to come to him, now you just need to do it. Facts? Well, you won't really find the facts or evidence you're used to. In some ways you can look at all those 'coincidences' going on in your life (the VBS, bible, etc.) and see your 'proof' that God is real and asking you to join Him. I think your 'proof' book could be 'More Than a Carpenter' by Josh McDowell. A book I LOVED when I was where you are (just six short years ago) is called 'How To Be Born Again' by Billy Graham. I didn't get into the 'Carpenter' book, but I already believed and didn't have 'fact' issues, but the 'Born Again' book was SO clearly written and easy to understand and easy to read and NOT weird or scary. It's meant for seekers and new Christians who need layman terms and need it spelled out for them. I highly recommend that book.
One good website I know is this:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
The whole site is good, and at the top you'll see a link for 'Creation Museum' which is a really cool museum opening next year that will offer as much 'proof' as possible. It's great reading.
As for how I came to believe it all....I just did. I WANTED to believe it, for one thing, and when I did so much stuff began to make sense. I had 'coincidences' in my life while I was seeking, too, and it just became so obvious that that was God knocking. Later on it was fun to think back and figure out the many times and many ways God had surrounded me with 'proof'.
Are you taking the right steps? Yes, I think you are. Finding a bible believing church that is helping you to understand things is good, reading the bible and taking the steps to understand it is good, and asking questions of others is good. I had several good Christian friends I was able to ask all my questions to, and still do.
You remind me of myself when I was seeking, because I almost asked perfect strangers HOW they knew and HOW I could obtain the belief and peace they had. At a homeschooling site the site owner briefly mentioned having finally found God at the age of 40 and it took every bit of self control to NOT email this stranger and ask her HOW???? Even though I denied that opportunity, God sent more because I truly was seeking (like you are) and he truly wanted me in His flock (like He does you). I ended up asking internet friends I hadn't known long or well. Two of those friends became some of my best friends and my Christian mentors.
If you need any help or support or have more questions, my email is kate_kg at hotmail dot com
I'll pray for you. 
Christy drop me an email too I think I know which church you went to, if so, good choice! They seem to offer a lot of things for the kids.
I have been a believer most of my life. I went through college years and tested my faith, questioned my faith. I have lived with God and without God and I can tell you from personal experience why I believe. I guess honestly part of what faith is by definition is trusting when you don't have hard proof. But there is some proof. Email me at kaboom at houston dot rr dot com.
If it's facts you want, Lee Strobel is your man. As a top legal editor for the Chicago Tribune and declared atheist, Strobel began investigating the facts of Christianity when his wife became a Christian in much the same thorough manner that he would investigate the facts for the stories he was reporting, fully expecting to prove Christianity as ridiculously false as he believed it to be. Instead, his research and facts convinced him of just the opposite, and his books share his YEARS-long research quest with readers in a very easy-to-read format.
The Case for Christ investigates whether or not Jesus was really the Son of God, and therefore the validity of Christianity. You should DEFINITELY read this one.
The Case for a Creator investigates the debate of evolution vs. creation.
The Case for Faith investigates common questions such as how a loving God could allow suffering, death of children, people to go to hell, etc., how miracles could be possible when they contradict science, and doubts new Christians might have. Based on your comments, you may also find this one helpful.
I'd highly recommend any or all, however, to someone who is really wanting FACTS -- Strobel interviews the experts in various fields in science, history, and religion to come up with his facts, and his sources are well-documented.
Most libraries carry these books, or if they don't, will order them for you upon request.
As for how to be a person who believes and lives the way the Bible intended, it's easier than you might think. All you have to do is the believing part (which becomes easier once armed with the facts.) God doesn't ask you to become a "good person" to become His child (if He did, we'd all be in big trouble!) -- all He asks is that you confess that you have done wrong, believe that Jesus' death paid for all of your wrongs (past, present, and future), and accept that gift. Once you are His child, He will help you to gradually become more and more like Him.
I hope you find what you're seeking!!
Double ditto Lee Strobel, esp. The Case for Christ. It's late and I'm tired, but I'd love to chat with you about this. I am a very scientific thinker, much of the Bible and "religious" (not a fan of the word religion or its derivatives, but it works here) things can be proven, but some it can't---that's why it's called faith.
Quick answers:
1) have you ever been where I am at in search of facts, and if so how did you come to believe that this is what is says it is?
Yes, I've been where you are...more later on how I came to believe
2) Am I taking the rights steps in helping what I want to happen to happen?
Absolutely!!
3)Can you all help me to be the person who believes and lives in the way that the bible intends for us to be? Yes!
Any suggestions/hints/readings/websites/etc???
Lee Strobel's book for starters. A good bible to read in modern day language (although not a great bible for study, just for reading to get the gist) is The Message by Eugene Peterson. In the Bible, I'd start with the book of John. Another book suggestion is Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. It's not an easy read, but he was an agnostic who came to know God and become one of the greatest apologists ever. (Apologetics is theology devoted to defending/explaining Christianity).
Prayers for you in your search. You will find truth...and peace, I am sure.
Christy, I'm a lot like you, I am a "realist", who believes in tangible things before "faith". I've struggled with religion for years, although I was raised Methodist, then converted to Baptist. My husband's family is Catholic, and we DO not believe in the teachings of the Catholic church, so our children are not exposed to it. I consider myself an agnostic, I simply cannot believe that we were created by a god, and that all of these things in the Bible happened, however I want to eventually introduce different religions to my children, so they can make their own decisions. Faith is a very personal, and complicated thing. Some people can have "blind" faith, where others (like me) need proof and logic. Good luck on your search to find your faith, whatever that may end up being.
Oh, and Christy, I don't mean to pry, you don't have to answer, but you mentioned a terminal illness. Did I miss something, are you ill? ((((Christy))))
Christy, I'm very much a facts person. And I believe in God. I don't think I believe in God the way a lot of other people do, but I find that I need a belief in God to provide a foundation for my life. And for me, God has nothing to do with facts. I can't prove God, but I can believe.
I certainly don't take the Bible as literal truth, but I think the Bible - and especially the life and teachings of Jesus - provide important signposts and goalposts for my life. I suggest that the "spirit" of God and faith may be easier for you to come to terms with than the exact words or literal words.
One of the reasons I believe in God is that I can see that I am part of a long chain of people who have worked in their lives to bring about change for the better. They didn't always win in their lifetimes, but they handed down a legacy, and part of that legacy was trying to live out a faith that God wants us to work to make things better for everyone, not just ourselves. That is part of the foundation, for me - being part of that long chain, knowing that maybe something important to me won't change in my lifetime but what I am doing helps build the foundation for the next person. It helps me to know I'm not alone - that I am part of that chain, and that the support and motivation for that chain comes from faith in God.
Oh, and Christy, I don't believe God makes or lets things happen to people. God gave humankind free will, and what we do with it is up to us. What God does do is provide a path, signposts, and support.
Recently the Pople went to, I believe, Auschwitz, and one of the things he said was "How could God let that happen?" A recent letter in my local paper said that the Pope asked the wrong question. The question should have been, how could human beings do this? And, why didn't the people who did this listen to God?
I personally believe that if people listened to and followed the teachings that come to us through faith in God, people wouldn't do awful things.
I am truly sorry that you suffered an event that drove you away from faith in God. One of my favorite books is "Cold Sassy Tree", and I recommend it to you. A major part of the story is the grandfather, who was an active church member but turned away from church - but not from God. In a section of the book, the grandfather tells his grandson, who is telling the story, that we shouldn't ask God for favors, or tradeoffs - that the prayer we should pray in the face of troubles, is "God, give me strength".
I think we all need some kind of faith higher than mankind.That is what gets us through rough times.I too have struggled with an illness for the last 15 yrs.In the beginning I often asked "why me" I too came to a point in my life where I needed to start believing in something.I get my answers by the way things happen in my life.Everything happens for a reason.Just find something that will help you live happier and have more peace in you're life.You're beliefs, may be different than others but if it helps you through rough times its all that counts.((HUGS))
Christy - I'm another one that thinks you're like me...Maybe.
I'm a skeptic at heart (one of my favourite boards is an atheist forum) and I have a hard time sorting out what is demanded of me as a christian. I've been taking a lay ministry course that's helped in a lot of ways. It's Education for Ministry and it's from the University of the South (I think it's a credit course in the US) and is offered through the Episcopal churches but open to christians of ALL denominations. The link...http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/EFMhome.html . Take a look at the sample lessons for year one.
It offers a moderate-liberal view of the bible and christian history and leads in lots of different directions that are really satisfying if you're intellectually curious. It had me reading Kierkegaard last fall. That's one choice.
Also, check out http://www.religioustolerance.org/ . That site has a lot of great information on different POVs and theology and has lots of references you can follow up on.
Another way to think about God and christianity, radically different from the Strobel and conservative approach is former Episcopal Bishop John Spong's writings. His faith comes from a very different place that doesn't rely on a literal belief of the bible and doesn't demand you surrender your reason and scepticism...If you're that kind of person.
My minister says that religion can give you answers but you know when you're really testing and building your faith when your questions lead to more and better questions. I think he's convinced that the moment someone tells you they know the answer, you know they're trying to sell you something. I tend to agree. I've got more questions then I did before I really started exploring my faith but the quality of them is much better then the ones i started with.
I wanted to thank you all for your support in this, mom and I went today to the library and looked for all the books mentioned in this thread. I wasn't able to find them but have them on hold so I will get a few of them once they come in. We also ordered the book How to Hear from God by Joyce Meyer because I've heard great things about her, we ordered it through ebay so we should have that soon.
Kaye - we went to the First Baptist church in LaPorte is that the one you thought about? We literally live two blocks away from it.
Again thank you all for your support, I'm sure I'll be posting again with questions! you guys are the best!!!
Christy, I think it's impotant to have faith in yourself as well. When we have defining moments in our lives, and it sounds like you've had at least three, you really need to stop and be quiet with yourself and let answers come to you and seek after you have a clear path to srart from. Organized religion is not for everyone, sometimes it raises more questions than answers which is not a bad thing, however faith can be found in many aspects, praise can be offered in many ways so explore lots of avenues for yourself. I believe God resides in all of us and He will answer our questions if we just shut up long enough to get it Churches are wonderful places of fellowship and a "touchpoint" in the lives of families as well as education in a lot of areas.
I hope this journey is a pleasant and peaceful one for you, you need and deserve that.
Christy, you've gotten a lot of great advice. If you seek, you will find! I would just like to add that I believe it is God who reveals Himself to us, so be praying that way. I also believe that our relationship with God is very personal, and, just like in other relationships, my relationship with God may not look exactly like your relationship with God. You have begun an exciting journey! I would suggest you visit as many different churches as you can to find where you feel most comfortable. Have fun! I'll be praying that God reveals himself to you.
I was thinking FBC in pasadena. But have been to the one you went to.
All churches are different, all have some stereotypes and issues too. However all that aside one thing that is really good at Baptist churches is they really get into Bible study. They offer lots of classes and there will be people who know the Bible.
Drop me an email
|
Members
