I was born a catholic and rased in a catholic schools but I also had a break were I went to some grades in public and I got to a public high school now anyway, I don't want to step on and spit on anybodys religion I'm just wondering cause if I bring this up to my family they will freak I think(the more probable outcome) I THINK I'm atheist I don't believe in god or jesus for the most part and I think its was just some REALLY good writer that came up with the bible but I also wonder if it is at all true because if had things happen in my life were I don't think there is a god at all. But I am very spiritual but not very religious so I know I didn't give a question really so now I'm asking is it horrible to be kind of believe in somestuff and be kind of atheist? And who would you think I could talk to about this (my church is very strict and I don't want to go to them my family is REALLY hardcore about it so there out and relitives on in the picture) and any feed back on this would be nice and VERY apreciated, thank you

I was born to a Lutheran minister and his wife, and totally understand what you are saying. Throughout my life, I've struggled with faith, with beliefs, often wondering what do I believe, is what I believe worth believing, and why am I bothering to believe anything. I graduated from a Christian college and then left the church about two years later. It wasn't until I had kids that I started going back to church, because I wanted my kids to have the same moral foundation that I had gotten.

I was very involved in church for years, but now that my kids are adults and because I've done a lot of reading and thinking, I'm not so sure that a structured religious life, belonging to a church, is all that important. I'm not an atheist or agnostic; I do believe that God is very involved in my life in all sorts of ways. I just don't want to put Him in a little box and make Him too small.

I still read challenging books and articles, I talk with lots of people of all different faiths and religions, and I still do a lot of thinking especially about those important questions: Where did I come from? Why am I alive? What will happen after I die? Will I ever see my deceased loved ones again?

A Christian author once said, "Doubt is the ants in the pants of faith." I'll continue to doubt and question and grow as a human being. In the final analysis, I think love is the reason we are put on this earth -- to love and to be loved in all sorts of ways by all sorts of people for all sorts of reasons.

Well...
Michael Jackson' gone!
Horrible things were said about him but his daughter said '' he is the best father, I love him so much''.
You hear and will always hear many things about God, but no one knows God better than His children.
I believe Jackson's daughter, I believe God's children when they both say that their father is the best.
I testify that my Father is the best.
Like Paris Jackson I say to you ''my Father is the best, I love Him so much!''
I cried thinking that those children have to live without their father, and I prayed now that their earthly father is gone, their Heavenly Father will take care of them 'cause He will never be gone.
You don't have to live without your Father!No one can take Him away from you.
Don't turn your back on Him!
Jackson's children know in their heart the goodness of their father, they don't have to read about him on the tabloids or watch TV... they know because they lived with him.
Live with Him, let Him prove Himself to you.
Why willingly become an orphan?
He is not dead, He wants you to live with Him!

I believe in God, but not the bible. I don't got to church, to me it's all nonsense. It's one mans opinon of a man written book. Again, that's my opinion.

You obviously are questioning things, but you're not really looking for the answers.

Right now you feel trapped because you're parents make the decisions for you, but one day you will have to find your own path. Why not start looking for that path now?

Read up on other beliefs, other religions. Ask questions here, there are many different people on this site with many different beliefs. Maybe you'll find something that fits.

Be forewarned, there are always the people out there that will preach, will tell you that their way is the only way, but keeping your mind open to all opinions may help you find what you're looking for.

I don't think you're an atheist, simply because of what you wrote in your post. Personally, I hate labels. If someone where to define my beliefs, the best definition would be that of a Deist, but I don't fit neatly into any box.

So ask, listen to all answers, then decide what's best for you. :)

You can be spiritual and believe in God but be against religion. Start reading the Bible and looking up things about the Bible like Bible studies and Bible topics on the internet and see what makes sense and speaks to you and what doesn't.
Try checking out some other churches when you get out on your own when you are older.
Just because you don't feel that one religion is the answer doesn't mean God does not exist.

I'm not sure how you can kind of be an atheist. It sounds like you are searching for the truth... does God really exsist? Right now you are unsure. I don't think anything is wrong with questioning something that you have been taught. A relationship with the Lord Jesus can't be just about what you have been taught... it is all about Faith. I would suggest that you leave what you have been taught by the church behind... open your Bible to the Gospel of John and read it. Only before you do ask the Father ( if he does exsist) to show you that he does. For without Faith it is impossible to please him. It doesn't matter what the church thinks about you... or your family.. this is YOUR journey and YOUR decision.

Wow, I had no idea others thought like me. I guess, partially, because I don't talk openly about religion. I believe in God, still pray at night before I go to bed, thankful for family, friends, and all the things I have. I'm spiritual, but I don't go to church. I think that a person can believe in God and have their own personal relationship with him without getting into organized religion. I guess I'm not into opinions being forced on me, but I've had way too many things happen in my life to not lose faith.

I would first like to thank you for the posts I now know I'm not atheist I'm just thirsting for truth. Which definitely makes me feel better. I think I believe in a person that watches over us but I don't think I'm catholic and believe in the stories in the bible and wondergirl I also agree what you do with your children that is a MAJOR part in why my parents made me go to catholic things is to learn true values and get a better personality. I know for sure I'm not very religious but very spiritual.

i would first like to thank you for the posts i now know im not atheist i'm just thirsting for truth. which definitely makes me feel better. i think i believe in a person that watches over us but i don't think i'm catholic and believe in the stories in the bible and wondergirl i also agree what you do with your children that is a MAJOR part in why my parents made me go to catholic things is to learn true values and get a better personality. i know for sure im not very religious but very spiritual.
The main thing is, talk to lots of people -- Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, atheists, agnostics, wiccans, Muslims -- and read, read, read! Meanwhile, keep an open mind.

Part of the trouble is that people expect things to be good for them when they accept Christ and are a Christian, I have no idea where people get that idea. We are told we will be hated for our faith, we will be despised, and even killed.

How many of the 12 that followed Jesus retired rich to that yacht on the red sea?

There are many ways to know God and Jesus,

Part of the trouble is that people expect things to be good for them when they accept Christ and are a Christian, I have no idea where people get that idea. We are told we will be hated for our faith, we will be despised, and even killed.

How many of the 12 that followed Jesus retired rich to that yacht on the red sea ??

There are many ways to know God and Jesus,

Exactly what I was saying in another post. People say God is good and God doesn't want his people to suffer etc... but look at the martyrs and missionaries for God as well as the people who suffered in the holocaust. Ann Frank and Cory Ten Boom weren't asking God for a big screen TV so they could watch the newest episode of survivor.
People want to see God as a genie that grants them their wishes

I was born a catholic and rased in a catholic schools but i also had a break were i went to some grades in public and i got to a public highschool now anyways, i dont want to step on and spit on anybodys religion im just wondering cause if i bring this up to my family they will freak i think(the more probable outcome) i THINK im atheist i dont believe in god or jesus for the most part and i think its was just some REALLY good writer that came up with the bible but i also wonder if it is at all true because if had things happen in my life were i dont think there is a god at all. but i am very spiritual but not very religious so i know i didnt give a question really so now im asking is it horrible to be kinda belive in somestuff and be kinda atheist? and who would you think i could talk to about this (my church is very strict and i dont want to go to them my family is REALLY hardcore about it so there out and relitives on in the picture) and any feed back on this would be nice and VERY apreciated, thank you

Hello Macman,

How are you doing now? I know you expected not good responses from what you posted, but now I have a feeling that you know your not alone. I was brought up Catholic and still am Catholic. Yet there are many things that I question. Also I feel that parents who force, or hardcore about there religion actually can push people further away from God, which is going against what God wants in my opinion. As others have said. You can be against religion or not believe in religion and still be SPIRITUAL and still believe in God.

Many people think that there way is the right way. You need to do your own personal search for God and develop your own personal relationship with God without anybody telling you which way to go. We all have our own paths to walk.

I hope that your mind is at ease and no matter what your family says or thinks you need to search things out for yourself. You need to be able to question everything that you want to without feeling any guilt or pressure from anybody or yourself.

Take care of yourself.

Joe

Mac,
I too was raised and confirmed, in the Catholic Church. I now am going to a Methodist Church. We actually found out they had a good program for our kids, so we gave it a try. A friend of mine once told me: "It doesn't matter where you eat, as long as you get fed". I believe this is true. You see, I wasn't really getting what I was needing at the time. Mass seemed like it was the same, the priest was really old and... well dry with his sermons.( sign of the cross for judging a padre) At our new church, we really get involved with the programs and the kids love it. Our pastor is good, open, and pretty up to date with his teachings and analogies. As far as you not believing, that's something you've got to work on ( if that's what you want). You said some bad things happened that made you agnostic. As there is dark and light , hot and cold, wet and dry, tall and short, ( you get it ) , there has to be good and bad. GOD and the devil. No one can explain why, what, where, when, but me personally , I believe. I'm not sure I believe EVERYTHING as far as the Bible goes. And I have questions about evolution, etc. But I simply CHOOSE to believe.

Good luck to you on your search for answers.

The main thing is, talk to lots of people -- Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, atheists, agnostics, wiccans, Muslims -- and read, read, read! Meanwhile, keep an open mind.

WG,

Why do you think he or she needs to talk to a lot of people. People don't have the answers... GOD does. Unfortunately anything outside of the Bible is man's thoughts. Please... they have never had an original thought yet.

As a Christian, on a Christian board I believe the answer is IN the Bible. I believe with all of my heart if someone wants to find God... they need to read his written word. Not a religion, not a denomination... just the plain word of God. It is amazing. The Lord says to search for him with all of your heart and you will find him. The Bible also says... Thy word is TRUTH... now why would you send someone all over the place reading a bunch of thoughts written by man to look for truth?

I completely, totally, utterly disagree with WG. If you want to find God... Read His written word and ask HIM to show you.

WG,

Why do you think he or she needs to talk to a lot of people. People don't have the answers....GOD does. Unfortunately anything outside of the Bible is man's thoughts. Please....they have never had an original thought yet.

As a Christian, on a Christian board I believe the answer is IN the Bible. I believe with all of my heart if someone wants to find God...they need to read his written word. Not a religion, not a denomination...just the plain word of God. It is amazing. The Lord says to search for him with all of your heart and you will find him. The Bible also says...Thy word is TRUTH...now why would you send someone all over the place reading a bunch of thoughts written by man to look for truth?

I completely, totally, utterly disagree with WG. If you want to find God...Read His written word and ask HIM to show you.

God's truth, spirit is within ourselves. Written in our soul. I personally believe God created us all. Gods work could not all fit in a book. We are all pieces of the puzzle. I think it is perfect idea for this person to talk with many different people. Each person has their own unique views and thoughts and gifts to share. God is found in others as well. So your wrong. Anything outside of the bible is mans thoughts? Your wrong. Our thoughts come from God, so explain that one please.

This is not meant to be a debate or preaching to somebody. This is to share our thoughts with a man that is searching and questioning things. If you look in the bible. Since your using that as an example. We are encouraged to search, encouraged to question. Can not force anything on anybody.

WG,

Why do you think he or she needs to talk to a lot of people. People don't have the answers.
Did I say people have the answers? NO.
Do you have the answers? It seems so. And it scares me that someone is to read the Bible and decide for himself what anything means. Have I read the Bible? Many times? Have I studied the Bible alone and with others? Yes, for over 50 years. Do I have all the answers? No. Is God at work in my life? Yes, through all the people I deal with each day--the Muslims, the Buddhists, the wiccans, the Catholics, the Lutherans, the atheists, the agnostics, and even the Baptists, Methodists, and the Hindus--especially the Hindus because they make fantastic samosas and a more gentle people I will never meet.

Jesushelper,

I'm wrong? Sorry, I don't think so. Name one time the Lord Jesus told ANYONE to go and read a bunch of articles on idol worship and then to decide for themselves whether it was Godly.

I'm happy to explain that one( original thoughts)... God says our thoughts are NOT his thoughts... in other words... He KNOWS more... had a couple more original ones. You know.. being the creator and all.

I like you Jesushelper but as a Christian I couldn't tell anyone to go anywhere but the word of God. Sorry Guess I am a little more black and white.. :)

Also, show me the scripture that GOD's spirit is within us all? That is interesting...

WG,

Why do you think he or she needs to talk to a lot of people.
Because I meet God in each of those people every day. I get the opportunity to not only see His love in their faces but share His love with each of them.

Did I say people have the answers? NO.
Do you have the answers? It seems so. And it scares me that someone is to read the Bible and decide for himself what anything means. Have I read the Bible? Many times? Have I studied the Bible alone and with others? Yes, for over 50 years. Do I have all the answers? No. Is God at work in my life? Yes, through all the people I deal with each day--the Muslims, the Buddhists, the wiccans, the Catholics, the Lutherans, the atheists, the agnostics, and even the Baptists, Methodists, and the Hindus--especially the Hindus because they make fantastic samosas and a more gentle people I will never meet.

WG,

Never said you had the answers or accused you saying so. I just think for ME as a Christian, I couldn't lead anyone anywhere but to the TRUTH... God word IS TRUTH.

Sorry guys, I guess I ruffled a few feathers.

WG,

never said you had the answers or accused you saying so. I just think for ME as a Christian, i couldn't lead anyone anywhere but to the TRUTH....God word IS TRUTH.

Sorry guys, i guess i ruffled a few feathers.
You scolded me that THOSE people don't have the answers. Do you even know the question, ClassyT?

Because I meet God in each of those people every day. I get the opportunity to not only see His love in their faces but share His love with each of them.

I'm not suggesting that other people are BAD or stupid or unloving. I'm saying... truth is truth. That is all.

I can see where you all are coming from.
Many people find God and their beliefs by exploring others beliefs but in the end you have to find within yourself what God reveals to you.
Why does it scare anyone that some claim to have the answers by going to the Bible? Shouldn't it scare you just as much to think that people are getting their answers from a mix of religions that may or may not be of God?
The Bible says ''the truth shall set you free'' and ''thy word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee'' as well as other verses so I don't know why it scares people to hear that some people have a conviction in their heart so deep that they know God has set them free.

I'm not suggesting that other people are BAD or stupid or unloving. I'm saying.....truth is truth. that is all.
And you're the keeper of it?

As I said in an earlier post, I meet God in each of those people every day. I get the opportunity to not only see His love in their faces but share His love with each of them.

You scolded me that THOSE people don't have the answers. Do you even know the question, ClassyT?

LOL... I simply said as a CHRISTIAN... (you do call yourself One no?)... why or HOW could you lead them to something that is FALSE. I don't have one answer WG... all I can do is lead someone to the one that does... not a religion, not a person... just to the Word.

WG,

THY WORD IS TRUTH. Jesus said it... not me.

LOL...i simply said as a CHRISTIAN...(you do call yourself ONe no?)...why or HOW could you lead them to something that is FALSE. I don't have one answer WG...all i can do is lead someone to the one that does...not a religion, not a person...just to the Word.
I am not talking about LEADING anyone anywhere. And yes, I am a Christian.

The word is written within our spirit.

WG,

THY WORD IS TRUTH. Jesus said it....not me.
Jesus also said love your neighbor. As I said in an earlier post (third time I'm posting this), I meet God in each of those people every day. I get the opportunity to not only see His love in their faces but share His love with each of them.

I can see where you all are coming from.
Many people find God and their beliefs by exploring others beliefs but in the end you have to find within yourself what God reveals to you.
Why does it scare anyone that some claim to have the answers by going to the Bible? Shouldn't it scare you just as much to think that people are getting their answers from a mix of religions that may or may not be of God?
The Bible says ''the truth shall set you free'' and ''thy word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee'' as well as other verses so I don't know why it scares people to hear that some people have a conviction in their heart so deep that they know God has set them free.

Many people go on journeys to discover God. I think as Christians we could save them the trouble. I couldn't, wouldn't nor do believe I should send someone in search for the Father on a "spiritual treasure hunt" when the answer is in the word of God. I believe in absolute truth... I am baffled by Christians who believe all paths lead to the Father... that isn't Christianity at ALL. That is "I'm ok you are ok" religion... and I don't believe it. I don't believe it because God's Word says otherwise. Sorry I guess I am passionate about truth... real truth.

The word is written in our spirit.

Hello? Maybe I'm just grumpy tonight... or wanting to pick a fight.. but you have GOT to be kidding? Verse please?

Jesus also said love your neighbor. As I said in an earlier post (third time I'm posting this), I meet God in each of those people every day. I get the opportunity to not only see His love in their faces but share His love with each of them.

WG,

Yes he did.. and how does that have anything to do with reading everything the op can get his or her hands on? Sorry WG... I guess I am being argumentative and I don't want to. We will have to just disagree on this.

The priests and high priests felt like they knew Gods word and that they were the best to relay what they thought was Gods laws.

What did Jesus do? He told them that there father, is of the devil.

Everybody has to search within themselves. God is not in a book. His spirit is within us. All around us. So Each of us has our own paths to take and we can not push, shove, or threaten people into our own ways of thinking. That is actually pushing people away from God.

We need to be loving and understanding and each person needs to be able to question, and learn and grow on their own. In their own personal relationship with God.

That involves, prayer, Other people, Many different books and searching and questioning.

Many people go on journeys to discover God. I think as Christians we could save them the trouble. I couldn't, wouldn't nor do believe I should send someone in search for the Father on a "spiritual treasure hunt" when the answer is in the word of God. I believe in absolute truth...i am baffled by Christians who believe all paths lead to the Father....that isn't Christianity at ALL. That is "I'm ok you are ok" religion....and i don't believe it. I don't believe it because God's Word says otherwise. sorry i guess i am passionate about truth...real truth.

I agree, Just saying that many people who go on their own search for God start by searching 'the truths' or beliefs of other religions from Satanism to Christianity and everything in between. As a Christian you can point them in the right direction but as you can see many still question how it is that Christians can claim they have cornered the market on truth.

Hello? maybe i'm just grumpy tonight...or wanting to pick a fight..but you have GOT to be kidding? verse please?
Jesushelper is correct. When God created each one of us, He wrote His name on our heart (i.e, conscience).

I am not talking about LEADING anyone anywhere. And yes, I am a Christian.

WG,

OK.. you are leading someone when you as a Christian tell someone to read ungodly, or false things. I am sorry but you are.

WG,

Never said you had the answers or accused you saying so. I just think for ME as a Christian, I couldn't lead anyone anywhere but to the TRUTH... God word IS TRUTH.

Sorry guys, I guess I ruffled a few feathers.

There is much speculation about the missing years of Jesus in the Bible.Some Biblical scholars believe he studied with Buddha.Also some speculation that he was studying Jewish mysticism.
Both of these theories are considered blasphemous by the Christian faithful,because it was not written in the Bible.
The Gospel of St Thomas,known commonly as the gnostic Bible states that salvation of the soul comes from a
quasi-intuitive knowledge of the mysteries of the universe and of secret formulae indicative of that knowledge.
That indicates to me that truth is not only to be found in the Bible but the message of faith is love and that is universal.

WG,

ok..you are leading somene when you as a Christian tell someone to read ungodly, or false things. I am sorry but you are.
What ungodly and false things did I tell someone to read?

Hello? maybe i'm just grumpy tonight...or wanting to pick a fight..but you have GOT to be kidding? verse please?

Your wanting to pick a fight. You know what Classy T. You hijacked a thread. Your preaching. Instead of just sharing your opinion and moving on. Your just drilling. I am Catholic but also am more spiritual. You know what. Without Gods spirit none of us would be alive today. We are all living because God created each and everyone of us.

We all have a purpose to fulfill in this life and the greatest commandment is to love one another. Everybody.

I am not kidding at all. I would not kid in any of these matters.

Jesushelper is correct. When God created each one of us, He wrote His name on our heart (i.e, conscience).

He made us in his image. There is nothing that says he wrote his name on our hearts... come on guys.

Your wanting to pick a fight. You know what Classy T. You hijacked a thread. Your preaching. Instead of just sharing your opinion and moving on. Your just drilling. I am Catholic but also am more spiritual. You know what. Without Gods spirit none of us would be alive today. We are all living because God created each and everyone of us.

We all have a purpose to fulfill in this life and the greatest commandment is to love one another. Everybody.

I am not kidding at all. I would not kid in any of these matters.

Well I don't mean to pick a fight... I swear. I'm not preaching. How did I preach? I shared my opinion with WG.. I said I felt she was WRONG. Jesushelper, we really don't all have God's spirit. I will shut up. Sorry I hijacked.

There is much speculation about the missing years of Jesus in the Bible.Some Biblical scholars believe he studied with Buddah.Also some speculation that he was studying Jewish mysticism.
Both of these theories are considered blasphemous by the Christian faithful,because it was not written in the Bible.
The Gospel of St Thomas,known commonly as the gnostic Bible states that salvation of the soul comes from a
That indicates to me that truth is not only to be found in the Bible but the message of faith is love and that is universal.

Artlady,

Thanks for your thoughts. ( I got Jerry Springerish) ;) lol... sorry.

he made us in his image. There is nothing that says he wrote his name on our hearts...come on guys.
AND it is no less than the Lord God Almighty – Maker of Heaven and Earth - Creator and Sustainer of all that is, was, and shall be – that has declared to us both today and through his prophet Isaiah some 800 years even before the birth and death of Jesus of Nazareth – that the Lord God of Israel has written YOU on the palm of His hand! "I will NEVER forget you!" our God still declares.

Artlady,

Thanks for your thoughts. ( i got Jerry Springerish) ;) lol...sorry.
I'm still wondering what ungodly and false things did I tell someone to read?

Jesushelper, we really don't all have God's spirit.
Yes, we do. We are all His creatures and share His image.

AND it is no less than the Lord God Almighty – Maker of Heaven and Earth - Creator and Sustainer of all that is, was, and shall be – that has declared to us both today and through his prophet Isaiah some 800 years even before the birth and death of Jesus of Nazareth – that the Lord God of Israel has written YOU on the palm of His hand! "I will NEVER forget you!" our God still declares.

WG,

That is written to the Jew or the believer ( this side of the cross)... not to the world.AND it is the Palm of his hand. Sorry. He also will give me a stone with a name on it when I am in eternity... a name he will give to me and only me. It isn't what jesus helper is saying.

Then why are there rapists and murderers?
If they possessed Gods spirit what would possess them to do those things?

WG,

That is written to the Jew or the believer ( this side of the cross)...not to the world.AND it is the Palm of his hand. sorry. He also will give me a stone with a name on it when I am in eternity...a name he will give to me and only me. It isn't what jesus helper is saying.
Glad you've got that all figured out too... Now what false and ungodly things am I telling people to read?

I'm still wondering what ungodly and false things did I tell someone to read?

I have made a mess of this thread and it really wasn't my intention. I apologize to the OP and I am done.

Then why are there rapists and murderers?
If they possessed Gods spirit what would possess them to do those things?
You don't do anything wrong in a 24-hour period? God's spirit is in you, so what possesses you to do any of those wrong things?

The difference is that people with God's spirit know they did wrong and repent and ask God to help them do better.
Many rapists and serial killers have no conscience and will admit it and they have no remorse.
The Bible teaches that not all will come to God and that he tells many depart from me I never knew you.

The difference is that people with God's spirit know they did wrong and repent and ask God to help them do better.
Many rapists and serial killers have no conscience and will admit it and they have no remorse.
The Bible teaches that not all will come to God and that he tells many depart from me I never knew you.
You didn't answer my question.

Yes I did.

*Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

John 1:12 clearly says that you have to receive and believe.

yes I did.
Nope. What possesses you to do any of those wrong things?

Old habits that I haven't turned completely over to God.

What possesses some to do any of those wrong things?

Some because they live for their own lusts
Some because they have no concept of Godliness or morals.
Some because they have hatred

old habits that I haven't turned completely over to God.
That's it? But you will never be free of wrongdoing on this earth. So you will never turn over ALL those old habits to God?

You are missing the point.
God says that if you confess your sins he will forgive them. People that do not aknowledge God do not confess and have remorse and ask God to forgive them and help them at overcoming their sin. They don't even see sin as being sin.