Some advice appreciated....struggling to believe

[CircleOfFriends]

I'm a straight A student, and I am very sensitive about my thought process (I seriously think like a 5-year old sometimes, why why why and most importantly why. Oh, and how?).

I consider myself an Atheist (Since I was about 9.), but my parents are Roman Catholic. They wish that I go forth with confirmation, even though the priest even knows that I don't believe in God.

I've tried (or more so tried to force myself to believe temporarily to not hurt my parents' feelings. I just couldn't. It's wrong, and of course I ended up in an emotional meltdown because of the power struggle in my mind).

So, well, the priest wants to talk to me about my beliefs :/ The last time I talked to a priest about this, he tried to convince me there's a God. Didn't work. Not to mention, I've been in a lot of political debates (between politicians as well, not just parents), thus, well, things go a bit...differently.

So Tuesday I'll have to talk to him, I really want to find common ground between my parents, myself, and the church. Without forcing anything upon oneself, is this possible?

Thanks in advance.

 

[james g]

HI circleoffriends,Religion was never apart of my life growing up.My mother was raised Catholic,but she never forced it on me . We didn't go to church.I have always believe there was a God but I am not religious.I did not believe in Jesus until I was about 30-31.I go to a baptist church KJV only but I am not baptist.I believe in Jesus but I am still not religious. I think you would be forcing something upon yourself.

 

[Christ4Ever]

I'm a straight A student, and I am very sensitive about my thought process (I seriously think like a 5-year old sometimes, why why why and most importantly why. Oh, and how?).

I consider myself an Atheist (Since I was about 9.), but my parents are Roman Catholic. They wish that I go forth with confirmation, even though the priest even knows that I don't believe in God.

I've tried (or more so tried to force myself to believe temporarily to not hurt my parents' feelings. I just couldn't. It's wrong, and of course I ended up in an emotional meltdown because of the power struggle in my mind).

So, well, the priest wants to talk to me about my beliefs :/ The last time I talked to a priest about this, he tried to convince me there's a God. Didn't work. Not to mention, I've been in a lot of political debates (between politicians as well, not just parents), thus, well, things go a bit...differently.

So Tuesday I'll have to talk to him, I really want to find common ground between my parents, myself, and the church. Without forcing anything upon oneself, is this possible?

Thanks in advance.

First welcome to TJ. God does work in mysterious ways

There’s a scripture in the Bible that pretty much says it all for me.

Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

I wake up in the morning look at the heavens and realize that this was no accident. For me it is and will always be a wow moment! I use wow when there are no words to describe what I am experiencing.

I realize that attempting to tell you about Jesus Christ, before you can accept that there is a God, is kind of like putting the horse before the cart. However, if you do or I’m praying that you will come to the realization that there is a God, please come back and ask us about Jesus! Kind of goes hand in hand, but that's for another day (I hope).

I also realize that if you look for him, and you really mean it, as the below verse states you will find Him.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me

Below is a nice site that might help in dealing with the God question and some others you may have.

Is there an argument for the existence of God?

Might kind of seem simple, and you might kind of feel foolish doing it, but pray to Him. Let it come straight from your heart. No special words here are needed. He knows and He understands.

Praying that you might not only come to realize that there is a God, but also, that you might one day call Jesus Christ your Savior. In His Holy Name I pray. Amen.
C4E

P.S. Just remember it is not about the Church

 

[RJ]

I'm a straight A student, and I am very sensitive about my thought process (I seriously think like a 5-year old sometimes, why why why and most importantly why. Oh, and how?).

I consider myself an Atheist (Since I was about 9.), but my parents are Roman Catholic. They wish that I go forth with confirmation, even though the priest even knows that I don't believe in God.

I've tried (or more so tried to force myself to believe temporarily to not hurt my parents' feelings. I just couldn't. It's wrong, and of course I ended up in an emotional meltdown because of the power struggle in my mind).

So, well, the priest wants to talk to me about my beliefs :/ The last time I talked to a priest about this, he tried to convince me there's a God. Didn't work. Not to mention, I've been in a lot of political debates (between politicians as well, not just parents), thus, well, things go a bit...differently.

So Tuesday I'll have to talk to him, I really want to find common ground between my parents, myself, and the church. Without forcing anything upon oneself, is this possible?

Thanks in advance.

You are here for a reason and if nothing else, you have chosen this.

If you really want to find common ground with the rest of them, you have to be on common ground. I have a suggestion and you atleast owe it to yourself to consider it.

You being an A student this should be just a matter of doing it!

No matter what you have done in the past, get you a Bible and starting with Matthew through Revelation, read all of it. I am not asking you to embrace it. Just look at it as an historical document, much like you would do with a history book. Heres what you do:

• Tell your parents and the church what you have decided to do and you need some time before you meet with the Priest.
• Keep notes and jot down anyhing you do not like, understand or find interest in..bring those to the open forum or chat room and seek answers.
• Whether you like or believe what you are reading, learn the story that the Bible tells YOU and that way, you put yourself on common ground that you say you really want with everyone else and you will be more knowledgable of the reasons that you do not believe. When you do finally sit down with the Priest, you will have something to base your responses to.

Since you obviously must like learning, just maybe you will learn something new and there is nothing wrong about that!

 

[dayofhope]

No matter what you have done in the past, get you a Bible and starting with Matthew through Revelation, read all of it. I am not asking you to embrace it. Just look at it as an historical document, much like you would do with a history book. Heres what you do:

• Tell your parents and the church what you have decided to do and you need some time before you meet with the Priest.
• Keep notes and jot down anyhing you do not like, understand or find interest in..bring those to the open forum or chat room and seek answers.
• Whether you like or believe what you are reading, learn the story that the Bible tells YOU and that way, you put yourself on common ground that you say you really want with everyone else and you will be more knowledgable of the reasons that you do not believe. When you do finally sit down with the Priest, you will have something to base your responses to.

I agree with this. Even if you do not read all of that, at least read a good bit so you have a good grip on it. It seems like a lot, but this way you can show your parents you gave it a chance, and you can be more respectful to their beliefs.

Growing up with it though, I'm sure you already have a pretty good idea about what you're reading. Try to look at it through a neutral light, and perhaps write down your reasons for not believing. You can always post your questions on here about things like "why do we believe in God when this is proving His existence false" or you can send private messages to people or ask your parents/priest.

Try to have an open mind about things, give everything a fair and newly thought out chance. Flush out all of your old ideas and thoughts about things, be an impartial judge. Don't just question how we believe in God, but question how it is science did things too (as in, question both ideas, so it's truly a fair game.) Don't think about this as doing it for your parents and church, do it for /you/. As a student who feels the need to know the why's and how's, it should be fun to research the different views as a Personal Quest to know the Truth. (even if you still do not Believe, that will still be finding what you consider the truth)

Don't force yourself to believe. It doesn't do any good.
(I know your original question is just asking how to get on a common ground with your parents and church, but give this a chance. That way you can truly say you gave it a chance.)

So yeah, just learn things all over, give everything a chance. Write down thoughts both for and against both ideas. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[PrayerWarr1or]

Questions

The answer to the question about if it is possible to find common ground between yourself, the church, and your parents is a tough one that only you are ultimately going to be able to find out by experience and common ground; without you compromising is possible but it depends on who your parents are and what kind of church you belong to.

Someone who gets straight A's like yourself needs to trust your thought process as flawed as it may be, everyone's is messed up to an extent, but since you excel intellectually you should trust in your ability to come off and learn from your mistakes. This correlates to your personal belief in Jesus in the fact that saving face for those around you is only going to be a mistake in the end, I pray that you are honest today and that you go in with nothing but your inner feelings coming out sans sensoring yourself.

I personally pray that you see the need for a relationship with Jesus to be saved as salvation is not possible without Him. You have heard this many times and it is just a matter of seeing the need to be saved. Trust in God, believe in the Lord and you will learn this fact from experience

Vermin

 

[CircleOfFriends]

The answer to the question about if it is possible to find common ground between yourself, the church, and your parents is a tough one that only you are ultimately going to be able to find out by experience and common ground; without you compromising is possible but it depends on who your parents are and what kind of church you belong to.

Someone who gets straight A's like yourself needs to trust your thought process as flawed as it may be, everyone's is messed up to an extent, but since you excel intellectually you should trust in your ability to come off and learn from your mistakes. This correlates to your personal belief in Jesus in the fact that saving face for those around you is only going to be a mistake in the end, I pray that you are honest today and that you go in with nothing but your inner feelings coming out sans sensoring yourself.

I personally pray that you see the need for a relationship with Jesus to be saved as salvation is not possible without Him. You have heard this many times and it is just a matter of seeing the need to be saved. Trust in God, believe in the Lord and you will learn this fact from experience

Vermin

It is my thought process that doesn't allow me to believe in God. I think things out through a neutral perspective, and try not to be influenced by others, it's how I reached my conclusion.

Honestly, the biggest problem I have with religion is creation. The Book of Genesis makes me hit my head through a wall at half of the things I read in it. To me, it belongs in the same list as Harry Potter and Greek Mythology, no offense. I believe the Big Bang was a result of circumstances. Sure, sometimes circumstantial evidence isn't enough (aka Casey Anthony trial) but, there doesn't have to be a linear start point. It's effectively a cycle. The rain cycle. It "happened" due to circumstances, and all the things happened to fall into place. By chance. Of course right now I probably sound crazy, and I won't deny that. Again, just IMO. Also, God didn't make me. It was a result of biological circumstances. These opinions, took years of thinking for me, because of the religious influence on me (among other influences as well). In the end, I think most of my problem is with religion itself. Not the deities. Still, I don't believe in the deities. But honestly that'd be an easier remedy than getting me in a religion.


I have questions:

- Do you [religious people] personally even take the Book of Genesis seriously?

- What are your reasons?

- Can someone please explain to me the point in a deity? What if there's no afterlife? What was the point?

- Half of the Christians I know can't even take their own religion seriously....including my Dad. All talk and no walk? (Answered in Chat)

- Saved? Please explain to me about salvation. Thanks in advance.

- Trust in God? I find God/Jesus too....similar to the followers. And it's not just Christian religions either. That raises a few red flags to me. Also, I personally find it a bit..."greedy" in hoping for an afterlife. And why would I trust a God who doesn't acccept half the people into his oh so magical Kingdom? Talk about setting an example. (Answered in Chat)

My inner feelings - you could say I'm...too neutral. Way too neutral. I try to treat everyone the same, etc. I'd say (most of the time) they're in line with my logical thinking. Oh, I find that ignoring my inner feelings is the source of my self-control. Seriously. Even if someone literally hit me, I wouldn't hit them back. I'd forgive them.

Or if I see a girl that I like. I won't say stupid things because my logical thinking seems to balance my feelings. It's kind of like a checks & balances system.

Also, I will admit one of my flaws - I'm stubborn. No one has changed my political opinions, religious opinions, to this date. That can be quite a flaw. But it's that blindness that allows me not to go crazy over tiny things.

Also, apologies to anyone if I offended them. I did not mean to.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Also, I will admit one of my flaws - I'm stubborn. No one has changed my political opinions, religious opinions, to this date. That can be quite a flaw. But it's that blindness that allows me not to go crazy over tiny things.

LOL It won't be us or anyone here who can change your opinion! Don't worry Peter was pretty stubborn as well and it worked out.

Just remember one thing. Don't confuse the message with the messenger which includes the religion of your choice. For the most part we make pretty poor witnesses.

Science part....well I have a brother-in-law who’s a PHD in Physics is a tenured professor and he believes in a God & Jesus. Shoot...Me getting out of High School was a miracle in its self Yet it hasn't stopped me from growing......anytime you want to talk...
C4E

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

- Do you [religious people] personally even take the Book of Genesis seriously?

I do,but not as history or an literal account of the creation.It is symbolic and mystical in nature.

It describes patterns and cycles and starts a storyline.
The story line is tells us about two trees and a struggle between the woman and her seed and the serpent and it's seed.

Jesus said:
John 10:8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.

Jesus tells us that all the prophets before him had an imperfect revelation concerning the nature of God.
That God is LOVE....
Love is a tangible thing that can be observed.

 

[CircleOfFriends]

I talked ot the priest, and he helped me greatly, honestly, now, I feel like giving theology a second chance Thanks to all. As well as you Thiscrosshurts.

He also said God is love.

I'm starting to understand, now.

 

[Christ4Ever]

I do,but not as history or an literal account of the creation.It is symbolic and mystical in nature.

It's also the foundation of the entire Scripture. Take that away, and you can take away anything else that doesn't seem to conform, or seems to replicate other religions whether in their own myths which may seem copies of used for the purposes of creationism (Genesis).

Just out of my own curiosity, up to what part of Genesis is it fictitious to you and when does the actual historical account start?

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

Just out of my own curiosity, up to what part of Genesis is it fictitious to you and when does the actual historical account start?

Figurative not fictitious,it contains spiritual truths not carnal ones.
To the brain it doesn't make much sense,but as spiritual truth it is a goldmine.

 

[Christ4Ever]

To the brain it doesn't make much sense,but as spiritual truth it is a goldmine.

Depends on whose brain we're talking about

To me it covers both spiritual and the natural world.

 

[dayofhope]

What is it you're questioning about Salvation?
(Unless your priest already answered your questions).

Glad to hear it's starting to make more sense for you.

 

[PrayerWarr1or]

Great to hear! I truly believe that the Holy Spirit was working through the pastor today, and that the Lord does indeed have truly great things planned for you

Vermin

 

[SpiritLedEd]

I've tried (or more so tried to force myself to believe temporarily to not hurt my parents' feelings. I just couldn't. It's wrong, and of course I ended up in an emotional meltdown because of the power struggle in my mind).

CircleOfFriends, I'm sorry I missed the deadline for your meeting with that priest. However, I urge you to check this website - Ask Questions about Life and God - for balanced and intelligent non-denominational responses to your thoughts and beliefs.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)