A question to any religion

[031064]

Hey Illama. I too am 16 and thank God that you have come to this forum. I wake up in the morning because I know it’s just God giving me another chance to make it to His kingdom, to do his will, and to love his people. I too doubt sometimes, but I am human and I find it funny that even during my times of greatest doubt, I always talk to God about it (I think it’s just that natural connection and yurning for God). If I had one message to give you it would be that Jesus loves you so much and that with faith, you will move mountains. I’m so glad to see other 16 year olds in this world who truly have interest in God- thank you so much for making my day.

 

[Mennonite]

I’m 16 years old. A few years ago, my parents got divorced and slowly since then religion has been fading from my life. The more and more religion left me, the more I noticed other things in my life spiraling downwards too (my relationship with my father is now damaged beyond repair, my grades have fallen dramatically, and thoughts of homosexuality). I want to be religious, but I just have a really hard time finding a reason to be. So basically, my question is what makes you wake up every day and believe in what you do?

My parents got divorced around the same age, and sonmehwta I may understand where you are. But religion is not a relationship, religion is something you take from the outside to repair something that happen in the inside.
It took me some twenty years to talk to my father and actually to tell him that I forgave him (although he did not see a need for that). I say that because I am a pastor, and I get up every morning knowing that I am loved not because I am perfect or the relationship I live in are perfect. I enjoy life not because of “who I am” but because of “whose I am.” I wish you a good journey in trying to find healing from what happen to you on the inside, but whatever you do will be only working from the outside – including relationships. They have the power to mantle, to cover up your pain, but what you need is an identity in Christ – "Whose are you? Christs’!

God bless and much healing love from the One who gave His life for you.

M

 

[llama5000]

Again, thank you all who have posted.

To awnser a previous question, I was born Methodist and later started to attend a non-denomination Chrisitan church (before I stopped attending at all several years ago).

I have never had the best view on catholism (sp?), but all my views come from other people and I think I’d like to visit a Catholic church myself soon and see for myself if it speaks to me.

 

[strngrnrth]

The many fulfilled prophecies and the miracles in my life and other lives convince me that God exists, God loves us, and Jesus is God the Son of God.

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

llama5000

Welcome, The fact that you are here on this forum shows that God is trying to talk to you. Be careful of going from church to church looking for one that specks to you as it can be a trap into false teachings. I am a cradle Catholic that spent time in a Baptist church after my parents divorced when I was 4 years old. I came back to the Catholic Church when I was 12.

I would say you are not missing religion, as you can make anything a religion, but are missing fellowship and a way for expressing your Faith with other that share if with. I suggest going to a local Catholic parish and speaking to the priest. Go to Mass and get there about 20 to 25 minutes early for pray and meditation. That is one of my favorite things to do.

Don’t let yourself believe that God is not answering you or listening to your prayer, because that it not true. We just need to be ready for His answer not the necessarily the one we want Him to give.

 

[llama5000]

I wouldn’t say that I’m going from faith to faith exactly, I am reaserching the Catholic faith but not commiting myself entirely to it as of right now. I plan on visiting my nearest Catholic church soon and doing just that, talking to the priest. I know almost nothing about the religion as of right now, but feel someone compelled to it.

llama5000

Welcome, The fact that you are here on this forum shows that God is trying to talk to you. Be careful of going from church to church looking for one that specks to you as it can be a trap into false teachings. I am a cradle Catholic that spent time in a Baptist church after my parents divorced when I was 4 years old. I came back to the Catholic Church when I was 12.

I would say you are not missing religion, as you can make anything a religion, but are missing fellowship and a way for expressing your Faith with other that share if with. I suggest going to a local Catholic parish and speaking to the priest. Go to Mass and get there about 20 to 25 minutes early for pray and meditation. That is one of my favorite things to do.

Don’t let yourself believe that God is not answering you or listening to your prayer, because that it not true. We just need to be ready for His answer not the necessarily the one we want Him to give.

 

[llama5000]

Additionally, and I’m truely sorry if I offend anyone in saying this, how can I be sure that the Catholic faith is not a false religion? Or that it hasen’t become one?

It is my understanding that Catholicism was founded by Jesus, but is it not in anyway possible corruption has completely destroyed his origonal church? Or that Jesus wasen’t our savior? Again I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone, but this seems like the best place for me to confess my thoughts right now.

 

[blossom02]

You have not offended me at all and I doubt anyone else. You would be welcome to learn about the catholic faith. The Catholic Church wants you to know what it teaches before you become catholic so you can make a honest conversion. I’m sure much of what you have heard about the church is lies out of ignorance.

Catholics do believe Jesus is our savior.

The best thing to do for yourself and your father is pray for him and you will feel better about him and feel better about yourself.

God bless you and I will remember you in my prayers.

 

[Rightlydivide]

I’m 16 years old. A few years ago, my parents got divorced and slowly since then religion has been fading from my life. The more and more religion left me, the more I noticed other things in my life spiraling downwards too (my relationship with my father is now damaged beyond repair, my grades have fallen dramatically, and thoughts of homosexuality). I want to be religious, but I just have a really hard time finding a reason to be. So basically, my question is what makes you wake up every day and believe in what you do?

llama
First of all doubts are common no matter what age you are BUT they are especially common in bright people starting about your age until they hit 25, based upon MY experience anyway.
Do not try to shut them off, you cant do it anyway. I would suggest an author by the name of Lee Strobel. You can find him at any major bookstore.
Nothing is ever beyond repair. Your life at 30 will hardly resemble your life now. You will be in the midst of work and hopefully some real joys in your life that make you happy.
Hang in there and enjoy your reading. I hope the very best for you. When I was your age, yeah you knew someone would say it, I made every stupid sinful choice and was an atheist. I was miserable beyond belief for so many years.
BUT that was not the end of the story!
Take care. God will forgive you of your sins and mistakes. Life is an endurance marathon, not a sprint.

 

[NaturalEnquirer]

Additionally, and I’m truely sorry if I offend anyone in saying this, how can I be sure that the Catholic faith is not a false religion? Or that it hasen’t become one?

It is my understanding that Catholicism was founded by Jesus, but is it not in anyway possible corruption has completely destroyed his origonal church? Or that Jesus wasen’t our savior? Again I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone, but this seems like the best place for me to confess my thoughts right now.

Tough questions! Those are the best kind.

1. Is it possible that corruption has destroyed his original church?
   I don’t see any reason to think so. God knows, there has been corruption in the church, no question about that. But it’s interesting to me that the core of the religion has never been changed, even at the most troubled times. We have strong evidence that the Bible is the same today as it was when first written. I think scripture points to Catholic teaching more than to any other religion.

There’s an important point that distinguishes Catholicism from Protestantism: Sacred Tradition. Goes something like this. Jesus personally taught the Apostles. Some of what he was taught was written down, and became scripture. Some of what he taught was handed through the years orally, and became Sacred Tradition.

The reason that this is so important is clear when you look at the many, many Protestant denominations. They all have the same Bible, and they’re all praying to the same Holy Spirit for guidance, and yet they come to completely different conclusions about key issues. Why? Because they don’t have a legitimate authority.

1. Was it possible that Jesus wasn’t our savior?
   If not Him, who? I think it’s clear that humanity needs a savior. Prophecies in the Old Testament clearly foretell a savior. If Jesus was real, and if the gospels accurately reflect the things he said, I don’t think there’s any other conclusion.

I hope that helps. I haven’t expressed myself as clearly as I would like, but I don’t have any more time. Please let me know if anything needs clarification.

God bless!

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

Additionally, and I’m truely sorry if I offend anyone in saying this, how can I be sure that the Catholic faith is not a false religion? Or that it hasen’t become one?

It is my understanding that Catholicism was founded by Jesus, but is it not in anyway possible corruption has completely destroyed his origonal church? Or that Jesus wasen’t our savior? Again I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone, but this seems like the best place for me to confess my thoughts right now.

I do not see how anything you have said could be taken as offensive. I would have many the same questions. One of the things that let me know that the Catholic Church is the True Church of Christ, without corruption is that Jesus said to the Apostle Peter ( the first Pope) that upon him he would build his church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. What that tells me is even if a false teaching comes into the church, it will not take hold, It will be rooted out like a weed in the garden.
Catholicism teach the same thing today that has always taught. the very basic foundation is the Apostles Creed which has been with us since late in the first century to early in the 2nd.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary.

suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand
of God the Father Almighty.

From thence he shall come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.
Amen.

That sums it up. God Bless.

 

[rciadan]

llama 5000,
I am not offended when I see a person questioning. These questions show a person who is serious in thier searce for Truth, real Truth. I was once an atheist looking for the Truth. I have been a Catholic for 10 yrs now as of Easter Vigil, 1998.I questioned my way into the Church. I took no statement or quote at face value. I wanted to know who made the statement and where the quote came from. Catholics spoke of the Early Church Fathers. Rather than listening to what I was told about what they said, I read their own words in context and decided for myself what they said. I constantly wanted “proof”. What was amazing is that I was constantly given the proof I requested. Sometimes in the form of reading material and sometimes in the form of what could only be referred to supernatural methods. I still have periods of doubt and still constantly receive confirmation that I am a part of the One, Holy, Church which is Catholic.
Don’t stop with the questions! Don’t settle for any less than a full and complete answer! You will find that these answers are only forthcoming from the Catholic Church! Be willing to do the research. Get a copy of the Early Church Fathers and read, read, read! You will be able to find the One True Church today once you find out what she truly looked like in the first few hundred years of Her youth. She will not be hard to recognize and She will be absolutely beautiful to behold. She will take your breath away and you will tremble in anticipation of you both becoming as one, intimate and full of Love for one another! Seek her with all your heart and you will find Her, and she will lead you to Her beloved spouse, Jesus, the Christ. Enjoy the journey!

 

[JPatton]

I’m 16 years old. A few years ago, my parents got divorced and slowly since then religion has been fading from my life. The more and more religion left me, the more I noticed other things in my life spiraling downwards too (my relationship with my father is now damaged beyond repair, my grades have fallen dramatically, and thoughts of homosexuality). I want to be religious, but I just have a really hard time finding a reason to be. So basically, my question is what makes you wake up every day and believe in what you do?

Just knowing where I was years ago compared to now shows me God’s grace. It makes me very thankful. God brought me out of a lost life full of fighting, sex, drinking heavily, drug use/sales and crime and into a life of love and peace - allthough I still have my trials. When I look back at where I was I see God’s saving grace and his merciful love. He is the only reason I live daily, He gave me breath!

Brother, life is hard and it will get harder. You seem to be suffering right now but believe me you are not alone. Many others have been in your shoes before and even worse. Anything you might turn to or put your trust in, to find peace in could and will eventually fail you. Really think about someone being physically tortured and then bound up and hung on a wood cross with iron spikes hammered through His hands and feet and left to die. Do you know anyone in this world who would do that for you? Is there anything out there that can actually give you peace like living forever can? Nothing in this world could be as bad as what Jesus went through, for you!

Brother our suffering will make us stronger even when it’s unexplainable and frustrating. In the military I went through some special water training and it was hard, I suffered physically daily with pain each night. But after many weeks I became strong and confident. My suffering was for my good even when it seemed crazy and I could of just walked away. Look upon the Lord with an open mind and heart. Give Him a chance and begin to pray everyday. Ask God to come into your heart and lead you. Nothing fancy, just ask Him.

I will pray for you. May God bless you.

Jamie

 

[Mennonite]

Here we go. Thor created the universe.

It is exactly the same as declaring God created the universe.

Ex nihilo, nihil fit.

And where does science oppose what I said?

Neither can everyone. You can go back an infinitude and ask “What caused the conditions for abiogenesis?” or “What caused the causes of abiogenesis?” Ultimately, you will receive no explanation.

Everything ultimately is arbitrary.

Yes. You believe in that. There is no evidence for this supposition.

What are you talking about? Science does not say the universe was created.

Us. Again.

I’m not a biologist. Why do you not just ask a biologist? I am sure they can answer a large sum (if not all) of the above.

Something cannot come from nothing.

Funny that you said that, how do you know? Indeed, how do we know. Chrisitians believe in the fact of self-revelation of God, that is how we knoe. We know because the One who exists and through whom we exists told us. In case he lied to us, does it matter, really?

M

 

[1234]

I’m 16 years old. A few years ago, my parents got divorced and slowly since then religion has been fading from my life. The more and more religion left me, the more I noticed other things in my life spiraling downwards too (my relationship with my father is now damaged beyond repair, my grades have fallen dramatically, and thoughts of homosexuality). I want to be religious, but I just have a really hard time finding a reason to be. So basically, my question is what makes you wake up every day and believe in what you do?

I am very sorry for your situation.

But that’s no reason to deny the powers of reason or your mind.

You might find support in your local UU(Unitarian Universalist) church. They have active programs for youth and a lot of support for young people who need it. Many of both adults and teenagers have gone through divorce as have many Catholics.

UU"s have a variety of beliefs from theism, humanism, agnosticism, atheism and paganism. Many UU’s believe in God and revere Jesus. UU’s don’t believe in the trinity.

You sound depressed. Perhaps you could talk to a school counselor, your mother, other relatives and friends about this. Religion in and of itself is not an answer.

 

[Metaron]

My heart goes out to you. My parents were not divorced, but it was as if they were. They were workaoholics and were never home. I was sent to a boys home by the courts after getting in trouble while not being watched as a child and then they paid to leave me there for the rest of my schooling.

I was molested by my neighbor and shown pornography, and that along with little relationship with my father brought about homosexual thoughts etc. I needed an outlet because there was no true ntimacy in my life. You see, the lack of good intimacy and comradery from a father figure, will place a mark on a child forever, and cause them to do disordered things in order to try to find that intimacy they are lacking.
But there is hope! After much, drinking, drugging and stealing and almsot two years in jail, trying to find the next high, from relationshios, drugs, sex, alcohol etc, i came to know Jesus personally, and He saved my life. he removed the desire for homosexuality and drinking and drugs in the blink of an eye, not to mention the desire to steal. God is faithful to draw close to you, when you draw close to Him. I am now married with three children and have a new life in Christ and came home to the church he established upon peter!

I have to stay away from porn, from other triggers that can cause any type of moral relapse in my life. It is hard sometimes, but possible. confession has been a great gift in my life, amazing.

peace to you, Justin

Wow, Justin. My story is similar to yours in so may ways… You are a true inspiration to me, that, no matter what happens, people CAN make it out ok…

 

[tawheedah]

As I said in the first post, just a lack of motivation to believe. It bothers me how God is so direct in some peoples lives (or so they claim), but I feel like my prayers go unawnsered.

From an Islamic perspective, why aren’t dua’s (prayers) being answered…

famous ascetic and worshipper, Ibrahim ibn Adham was once asked, “Why is it that we make du’a, yet they are not responded to?” He replied:

**“Because you know Allah, yet you do not obey Him.
And you know the Prophet SAW, but you do not follow his Sunnah.
And you know the Qur’an, but you do not act upon it.
And you eat from the blessings of Allah, but you do not express gratitude for it.
And you know Paradise, yet you do not strive for it.
And you know the Fire of Hell, yet you do not run away from it.
And you know shaytan, but you do not fight him, and instead obey him.
And you know death, but you do not prepare yourselves for it.
And you bury the dead, but do not learn a lesson from it.
And you have left your own faults, and instead busy yourself with the faults of others.” **