Have you explored other religions?

[StevenFrancis]

Oh, goody, I get to list the byways and alleyways of my 40 years of wandering. One of my favorite pastimes.

Raised Methodist by parents who also introduced me to Ouija boards, Kreskin’s ESP, Silva Mind Control, paranormal studies, etc. (To be fair, it was really Dad who was into this stuff, not my Mother.) I had questions about everything, especially Christianity, got few answers, kept searching for truth, and that set me on a long and winding path.

In college (a brief excursion), I looked into philosophy and psychology–which seemed much more promising before I took the class. What a waste those classes were. Learned much more on my own. Oy.

Looked into Unitarianism, blah. Went to Unity Church for a while. Crystals and angels and prosperity, oh my. Um…Seriously?

Got into studying the Tarot, which led to alchemy and astrology and Kaballah and the Golden Dawn. Not Wicca. Never Wicca. I was “serious”. Yeah, well…

Then came the Eastern religion, Vedanta and yoga philosophy phase. Oh, yes. And Theosophy. Anthroposophy. Alice Bailey. Good grief.

Then I got into Buddhism. Was a Buddhist, correction, Tibetan Buddhist, for years. Yes, indeedy, Tibetan Buddhist. Not Tibetan, never been to Tibet, but I was a Tibetan Buddhist. Imagine my surprise (and dismay!) when I read that the Dalai Lama is a Marxist. He said it himself. “Still I am a Marxist.” Shocking. Disturbing.

In 1994 I discovered the Catholic Church and began studying it merely as one more religion to add to my rather long list. I was looking into Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses (to understand some friends’ backgrounds) and Judaism at about the same time. Took a Catechism class when the new one came out in 1995. Was working at a Catholic book store. Read and listened to lots of Scott Hahn. Read lots of saints, spiritual writers, prayed the Divine Office, studied the Bible, prayed the Rosary (the Blessed Mother solved a problem for me before I had finished asking her and I bought my first Rosary forthwith!), and fell head over heels in love with the Church. And was received into full communion with Holy Mother Church in 1996.

And I’m still in love with the Church, with the Blessed Mother, and with her Divine Son, Christ, our Lord.

Peace be with you and may our Lord bless you abundantly on your own journey!

You have many similar points of departure in your conversion story to mine. A lot of new age, mystic, pagan stuff thrown your way, and a long stint in Buddhism. Scott Hahn’s “The Lamb’s Supper” on audiobook from a truck stop figured prominently in those final days. It landed ever so softly on top of the straw that broke the camel’s back. God bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who can light a light that we could see no matter how far out on the branches of the most desolate trails we were. He was always beckoning to come and warm our hands, and have some fish he had cooked on the fire for us.

Also, like you, I can’t imagine going anywhere again. The Lord has relieved me of the need or desire to even look. I am at living rest in His Church.

 

[Disciple96]

You have many similar points of departure in your conversion story to mine. A lot of new age, mystic, pagan stuff thrown your way, and a long stint in Buddhism. Scott Hahn’s “The Lamb’s Supper” on audiobook from a truck stop figured prominently in those final days. It landed ever so softly on top of the straw that broke the camel’s back. God bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who can light a light that we could see no matter how far out on the branches of the most desolate trails we were. He was always beckoning to come and warm our hands, and have some fish he had cooked on the fire for us.

Also, like you, I can’t imagine going anywhere again. The Lord has relieved me of the need or desire to even look. I am at living rest in His Church.

Hahn’s “The Lamb’s Supper” in a truck stop? Well, I’ve heard of stranger things. As you can imagine. Yep, Scott Hahn’s work is one big reason I finally took the plunge. I met him when he came to Birmingham a few months back. Got to tell him how important his books and tapes were in my journey. He’s still important in my continuing journey. I always recommend his stuff when I meet inquirers.

I’m glad to meet you, Steven. Peace be with you from one recovering (dare I say, recovered?) New Ager to another!

 

[golliju]

My search for God has gone in crazy circles. Even from a young age I knew there was a God and I have spent my entire life looking for Him.

Raised by an Athetist Mother and apathetic Methodist Father.

I’ve been baptized as a

• Jehovah Witness
• Epsicopalian
• Mormon

Confirmed as a

• Episcopalian
• Catholic

Attended Baptist Seminary - earned M.A degree. 30 credits shy of M.Div.

Have a master’s degree in Sociology - focus on sociology of religion. Master’s thesis on Mormon Missionary work.

Seriously considered becoming a non-denominational clergy so I could be an Army Chaplain.

I’ve attended*/researched

• Bible Church*
• Baptist*
• Non-demonimational*
• Unitarian Universalist*
• Presbyterian*
• Lutheran*
• Seventh Day Adventist
• Christian Scientist
• Scientology
• Wicca
• Dr. Gene Scott
• 700 Club
• Robert Tilton
  and I have read the entire Left Behind series and The Shack.

There is probably a few more tucked in there somewhere.

Studying religion was kind of a hobby/profession for me as well as a personal endeavor.

What am I now? An admittedly luke-warm Catholic. I think I looked too hard, if that makes sense.

Hi,

My list is probably as long as yours. I agree that you looked too hard, so did I. Generally " we look too hard". We could just pick one Christian religion and be totally committed to it without offending the Creator. Religion is just a man-made, imperfect way of contacting the Creator and these religion are all incomplete, all having some truth in them. The journey of discovering this can be quite interesting, rewarding and ultimately draws us nearer to “the truth” which is in Christ. Luke_warmness is not good, whatever you choose you will have to be totally committed to benefit and remain with it.

 

[MarianD]

I’ve been:

Muslim
Protestant (not really a different religion, but I was Episcopalian/Anglican)
Jehovah’s Witness (when I was very young, like 9 or 10)
Buddhist
Hindu
Atheist (not a religion)
Deist (not a religion)

Catholicism is the only religion where I have truly found peace, and it’s the only religion which I have an undying faith in, the only religion which I’ve felt called me and not me dragging myself to it, and the only religion in which I’ve found proof of its reality (Marian Apparitions, the miracles the faithful receive, and the stories of martyrs), beauty, wonderful tradition, the promotion of logic as a means of worshiping God, and its the only religion in which I’ve felt loved. I feel loved by Mother Mary and by Christ, and as of now, this is the only time in my life where I could truly say “I have faith” and “I love God”.

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Golliju,

Welcome to CAF! I think you will find this to be a very intersting site - and one where different ideas are shared (and challenged) back and forth! Let’s get started!

Hi,

My list is probably as long as yours. I agree that you looked too hard, so did I. Generally " we look too hard". We could just pick one Christian religion and be totally committed to it without offending the Creator.

Hold on a minute, Golliju! Where did you get that idea? I have this mental picture of you putting your hand in a large bag and just pulling out a religion and saying something like, “They are all the same! Commit!”

Since you claim to be a Christian, I invite you to go to Matthew 16 and see just what Christ had to say about that! Really. You will notice that God the Father selected Peter and gave Him the inspiration to answer Jesus’ question correctly. That certainly doesn’t sound like He put all the Apostles’ names in a bag (all 12 were about the same! ) and randomly picked out who would lead the Chruch Christ was founding. If Christ spent that much time selecting the leader for His Chruch (and, that would be the Catholic Church) don’t you think He is telling you something like not all men or groups are the same?

Religion is just a man-made, imperfect way of contacting the Creator and these religion are all incomplete, all having some truth in them.
Now, would be a really good time to supply some references to back up this totally relativistic view of religion. Are you saying Christ is just a man - adn the religion He founded is just a man-made activity? I really would appreciate what it is you mean by calling yoruself a Christian, Golliju.

The journey of discovering this can be quite interesting, rewarding and ultimately draws us nearer to “the truth” which is in Christ. Luke_warmness is not good, whatever you choose you will have to be totally committed to benefit and remain with it.

Not to put too fine a point on this, Golliju, but, had you taken your own advise when you started off, and committed to one of these early adventures - where do you think you would be now? You know, some folks will ‘commit’ to buying the LARGE size toothpaste, knowing full well that once they taste it and do not like it - they will eventually use it all and then can ‘commit’ to another brand or falvor! Your presentation on ‘commitment’ sounds like we are talking about toothpaste!

For those searching for the True Relgion, maybe it would be wise to read what Christ actually did (as opposed to someone taking out-of-context quotes, stringing them together, and getting a totally imaginative grouping - that they will now use Private Interpretation to tell you what THEY think. If there is anything to the Bible being the Inspired Word of God - then I suggest you do some research to find out where that Bible of yours sprang from. Even your abridged copy claims its origin with the Catholic Church!

God bless

 

[Cinette]

I’ve been:

Muslim
Protestant (not really a different religion, but I was Episcopalian/Anglican)
Jehovah’s Witness (when I was very young, like 9 or 10)
Buddhist
Hindu
Atheist (not a religion)
Deist (not a religion)

Catholicism is the only religion where I have truly found peace, and it’s the only religion which I have an undying faith in, the only religion which I’ve felt called me and not me dragging myself to it, and the only religion in which I’ve found proof of its reality (Marian Apparitions, the miracles the faithful receive, and the stories of martyrs), beauty, wonderful tradition, the promotion of logic as a means of worshiping God, and its the only religion in which I’ve felt loved. I feel loved by Mother Mary and by Christ, and as of now, this is the only time in my life where I could truly say “I have faith” and “I love God”.

*I understand you Marian. There was a time when I would say I loved God because I knew I had to because it is the first of the Commandments. Now as I have grown in my faith I feel that love - my heart swells, I am overwhelmed with love and every time I enter the Church for Mass (daily) I feel enveloped in that love. I know that God is my refuge and my strength.

It is also curious how one is affected by the Faith of others. My husband was atheist all his life and converted a few years ago (2003). We worship together and pray the Rosary each day. When I see his Faith which is very visible I am moved - all the time. I remember the old atheist and now I see a man of great Faith and trust in God and it is beautiful. It confirms my Faith also.

Actually in the years preceding his conversion he would comment how he was affected by the reverence and faith of those at the Mass and I would often see him wipe his eyes from the corner of my eye. Isn’t it magnificent how we become affected by those worshiping with us?

Cinette *

 

[Cinette]

Hi,

My list is probably as long as yours. I agree that you looked too hard, so did I. Generally " we look too hard". We could just pick one Christian religion and be totally committed to it without offending the Creator. Religion is just a man-made, imperfect way of contacting the Creator and these religion are all incomplete, all having some truth in them. The journey of discovering this can be quite interesting, rewarding and ultimately draws us nearer to “the truth” which is in Christ. Luke_warmness is not good, whatever you choose you will have to be totally committed to benefit and remain with it.

*Hmmmm… I think it is wonderful that you care enough to search but to keep on searching, keep on searching, keep on searching…sound like a gramaphone record.

Makes me think you don’t know what you are looking for - you might be looking for something that is of your conception which you will never find. You must look at what exists. Jesus founded His Church here on earth. Read the bible prayerfully and ask Him to help you. Do you have a relationship with the Holy Spirit? Ask Him to guide you.

I sometimes think I prefer a good old atheist (there are plenty of really good people who are) than one who is luke-warm and indifferent. That is something that scares me - to be indifferent and luke-warm. The lack of passion…:nope::nope::nope:

Cinette*

 

[golliju]

Hi Cinnette and Tom,

It is funny how all the “Christians” claim the Holy Spirit as the one who guides them to wherever they are at the time. There is a term that is used by RC’s “separated brethren”,
– “not all men/groups the same”–(Tom) What does “separated brethren” mean to you?

Is God in control of the universe or not? When a person returns to the Catholic Church he/she claims to be led by Mary, or by any of the other holy host of saints. I prefer to attribute the source of my direction to my heavenly Father who loves me and everyone else. He allows us to search for him and find him. Although the RC’s claim to have the complete truth and all the others only portions, remember that the Jews felt they had Moses and the prophets and didn’t need Jesus ( just as the RC’s have everything and the others only part???))

My Christianity was questioned. Love is the sign of a Christian. This extends to ALL people- not only people of your own faith, nation or family. We are not put here
to judge who is right or wrong in their form of worship. God will judge everyone and justly.

Peace and Love
G.

 

[Cinette]

Hi Cinnette and Tom,

It is funny how all the “Christians” claim the Holy Spirit as the one who guides them to wherever they are at the time. There is a term that is used by RC’s “separated brethren”,
– “not all men/groups the same”–(Tom) What does “separated brethren” mean to you?

Is God in control of the universe or not? When a person returns to the Catholic Church he/she claims to be led by Mary, or by any of the other holy host of saints. I prefer to attribute the source of my direction to my heavenly Father who loves me and everyone else. He allows us to search for him and find him. Although the RC’s claim to have the complete truth and all the others only portions, remember that the Jews felt they had Moses and the prophets and didn’t need Jesus ( just as the RC’s have everything and the others only part???))

My Christianity was questioned. Love is the sign of a Christian. This extends to ALL people- not only people of your own faith, nation or family. We are not put here
to judge who is right or wrong in their form of worship. God will judge everyone and justly.

Peace and Love
G.

*Do you believe Jesus founded the Church? He didn’t found a bunch of different Churches. No - only one.

The Church Jesus founded existed for 1500 years until Luther broke away and split the brethren - this was the beginning of Protestantism and they have been multiplying eversince. It is these Christians who are our separated brothers and sisters.

Sometimes it is the Spirit who guides/leads us back to the Church (as in my case) and sometimes it is Mary and sometimes it may be Jesus Himself. Mary always points us to Jesus.

You should study Church history, read your bible and pray. You will find the truth.

Cinette *

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Golliju,

I will let Cinnette respond to your post as she will … here is my response…

Hi Cinnette and Tom,

It is funny how all the “Christians” claim the Holy Spirit as the one who guides them to wherever they are at the time. There is a term that is used by RC’s “separated brethren”,
– “not all men/groups the same”–(Tom) What does “separated brethren” mean to you?

As I understand the term, “separated brethren”, Golliju, it means basically people who share a basic identify, but are not really part of the action. An example may be people in the audience as opposed to people on stage - while all are in the building, there is a difference between these two groups.

Here are a couple of links that may help in clarifying the matter:

newadvent.org/library/docs_jp02uu.htm

catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0009clas.asp

catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0003fea2.asp

catholic.com/thisrock/2007/0701fea4.asp

I hope that helps.

Is God in control of the universe or not?

Yes, God is in control of the universe - but, I do not see how this addresses either the thread or your search for the True Religion. Considering that in your previous post you said tht all regligions were man-made, I really do not know where you are going with this? Feel free to clarify.

When a person returns to the Catholic Church he/she claims to be led by Mary, or by any of the other holy host of saints. I prefer to attribute the source of my direction to my heavenly Father who loves me and everyone else.

Does this mean you are going (returning?) to the Catholic Church? If not, than what is it you do mean? In your initial post, you identified that you have gone from one religion to another - and, it would appear that you are still searching. I do not doubt the God is trying to give you direction, and this evidenced by you having joined CAF. The challenge before you is to take the direction God has been giving you - read His Word - begin with the New Testament. Note how Christ founded a Church on Peter (Matt 16) gave His Body and Blood (not mere symbols) for us to eat (John 6), delegated to men God’s Power to forgive sin and promised the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 20) and then sent the Holy Spirit to give God’s Power to men to spread His Chruch (Acts 1 and 2). There are those, who, like the people in John 6 walked away from Christ and His teaching claiming, “…this is a hard saying, who can listen to it…”. There are also those who, like Peter, put their faith in Christ and said, “…Lord, to whom shall we go, You have the words of eternal life…”.

He allows us to search for him and find him. Although the RC’s claim to have the complete truth and all the others only portions, remember that the Jews felt they had Moses and the prophets and didn’t need Jesus ( just as the RC’s have everything and the others only part???))

Look at it this way: the Bible is divided into two major sections: the first part is the Promise and the second is the fulfillment of that Promise. This is not a matter of ‘feeling’ - rather, our Faith in Christ shows us that He is the Fulfillment of the Promise - the Savior. Read His Words - Christ did not come back and revoke His pledge to the Catholic Church. Christ did not appear to any 16th Century ‘reformer’ and promise them the Truth. The Church Christ founded on Peter is still here - and the current Vicar of Christ is Pope Benedict XVI. The Jews felt they did not need Jesus - and Jesus condemned them for it!

My Christianity was questioned.

As I understood your statements, you have some kind of generalized and generic version of something that calls itself christianity. I have no real idea what it is you are claiming to be - except someone still looking and has possibly found still another ‘man-made religion’. What you have presented is not Christianity… and I guess this is what brings us back the the concept of ‘separated brethern’.

Love is the sign of a Christian. This extends to ALL people- not only people of your own faith, nation or family. We are not put here to judge who is right or wrong in their form of worship. God will judge everyone and justly.

Not quite! Following Christ through Love of God and Love of neighbor is the sign of a Christian. Claiming all religions are man-made does not profess any love. God gave us minds to evaluate objective behavior (and, in the case of posts - what they write)… we can not judge intent - that is for God alone. Again, I ask you to read your Bible. Read what Christ tells us to do and how we are to follow Him throught the Church He established on Peter. This is no generic syrup of, “Let’s love everyone - and let’s all be friends.”

God bless

Peace and Love
G.

 

[pangaious]

I’m sorry! I don’t mean to be rude at all. But, it’s just amazing how three people here have commented and/or agreed with the notion that being a practicing Wiccan is expensive. And, to top it all off, one of them said that he/she left due to high expenses.
Firs of all, this denotes that these people were just not well informed and/or had no true guidance or very little. I know Wicca can be largely a solitary practioner deal. However, every book I’ve read had said and adviced very clearly that one doesn’t have to have any expensive tools to practice; it’s up to the individual. It isn’t the equipment but what you do with it.
Many go with no guidance and others have the proper guidance and don’t, at all, run into this probelm. We don’t need to use robes, it’s optional. You don’t need a sword or athame, it’s optional. you can use youn finger and you can do ritual with regular clothes.
What’s with this grosssly uninformed ex-Wiccans?!

 

[JHow]

I wasn’t going to comment, but that was the first thing I noticed in the orginal post - that wicca was “expensive”.

As a Cub Scout leader, I believe that kids nowadays have lost the DIY spirit. We do a lot of crafts (leather crafts, wood carving) and you would be amazed at how many kids have no experience with making stuff, have never used a pocketknife, saw, or other tools. In my family we have a treasured crucifix made by a great-grandfather, hand-carved and brought from Poland. I made my own cross for above our door out of oak wood. I would encourage anyone to consider making something you need for yourself. It has its own rewards.

 

[thirdworld]

Hi all! I am just curious if anyone here were from a different religious background than Catholic, or have explored other faiths. Just…well, I am always the curious cat, aren’t I?

Yes, I have explored other religions. I’ve considered converting to Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism (although one can’t officially ‘convert’), the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Anglicanism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. I was most impressed by Islam, certain cults of Hinduism, and the Hare Krishnas. I decided on converting to Roman Catholicism instead. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with studying other religions and making a decision on which one to follow. Educating yourself is extremely important and it’s the way many non-Christians have converted to Christianity. Obviously I don’t support the conversion to anything except Catholicism, but I think it’s important that people make a decision to be Christian with full knowledge of both Christianity and other religions.

What I liked about other religions:

Islam-strong focus on giving to the poor and needy, women’s property & inheritance rights, emphasis on seeking knowledge and learning, and simple concept of God (there is no god but God) along with the 99 names of God makes it very easy to understand who God is and what God does.

Hinduism-beautiful artwork, fascinating stories, easily-relatable gods and goddesses (I really like the Lakshmi personality), oldest living religion, peaceful, karma, and I just felt that Hinduism is a very spiritual and mystical religion and very sacred.

Hare Krishnas-agreed with most of their principles, found Krishna fascinating and believed there was truth within him, liked their mantra, and they generally seemed like peaceful and good people.

Clearly I wasn’t impressed by any of these religions enough to convert and I have no desire to convert to anything right now, I’m content and happy being Catholic.

 

[SedesDomi]

…Hinduism (although one can’t officially ‘convert’)…

Au contraire.

 

[Sufjon]

Hi all! I am just curious if anyone here were from a different religious background than Catholic, or have explored other faiths. Just…well, I am always the curious cat, aren’t I?

I have to admit, I was raised Catholic then moved away from it. I was a Lutheran for awhile but I missed the “glitz and glamor” as my dad calls it, of the Catholic Church. I tried to get into Wiccan but realised it was too complicated and expensive. So now I am drifting, and I supposeI wonder what other people have experienced.

Hi HauntedJame: I have explored and continue to explore other religions. I have explored Catholicism too. For some people it might be a drifting experience like you mentioned, but for me it’s more of a defining experience. I listen to what people have to say, I experience their worship and I am drawing what conclusions I can. I’m seeing some good things about all of them. There’s a lot for me to learn.

 

[Sufjon]

Au contraire.

Hi SedesDomi: Ok, I’ll take the bait. Seems that you disagree with what THirdWorld said. How does one officially convert to Hinduism? I wasn’t aware that that they had an indoctrination process. Seriously, I’m curious. Thanks.

 

[SedesDomi]

Hi SedesDomi: Ok, I’ll take the bait. Seems that you disagree with what THirdWorld said. How does one officially convert to Hinduism? I wasn’t aware that that they had an indoctrination process. Seriously, I’m curious. Thanks.

Click on the link.

 

[Sufjon]

Click on the link.

Interesting, but that’s a book by a particular Satguru, and that is his prescribed method, which is correct but not the only correct way. In fact. many Hindus don’t actually even have a Guru. It’s considered a rare blessing to find one in a given lifetime. There are many Gurus out there, but it is thought that there is only one for a given person, and they may not run into him (or her) for many lifetimes. Now, there are many rituals and practices, but not really the conflict over them that you find in Christianity. Practitioners of Tantra will not normally dispute a Yogi, although the practices are very different. Devotes of Shiva go about what they do and don’t dispute devotees of Krishna (as a rule). While this one gentleman’s manual on how to become a Hindu is his recommended path, the paths are actually boundless. There is no formal organizational structure to the Hindu faith. No one to let you in and no one to excommunicate you. You can start showing up at a temple and once you learn the bhajans they’re using, you’re pretty much part of the scene. Yes, you will draw a good bit of attention at first if you’re not brown, but that’s just curiosity. I will agree that there are however many conditions upon being accepted by a Guru, but being accepted by a Guru isn’t required to be a Hindu. Most Hindus do follow a very prescribed course of faith because they are born into it. In youth, they study scripture, arts and sciences. The next stage of life is what is called being a householder, and then after that’s finished you move into a life of contemplation and furthering of your spiritual exploration. But of you’re not born into it you can pretty much jump in from wherever you are. But there is indeed a lot to do, and in that respect, this book is universally correct. That religion will keep you VERY busy if you take it seriously. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Roy5]

Yes, I have explored many other religions, here in the USA and in place slike Egypt, India, Korea, China, Japan and elsewhere. I have read widely in their scriptures.

My conclusion - in a nutshell. I know God through the prism of Christ and have remained a faithful Christian. At the same time, I have found most people of other faiths to be sincere, dedicated, and - in some cases - far more tolerant than some Christians. 

I recall living with a Hindu family in India. They had an altar filled with symbols and paintings of various gods, quite at odds with monotheism it seemed. Two things dawned on me after a few days. (1) These gods were representatives of the one supreme force, power, in the world. The father indicated that several times in our earnest conversations.

(2) The family was far more Christian in its love for God and their kindness to others than some Christians I know. If they don’t get to heaven I have to fret about my own chances.

 One weakness of many Christians is an arrogance that seems to me to contradict the humility and love expressed by Jesus. Some of these other faiths - like Hinduism - go back well before the birth of Christ. Their scriptures are filled with inspirational material. The notion that they are heathen, pagan etc is supercilious and judgmental. 

 God bless good people of every creed, color and country, and may religion become a bridge rather than a barrier.

 

[Sufjon]

Hi Roy5: Yes! I’m glad I plugged into this website. I’m meeting a lot of kind people with great insight to share. Thank you!