How do i beleive

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jason69

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Hi. Most of my brothers and sisters were christened in The Church Of England unlike myself who has never been christened or baptised. I do not know the reason why. Because I do not feel the presence of a God or cannot see or have had a message I really don’t know what to think. Anyone feel the same?
 
Thank you. I feel a charlatan doing that if I don’t believe. Does that make sense to you?
 
Well, it’s not as simple as what Nelka said. You’d take some RCIA classes before converting, and hopefully, after that, you will have discerned that you indeed want to be Baptized as a child of God, and you would begin that new life in Christ. There are many RCIA Directors here and a couple of priests, Ask any question that comes to mind but do visit a priest and see if that is the path for you at this moment in your life.
 
Hi Jason! I want to encourage you to keep searching for that reason(s) to believe. It wasn’t until I did the same thing, searched with my whole heart, that God was able to speak and show me His presence deeply in my soul. My advice is also to simply try and pray 😊 find a quiet spot and tell God what you’ve told us here but also your other struggles around you’re wanting to believe. Faith is a gift from God, and it is not something we generate within ourselves. Be open to receiving the gift (which it seems like you are!).
 
It seems significant that you would come to a forum such as this and post such a question. I would say that this, in itself, indicates that you are already responding to God’s call. Pursuing the question can be the presence of God.

Do you read the Scriptures?

Have you heard of RCIA.
 
Firstly the fact you ask the question shows goodness in your heart. There is nothing wrong with doubt, ours is not a God that fears facts! I’d encourage you to check out a thread i started called “why the negativity?”. You said you cannot see God but i would argue that you see him so often you don’t see the wood from the trees. It’s worth a thought…
 
Thank you for your positive comments. I shall look into it. God bless Jason
 
What does RCIA stand for? Is it the same or similar to a journey into faith?
 
RCIA is the name of certain classes that bring adults into the Catholic Church
 
It’s all new to me. I have seen a Catholic priest today and I shall be making an appointment to talk about things in more detail. I have not started reading the bible yet. How should it be read, start to finish?
 
I say don’t read the Bible until you have a firm grasp on the Faith.
It can be very very hard to read and understand. It was written in a different language and completely different culture. It can take many years of scholarship to accurately discern what is being said and meant.
In fact, many protestant churches make the error of thinking they can interpret the Bible accurately individually (though they claim help from God). The Church is the authoritative interpreter of Scripture.

So I say wait until you understand the Faith before reading the Bible.
When you do start, get a nice Catholic Bible like the Douey Rheims. Then I say read the New Testament from start to finish first, then go back and read the Old Testament start to finish, and read the New Testament again.
 
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I’d recommend reading Mark chapter 9 and praying the phrase “Lord, I believe, help me with my unbelief.”

Just the simple fact that you’re able to admit curiosity tells me that you have some level of belief. Find someone to walk alongside you who’ll be willing to help you ‘figure out the basics’ and introduce you to different parts of the faith. That person will sponsor you through the RCIA process and help you adjust to the life of the church.
 
Whenever you’re experiencing doubts or depression. Any time that you come across something in your classes or reading that really puzzles you or that you have trouble agreeing with. And it’s not something to be said lightly. Mean it, feel it, and surrender your heart/mind to God when you do it. You don’t have to pray it out loud. Praying it silently works just as well.
 
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