Is It Wrong? (Please Read, In Need Of Help)

Hello everyone, as you all know, yes I am new here, but I have an honest proposal to you all. I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God? I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore, but I don't want to ask fellow Christian's because I know all that I'll get is, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah". I would just like an honest answer from some people here. I know I am new and all, but I'm sure that I can get some good honest answers from some good people. I've made Christian videos on YouTube for the past 2-3 weeks or so, but all I've seen is Christian's attacking each other over certain doctrines and Bible translation's and just pointless crap like that. I would just like an honest answer, and if someone could help me, I'd be so greatly appreciative. Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing what you all think. :)

If it's any consolation to you, Mother Teresa did have doubts about God herself.

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Originally Posted by JordanW

Hello everyone, as you all know, yes I am new here, but I have an honest proposal to you all. I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God? I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore, but I don't want to ask fellow Christian's because I know all that I'll get is, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah". I would just like an honest answer from some people here. I know I am new and all, but I'm sure that I can get some good honest answers from some good people. I've made Christian videos on YouTube for the past 2-3 weeks or so, but all I've seen is Christian's attacking each other over certain doctrines and Bible translation's and just pointless crap like that. I would just like an honest answer, and if someone could help me, I'd be so greatly appreciative. Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing what you all think. :)

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Firstly, I would like to welcome you to the forum. Welcome! :D

I think I know what you're going through, at least to some extent. I once considered myself a Christian, but now I can barely call myself an agnostic. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with having doubts, as long as you address them. I'm sure many Christians have had doubts. Talking with an adult Christian that you trust might help you address these doubts, or simply spending more time with God. Read your Bible, pray, attend church, etc.

If all else fails you can try looking at a the philosophy of religion. More specifically, you could try to get yourself back passed reasonable doubt by examining a few of the arguments proposed by theists you counter atheist. But this is not recommended; you might find yourself digging a deeper hole.

Anyways, if anyone on this board is capable of better answering to this dilemma, it would be Pendragon, or such is my opinion.

It would be so easy to toss a stone your way as I consider myself an experienced whited sepuchre with a great streak of Phariseeisim in me. Doubts are a normal way of measuring growth in faith. We are to search the scriptures to see what God has to say. I believe THIS above all else. A Christian who doubts has taken their eyes off the Lord Christ. You may read, pray, evangelize and do multiple good works but if the eye and heart are not centered on the Lord Christ the doubts and lure of the world will work its magic. Remember Thomas was filled with doubts until he beheld the wounds of Christ. I am not a believer in losing your faith. My question is did you ever have it?? God can assure your heart on that score. Also if you watch the Christians--myself very much included too much you will be discouraged and experience a bit of hardening of the heart. Some of my worst sins and they are numerous were commited after believing in Christ. Hope this helps. By the way if God sends Pendragon to talk to you you are blessed indeed. I'm not as nice as he is. Hope this helps. Welcome aboard Rich

There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.

Why on earth would questioning a belief system you have never questioned hitherto be wrong?

Because I am becoming older and I am starting to really think things through. Things have also been happening to me, and I have prayed to God to heal me of many things, and nothing is happening. I'll link you to my video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-BWE8GrVllI

I took the time to watch your video and I have no doubt about your sincerity. Personally I think your healing is beginning--just not in the way you hoped and expected. The apostle Paul had a thorn in the flesh that he asked to be removed 3 times but it was for the glory of God it remained. I have a problem with your remark on the video you were raised Christian. Faith can be shared but it can't be trasmitted. That whats the gospel is for. You are at an age where the world and your future is opening up before you and yes it is a scary time. But as above--place your eyes back on the Lord Christ and ignore me and the other Christians that might bring you down--unless we point you to the Lord--plus why would Go deceive us. You might try to read the Bible (and I don't care what translation you use or for that manner what music you worship to--) but I suspect you let way too many people bother you by he inconsistencies in our lives. Even the Lord had aJudas amongst him. I'm 57 and I still fret and and worry but I know where the solution lies. I hope better for you but you shouldn't just blow off the brethren in the faith due to the weaknesses and sins of others or who would stand at the end of the day? With respect and a view towards encouraging you--Rich. Really wish Pendragon was here--he is a Godly man in all the right meanings of the word.

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Originally Posted by JordanW

Because I am becoming older and I am starting to really think things through. Things have also been happening to me, and I have prayed to God to heal me of many things, and nothing is happening.

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Hey Jordan,

I'm agnostic. I find comfort in the the mystery of the universe. When someone claims with absolute certainty that they know what's going on in the universe I quickly run the other way. Those morons that flew the planes into the WTC were certain. I live in the south US, and the vast majority of folks around here are baptists and believe, seemingly without question, that some sky-daddy created them special in all the universe. How egotistical! To me religion is a human construct designed to dampen one's natural fear of death. Nothing more. You are right to have doubts about a Christian (or any other religion.

There is another aspect however--love. Despite all the paranormal mumbo-jumbo in the bible the core wisdom, that love is key to eternal happiness, can be embraced by everyone, including atheists. When you are laying on your death bed, the end being near, you will look back and judge your life by how happy you've been. You will either die happy or not. And death is indeed eternal. And real happiness can only, in my opinion, be achieved through adhering to what many call 'the golden rule.' If you treat others with love and kindness, you will die happy, which in my agnostic opinion is what it's all about.

Peace,
Doug

You should perhaps read Kierkegaard, whose Christianity was one of fear, trembling, and doubt.
To doubt your religion is far from immoral or wrong (Father, why have you forsaken me?), and will result either in your completely forsaking religion, or strengthening it by deepening your faith, even if rejecting dogmatic sectarianism.

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Originally Posted by JordanW

Because I am becoming older and I am starting to really think things through. Things have also been happening to me, and I have prayed to God to heal me of many things, and nothing is happening. I'll link you to my video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-BWE8GrVllI

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Jordan, please remember that Christians are not Christ. We are just as flawed as anyone. Some of us believe that following Christ's teachings makes us more Christ-like but it does not make us better than anyone else, and far from perfect. Sometimes, what appears as judgemental is just someone trying to voice their own truth. If someone seems to be talking down to you or berating you for your questioning, I think it might be because they are unsure of their own faith or afraid of losing it. I believe God gave us our brains and our intellect and celebrates that we use them. I agree with the others here that you should search and read the scriptures for yourself, find your own truth. God is for us, not against us.
As for music, I couldn't understand the song you used on your video so you probably also understand that I am a lot older than you. However, I have always enjoyed taking popular music and claiming it for my own spirituality. Sometimes I have to tweak a word or two but most often the message that God is love comes through loud and clear.
And I know how frustrating it is to wait for answers to prayer. The problem often is that we cannot see the answers.
My youngest son suffers from anxiety and severe panic attacks and I pray constantly that he receive peace.
May I add you to my prayer list?

I can see your dilemma, in seeking advice. It seems you are receiving remedies to cure your doubt in Christianity, but it seems these aides are missing your true trouble.

If your doubt only pertained to Christianity, a look at any other religion would suite you, but you say you are haveing trouble believing in the idea of a higher being. It would be very difficult for you to receive advice where a certain God is not mentioned, but steps should be taken. The action of you seeking advice shows that you are devoted in the doctrine of Christ, but you just need to feel that it is possible.

I'm glad you mentioned God as well as Jesus, becuase God seems to be a sideshow in some Christian denominations. This neglect has lead to the doubt in my Christian friends. Without the Father the Son becomes meaningless in relation to divinity. I often felt that it didn't matter whether he was the son of God or not, or if he even existed, because his code of conduct was something to be admired (much like Gandhi).

If you were a slave and your master promised to free you one day, but along the way he gave you a certain amount of freedom on his land (provided you followed a code of conduct) and gave you the ability to sustain yourself; he also is an ear when you need somebody to talk to. Time goes by and you ask for something, but he doesn't seem to acknowledge you. You ask for something else and still nothing. Don't doubt because He doesn't answer your prayers, because He promised freedom from the body not comfortability within it.

The Hindu religion has some great concepts that cover hardships and the relationship between man and the divine. I think it is strong of the Muslim religion to encourage their members to read Christian, Hindu and other religious doctrines.

I don't believe in a god myself, but fear that mans morality would drop without it. Not to say that the religious can't be immoral, but taboos are a stong influence.

The following was posted in another thread:

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Originally Posted by Smoogles

Norman Malcom (American philosopher)

1.) If God does not exist, his existence is logically impossible (because by definition God is eternal and independent so he cannot come into being or be caused to come into being).

2.) If God does exist, his existence is logically necessary (because he cannot have come into existence [for the reasons given above] or cease to exist, for if he did, he would be limited, and by definition God is unlimited).

3.) Hence, either God's existence is logically impossible or it is logically necessary.

4.) If God's existence is logically impossible, then the concept of God is self-contradictory.

5.) The concept of God is not self-contradictory.

6.) Therefore, God's existence is logically necessary.

7.) Therefore, God exists.

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C.S. Lewis said, correct me if I'm wrong: no one can say that they are Christian, for it is not something you are but something you maintain. Those who judgments about your faith, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah," are maitaining their Christianity.

Lastly, Thomas wasn't damned for his skepticism. It's not a sin to ask to see Jesus' wounds.

Peace be with you.

That sounds a lot like a time I have been through. My time of doubt spurred me into my time of searching and learning, which brought me into my time of confidence.

I suggest that you use this doubt as encouragement to study and learn as much as you can about any questions you have. When I was facing extreme doubt in my younger years, I discarded everything I was taught to believe, and searched to find truth for myself, not based on what others believe.

Of course, not all of my questions were answered right then, because I had so many and they were really hard questions, but a ton were answered. I am a firm believer that if you honestly search for truth, the truth will reveal itself. I am confident that, with a passionate heart, and a willingness to see God for who he truly is, God will show you what you need to see.

Welcome to LitNet, first. :wave:

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Originally Posted by JordanW

I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God?

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From my perspective at least, absolutely not.
It is a question of choice whether or not you wish to perserve in your adult life some aspects of the culture you grew up with, including religious practice and values and belief itself that come 'packed' with it. In order to make that choice, one probably has to go through the period of questioning whether or not the values and practices one grew up with 'suit' them any more, as well as one usually also meets alternative points of view in order to be able to compare and choose. If anything, the whole process can be characterised as "good", because whichever choice you come up with, it carries greater weight by the sole fact you chose it (as opposed to the values and practices you grew up with, as it was not your conscious choice to be born into certain culture and religion).

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I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore [...]

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Maybe it is only your imagination; maybe it is not. However, it is again your choice how much weight are you going to put into that question. I personally have never fully answered for myself to the question whether there is G-d, despite the fact I 'officially' claim myself an atheist, yet I simply do not put that much weight into that question; I am not implying that neither you should, however, have you tried to ask yourself how much does it actually mean to you? A lot of people who come from religious background at some point in their lives realise not that there is or is not G-d but, in fact, that the question itself does not mean that much to them to ponder that much over it. Some perserve religious practice as a part of their tradition, some not, but without stressing over it (you seem to stress over it, which is why I emphasise that).

How about simply taking a break? From religion, religious practice, thoughts about it. How about taking some time to dedicate to your other interests without stressing religion, just letting it wait for some better times, when you are more ready to think it over calmly? Sometimes it is amazing what time can do, and when you abandon some questions that provoke anxiety inside of you, usually after some time you can return to them and see them from entirely different angle than before. ;)

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Originally Posted by JordanW

Hello everyone, as you all know, yes I am new here, but I have an honest proposal to you all. I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God? I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore, but I don't want to ask fellow Christian's because I know all that I'll get is, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah". I would just like an honest answer from some people here. I know I am new and all, but I'm sure that I can get some good honest answers from some good people. I've made Christian videos on YouTube for the past 2-3 weeks or so, but all I've seen is Christian's attacking each other over certain doctrines and Bible translation's and just pointless crap like that. I would just like an honest answer, and if someone could help me, I'd be so greatly appreciative. Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing what you all think. :)

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Jordan W.

No, it's not wrong to have doubts. Having doubts proves that you're alive and have a functioning mind.

Doubt isn't even necessarily the right word. As we age we step back from time to time and examine who we are, where we are, what we believe. If you're hiking, climbing, sailing you do the same thing; you pause and take a look around to check whether you're making progress, whether you're on the right path or not. What dangers might you need to deal with.

Just because we're assessing spiritually rather than physically is no reason to get fearful. It's still the smart thing to do.

EV

"Is it wrong?"


No it is not wrong to have doubts. After all, the psalmist expressed great criticism and disgust over his god's unmerciful wickedness. If it is true that this god is a respecter of persons so that no one is more evil or more worthy of grace than anyone else, then it is perfecty OK for you to have your doubts as well.

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Originally Posted by JordanW

Hello everyone, as you all know, yes I am new here, but I have an honest proposal to you all. I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God? I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore, but I don't want to ask fellow Christian's because I know all that I'll get is, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah". I would just like an honest answer from some people here. I know I am new and all, but I'm sure that I can get some good honest answers from some good people. I've made Christian videos on YouTube for the past 2-3 weeks or so, but all I've seen is Christian's attacking each other over certain doctrines and Bible translation's and just pointless crap like that. I would just like an honest answer, and if someone could help me, I'd be so greatly appreciative. Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing what you all think. :)

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I believe that a faith becomes more valuable if it belongs to someone who periodically doubts. You think about your faith instead of just blindly accepting what is fed to you. I have often doubted, but each time, God finds a way to remind me of His power.

Also, just because God does not heal you in the manner you expect him to, or in the timely manner than you expect Him to, it doesn't mean he won't heal you, or that he hasn't already. Remember, all things work for good for those that serve the Lord. This has been a very difficult lesson for me to learn. I have struggled with chronic illness, and He hasn't healed me yet, but I have faith that He will use this pain for good later on.

If I were to judge Christianity purely through the church, then it is highly unlikely that I would believe in Christ. The church has strayed from the teachings of Jesus, and has become caught up in petty arguments. It is so divided, and ministers have begun to focus so much on shaping their messages to please the worldly masses that they are forgetting about Christ. There are so many Christians who profess Christ with their mouths, and then deny Him with their actions.

I know you are in a Christian correspondence course studying to become an I-don't-know-what, but try not to judge God purely by the church. We are all human, and weak because of it, and following humans inevitably leads us astray. Don't follow another blind man. :)

You will be in my prayers; I know God will bring you through your doubt.

Re: Is it wrong?


No one can judge whether you've actually lost your faith. That is between you and God Himself. I can tell you that many, Mother Theresa included, have questioned their faith, yet still acted on that faith, in the name of God. So no, it's not wrong to question your faith, just keep doing good works in His name, and I'm sure questions of your faith will be answered in time.

One thing to consider when you're on the christian-nonchristian fence is: consider the reasoning for and against the christian faith. Does proof of God and Heaven really exist? Are miracles really God saving people, or just good events people call miracles? Consider that if some people are saved in a miracle, many others die. Thousands die by storms in southeast Asia, but God is busy giving miracles to car accident victims or whatever.
Plus, praying can get one of three answers: "Yes", "no", or "wait." If you think about it, you could pray to any object, from a mailbox to Allah, and get one of those three answers. "Mailbox, will I get a raise at work?" *no raise* "THe mailbox answered that I would not get a raise."
Just a few examples.

You know what was weird? Someone sent me a PM encouraging me to be a Muslim. :|

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Originally Posted by JordanW

You know what was weird? Someone sent me a PM encouraging me to be a Muslim. :|

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Da'wa. :rolleyes: One cannot escape from it in the cyber world, you will just have to learn to ignore it. Happened to me on the other forum; I was always pretty mad about proselytism where it is not its place, but after the experiences with repeated da'wa, I became allergic on it. Ignore it.

Hi Jordon!

As a minister who has had a nervous breakdown and suffers from bi-polar, I have been filled with doubts quite often. But in those doubts when I come to the end of it all, I still find that my faith in God is what counts in life. Yes, people are judgmental and they argue over trifles, to the extent of churches breaking up or refusal to accept anyone who doesn't agree. But as Lady Amp said, Christians are not Christ. You have to serve God for you, serving God for others will never work, for others will let you down.

I watched your video and cried. You seem to be an honest person who is fighting something you cannot understand. If people haven't been there, they may have trouble understanding as well. I have been there, little brother, and I understand. Panic and depression are two flip sides of the coin. You feel so tight inside you think you are gonna burst. Then you sink into a blackness that feels so heavy you just wish you would die. Please, try to fight this all you can. It is no sin nor is it weakness to seek help for this problem.

Don't let people sink your boat. People will said and do what they want, regardless of what you believe. There are those who will say, do this or that and we will accept you. You end up not fitting in anywhere, because you know in your heart that you are wrong, and become miserable. Stick to your principles, believe in what you believe, serve God the way you find best for you. If others disagree, let them. God alone is the judge. Doesn't the Bible say that to your own master you stand or you fall? Why allow others to ruin life for you?

Know that I will be praying for you. If you need a friend, my e-mail address is posted on my profile. Or drop me a private message. I am always willing to take the time for someone else. Keep fighting the good fight. I love you.

God Bless

Dale Harris (Pendragon)

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1.../Four/Dale.gif

Take two aspirans and call God in the morning. A cure for bombardment of rhetoric as oppose to faith in your own experience.

Peace!

To doubt is a process of approaching to truth. I think the mission of a religion is not to provide a "real god" to protect people, but to supervise the behavior of individuals and even the whole society.Underneath glory from the God, you can keep yourself away from inharmony, immorality, and crime. Because you know that the God will always put an eye on you. That is the fundamental faith in one, being gregarious.
We, and also the civilization need some embodied noble image to be the judge and hold us together. That is beyond regulations and the law.

Religion not to supervise society-society supervise itself with consolation that they have freedom of action even though they all being contolled by a Higher Power. Anyone can be moralist but religion for seekers of Truth-kind not found in books.

Sounds like you are human Jordanw

As I Muslim peron I will heal your problem..
Imagin that you next to a river and in this a river a ship..CAN A SHIP COME TO YOU BY ITSELF??
Of course the answer will be NO..
WHY..Because it needs driver to move it.So, it can come to you by itself.Like the creatures.They not found by themself.There is a Creator creats them..

I Hope I help you..

Personally I believe that God would prefer that we stop and think about what it is exactly we believe every now and then instead of blindly going through life accepting what people tell us, I believe that coming through a period of doubt and finding that you do in fact still believe in God makes your faith that much more solid because you've actually really thought about why it is you believe an what it is you believe in. At least that has been my personal experience. I also don't believe that there is only one way to believe in God, maybe you just need to look at the way you think about God.

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Originally Posted by tanitan

To doubt is a process of approaching to truth. I think the mission of a religion is not to provide a "real god" to protect people, but to supervise the behavior of individuals and even the whole society.Underneath glory from the God, you can keep yourself away from inharmony, immorality, and crime. Because you know that the God will always put an eye on you. That is the fundamental faith in one, being gregarious.
We, and also the civilization need some embodied noble image to be the judge and hold us together. That is beyond regulations and the law.

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Tanitan, you sound as if you're grounded in some sort of faith. You don't sound as if you're actively seeking a religion.

EV

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Originally Posted by JordanW

Hello everyone, as you all know, yes I am new here, but I have an honest proposal to you all. I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God? I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore, but I don't want to ask fellow Christian's because I know all that I'll get is, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah". I would just like an honest answer from some people here. I know I am new and all, but I'm sure that I can get some good honest answers from some good people. I've made Christian videos on YouTube for the past 2-3 weeks or so, but all I've seen is Christian's attacking each other over certain doctrines and Bible translation's and just pointless crap like that. I would just like an honest answer, and if someone could help me, I'd be so greatly appreciative. Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing what you all think. :)

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You have to question anything you believe in if you think your faith is strong.

always I say : have good books about the religions , read them well , ask one of the people who know this religion very will ( don`t ask normal people , they will confuse you more ) just be careful , don`t let passion attack you .. don`t make any bad judgments on religions based on some people .. do good researches as well BY YOUR SELF .. ask many religious people from many religious believes ..
then choose your religion , don`t push your self .. have your FULL time to THINK ..

Good luck in this

Hope Jordan is OK. It has been almost a month since he last showed up on the Forum.

I'm sure he's fine, well here's my response to his OP:

I'd say doubt is healthy, I'm not sure that's a Christian response but there you have it. I'd say if you had no doubt then there would be reason to be concerned about your sanity.
The fact is that believing in the supernatural God in this day and age is hard, there is so much weighing against that belief in society, popular culture, science, and philosophy that to have a firm belief you either need to be very adept at putting your head in the sand or you need to be able to accept contradiction and a loss of rational reasoning.
Don't feel bad, I'd say 99% of people who have no doubts about God in this day and age are either idiots or lunatics - be glad that you don't fall into this category because that's where zealots are born.

If you love God then just pick up the shards of the broken vase of Christianity and use some "special" glue to put the pieces back together. Once you've done that, handle with care, the glue is only as strong as you let it be.

My minister always used to say that a healthy faith isn't a blind faith (just thought I'd inject something Christian into my post).

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Originally Posted by Dapper Drake

Don't feel bad, I'd say 99% of people who have no doubts about God in this day and age are either idiots or lunatics - be glad that you don't fall into this category because that's where zealots are born.

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You should remember that's only people you know. :) What if no one is an idiot or lunatic?

There isn't anything wrong with having doubts. But there isn't anything wrong with having no doubts, either. Having faith is one of the greatest benedictions we can receive. There was a study that found a rat could swim, 10 or 20 times longer if it had faith it would find a shore, before it drowned.

Doubt is the greatest form of faith--in one's self. To be fair to yourself give yourself permission to strip as much of your indoctrinations from your mindset as is possible. Then explore all faiths and denominations and no faith and you will eventually find yourself and what you believe, not what you were brought up to believe or told to believe but what you truly believe. Be brave, explore, face yourself in the mirror and have faith in yourself to know your own mind and heart. Good luck with your journey.

I think having faith is having doubts but believing anyway because you think its right, having no doubts and believing isn't faith its being brainwashed. Brainwashing may empower you (as per the example with the rat) but its very dangerous.