spiritual discussionsThis is the place at AW for mamas to learn about all different religions and beliefs, to ask questions, to give answers- all done with respect! if you don't have anything nice to say here- don't say anything at all.
I grew up going to an Open Bible church, never "felt" anything, but I was into the whole singing, church camp, stuff. Never baptized (maybe blessed when I was very tiny, like 2 or 3).
Stopped going to church when I got married at 17. Didn't go back until I think May of this year, we went steadily to an Episcopal church for a couple of months, it was okay.
But I really don't 100% know what I believe. Then summer came and we got busy and stopped going, and it's just gone on longer since we've had a lot of overnight guests on the weekends, and well, it's been a few months.
Yesterday the pastor called me, asked how we were, they miss us, etc. So I told him my excuses (hey, they're not bad ones,lol). Then last night I told dh we should go to church on Sunday.
Today I changed my mind. I felt guilted into going. Like, we said we wanted to join the church, we have our picture in the church directory, we should be going, we committed, how can we just quit.
But do I feel spiritually connected to what's being said? Not exaclty. Do I feel like I belong? Not exactly. I felt connected to my Opa being there, because he is an Episcopalian minister and I miss him (he's in FLA).
And I don't have an answer, and I never felt anything when I prayed, never felt love or a presence, or being protected, or got an answer or anything. I'm sure people can relate, please speak up, then I won't feel so mean/soul-less!
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SAH-Homeschooling-College Student-Mom to my two little guys, 8 & 5.
I don't have a lot of time. But 2 things quickly--first, you do NOT have to be 100% spiritually committed to attend church. Not at all. Don't feel like you have to fake it, or that you can only go to church if you are a certain way. Second--talk to the pastor! He's contacted you, he sounds like he cares. Lay it out for him, like you just did. He (if he's anything like my DH, at least ) will be able to help you see what your questions are, and point you in the right direction to studying/learning more. Sometimes that's good discussion, sometimes it's reading a book, etc.
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Heather
Birthday boy eating birthday pancakes. Happy 7th to Erik! My blog
First of all, it's not "mean" to not want to go to church or like going to church.
Second, why do you feel you need to feel spiritual or feel anything when you pray?
FWIW, I never felt anything when I prayed, either. However, I am an extremely spiritual person. What helped me realize that I'm very spiritual is that I started listening to my inner voices and going with my gut feelings on things. I read a lot of things that helped me figure out what I'm *not*.
This is your life. You don't have to believe in anything you don't want to believe in. Maybe you're a humanist. I don't know. I know that I now dabble in a religion (though I do not embrace it) that suits me every now and then. I'm not 100% into it, but that's okay. I take what I like and leave the rest. I'm very ecclectic that way.
I am protected and I know I am, but I don't necessarily *feel* it. I got my knowledge verified by a friend who can see energy around a person, but *shrug*. It was no big deal.
I think if you don't feel you need religion, that's good. It means you aren't letting fear guide your life. We need more ppl like that on this planet, IMO. Good luck!
I'm with you. Right now I'm "searching" for where I belong. I did take the girls back to church a couple of weeks ago. I like the fellowship and I do believe in God, I think. Not 100% sure about Jesus and the Bible, but I guess I won't know what I believe unless I investigate Good luck!!
I think if you don't feel you need religion, that's good. It means you aren't letting fear guide your life. We need more ppl like that on this planet, IMO. Good luck!
That's not a very tolerant statement, you know, nor is it accurate. If she feels she doesn't need religion, or you feel you don't need religion--hey, your choice. But to imply that I am letting fear guide my life? Hardly.
I think it is very hard for me to *not* feel like I need it, since I grew up with it. I think I want the fellowship, something to belong to as a group (but not a cult,lol). There has to be SOMETHING. And I believe the bible is a nice story book, Jesus was a person, and here's some stories people wrote about him, kind of like a giant game of telephone.
That's not a very tolerant statement, you know, nor is it accurate. If she feels she doesn't need religion, or you feel you don't need religion--hey, your choice. But to imply that I am letting fear guide my life? Hardly.
I agree, Heather. Religion isn't about fear for the majority of believers.
To the OP. I've been in your shoes. And you probably ought to be 100% honest with your pastor. He might be able to make you feel better. ~or~ He can tell you if what you believe doesn't mesh well with an Episcopal church. In that case, then you can search out another chuch to go to. There are lots of Christian denominations that believe decidedly different things about God, life, the universe, and salvation (or lack thereof).
We haven't been attending church in the last few years, for lots of reasons, not the least of which are my "issues" with certain basics of Christianity. But we are going to start up again in the very near future, as I feel it is important for my kids to be raised in a community of caring and good people. I think a religious congregation is the best place to find that.
There has to be SOMETHING. And I believe the bible is a nice story book, Jesus was a person, and here's some stories people wrote about him, kind of like a giant game of telephone.
You're not alone. Lots of people are searching. Me included. We are trying out Unity for the third Sunday tomorrow. It is a big church -- and while I think I'd prefer small, being big there are lots of programs and a classrooms for children for each grade or two. The children have LOVED "church school." We like the basic tennets and some parts of the service. From reading here, I wonder how many people/families find a perfect match.
I think it is very hard for me to *not* feel like I need it, since I grew up with it. I think I want the fellowship, something to belong to as a group (but not a cult,lol). I believe in something, God or something. There has to be SOMETHING. And I believe the bible is a nice story book, Jesus was a person, and here's some stories people wrote about him, kind of like a giant game of telephone.
Thanks you guys for trying to help. {{hugs}}
You've summed up my thoughts exactly! If you do find something that you like, would you mind sharing what it is?
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Mama to Cole (9), Naomi (8), Adam (7), and Noah (4)
All adopted - All breastfed
Wife to David for 12 years!
Breastfeeding Counsellor and Doula
Accepted into midwifery school for February 2009!
We are moving to New Zealand on January 29th
Yikes, there is TONS to do before then. Gulp.
I've tried them all! (not literally, but almost) Boy, have I been seeking and searching and practicing and "trying on" various religions for the past many years.
I finally gave up on finding a "group" and did my own thing and was led by God to read the Bible by myself...which I did and found things that totally clashed with what my former religion told me. I read and read and realized that the Bible was my "religion" and my home. (Jesus/God of the Bible)
So, I ended up in the most unexpected place! *lol* Happy and know I'm where God wants me to be.
I guess I'm sharing this to encourage you to never give up...I know God does not give up.
Oh, my husband is agnostic but actually chose the church we are attending. (long story) He is investigating Christianity due to the radical changes he sees in my life and the peace, happiness, and freedom I now have that I have never had before. So...who knows what will happen with my dh?!?
We went to church yesterday. It was fine, older ds had fun in sunday school. I feel at peace with it, I felt comfortable there. We decided to continue to go to the Episcopal church. Dh agrees.
There are times when we just question everything we're doing in the world, if we're doing it right, if it feels right, if we *know* it's right. We fall out of what we're trying to do, and then find our way back, and it has to be in our own time, and the right time. I think we'll start to settle in this time.
We went to church yesterday. It was fine, older ds had fun in sunday school. I feel at peace with it, I felt comfortable there. We decided to continue to go to the Episcopal church. Dh agrees.
There are times when we just question everything we're doing in the world, if we're doing it right, if it feels right, if we *know* it's right. We fall out of what we're trying to do, and then find our way back, and it has to be in our own time, and the right time. I think we'll start to settle in this time.
That is good to hear. Episcopal is where I first tested the Christain waters. I do like that denomination.
I think we all question things at times, and I know that I personally don't rely on my feelings as they are a quick to change as the weather! Questioning IMHO is good because it causes us to reach and grow and also causes those around us (who we may direct our questions to) to grow too!
Not sure what I believe
) will be able to help you see what your questions are, and point you in the right direction to studying/learning more. Sometimes that's good discussion, sometimes it's reading a book, etc.
Good luck!!
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