Religious Education Forum  

Welcome to Religious Forums
Welcome Guest to ReligiousForums.com . You are currently not registered. When you become registered you will be able to interact with our large base of already registered users discussing topics. Some annoying Ads will also disappear when you register. Registering doesn't cost a thing and only takes a few seconds. We provide areas to chat and debate all World Religions. Please go to our register page!

Home Who's Online Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Go Back   Religious Education Forum / Religious Topics / Religious Debates / General Religious Debates
Reload this Page Want to believe, but dont know how (Jesus Christ, ritual, gospel)
Sitemap Popular RF Forums REGISTER Search Mark Forums Read

Reply
Page 1 of 5 1 23 > Last »
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-11-2007, 01:49 PM
lister185 Offline
Title:Freshman Member
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Gender: Undisclosed
Posts: 5
Frubals: 17449
lister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to beholdlister185 is a splendid one to behold
Default Want to believe, but dont know how
I am 35 and confused, i want to believe there is a god because if there isnt one then what is the point in life.
I just dont know where to start i have been praying looking for a sign something to show me there is someone there.
I have not had an answer as far as i am aware.
Can someone offer me some advice or even perhaps a church i should speak to, i live in Edinburgh by the way.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-11-2007, 02:09 PM
Terrywoodenpic's Avatar
Terrywoodenpic Offline
Religion: Anglican-heretic
Title:Oldest Heretic
Kindness Award: - Issue reason: The kindness award has been given to you by your peers and is well deserved. Congrats. 
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: UK
Gender: Male
Posts: 6,935
Frubals: 2357024
Terrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salon
Terrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salonTerrywoodenpic dreams of one day opening a frubal grooming salon
Default
You must have every sort of Church you can think of in Edinburgh.
First spend some time on this forum.
If you don't care for a particular point of view you are unlikely to like their Church.
You may even find you are drawn to a non Christian religion.

I firmly believe God finds you ... not the other way around.
Also I don't believe many find God as St Paul did in an instant on the road to Damascus.

It takes time ... you must lay yourself open to him... and don't expect miracles, they rarely happen.

One of the more easy going Churches up your way is Church of Scotland.
but God can be found anywhere... it is just easier amongst friends.

Ministers of any Church would be happy to guide you.
Or you can simply turn up to a service and start attending.
every thing else can come later.

If you have been Christened , it would not be a bad Idea to try that Church first.

I am an Anglican but I would be the first to say we are not the only Church, nor necessarily the one you would chose.

Where ever you do Chose, you will find it is the same God who loves you. .
__________________
Blessed are those who bring peace, they shall be children of God
Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name. I am with you.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-11-2007, 02:14 PM
kadzbiz's Avatar
kadzbiz Offline
Religion: Swaying towards.....um
Title:Pessimistic Optimist
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Australia
Gender: Male
Posts: 2,560
Frubals: 1475551
kadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling off
kadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offkadzbiz likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling off
Default
Welcome to the forums lister185. You have come to a wonderful placed full of advice and information. There is this thread called "purpose" that talks about the point of life FYI. You are in the same boat as many others. My answer for you is that if you truly want to find the answer to something, you will find it, but sometimes we don't know that we've found it because it is so obvious. I guess you have to ask yourself why you need to know? What will it solve for you? Will it make a difference to how are conduct yourself? There are so many religions and beliefs that you will need to determine what would suit you the best. Just follow your heart and do what you feel is right for you. Seek and you shall find. The journey is more enlightening than the destination.
__________________
imagination is crucial
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-11-2007, 03:23 PM
Random's Avatar
Random Offline
Religion: Interested
Title:Big Fluffy Puppy
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eire
Gender: Male
Posts: 4,714
Frubals: 1785386
Random says every time your read this, God slaps another frubal
Random says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubalRandom says every time your read this, God slaps another frubal
Arrow
Listen to your heart. What does it tell you?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-11-2007, 03:30 PM
BruceDLimber's Avatar
BruceDLimber Offline
Religion: Baha'i
Title:Uber Member
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Maryland
Gender: Male
Posts: 2,521
Frubals: 330622
BruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfastBruceDLimber eats frubals for breakfast
Default
Greetings!

>What is the point in life?

According to the Baha'i Faith, our purpose here is twofold:
  • As individuals we are to acquire the spiritual virtues we'll need both here and in the Next Life.
  • In aggregate, we're to carry forward an ever-advancing, spiritually-based civilization.
And the purpose of religion is to show us HOW to go about this!

Best regards, :-)

Bruce
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-11-2007, 03:44 PM
Booko's Avatar
Booko Offline
Religion: Baha'i
Title:Deviled Hen
Above and Beyond Award: - Issue reason: This award has been given to you by the award committee and is well deserved. Prolific Poster Award: - Issue reason: For 10,000 posts Humor Award: - Issue reason:  Scholarship Award: - Issue reason:  
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: in absentia
Gender: Female
Posts: 18,524
Frubals: 1330853
Booko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling off
Booko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling offBooko likes the look on kids' faces when you tell them their frubals are falling off
Default
Welcome to RF, lister!

I'm not to sure anyone so much finds belief, as we sorta wake up and notice it's been there all along. Many people describe finding belief as sort of an accident.

Quote:
Originally Posted by lister185 View Post
I just dont know where to start i have been praying looking for a sign something to show me there is someone there.
I have not had an answer as far as i am aware.
Perhaps you have had an answer, but you won't realize that's what it was until you're able to look backward at it. That's been my experience, anyway.

Who knows how you managed to stumble across this forum? Who knows what you might find here? Maybe it's no accident at all -- you were meant to meet someone or discover something. If not here, then maybe somewhere else.

Quote:
Can someone offer me some advice or even perhaps a church i should speak to, i live in Edinburgh by the way.
What are you already familiar with? That's a good place to start. You may not end up there, but you may learn what you can and cannot believe, and that can be instructive.

Also, it's not the pathway that's important -- it's the exercise you get along the way.

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-11-2007, 03:54 PM
*Paul*'s Avatar
*Paul* Offline
Religion: Born again Christian
Title:I love Jesus Christ
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: England
Gender: Male
Posts: 2,194
Frubals: 183644
*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute*Paul* has a reputation beyond repute
Default
You are seeking God? Read the bible - and pray and persevere. Try Johns Gospel or Matthews gospel and Romans as a place to start. If you have any quiestions I will be privelleged to help you in any way.

God has made a promise found in scripture, these are His words to you and to me:


Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

There absolutely is a God and He loves you very much and wants to give you an abundant and eternal life in His Son Jesus Christ and He will forgive you of every sin you have ever commited and will ever commit and give you power to live for Him, if you will recieve Him as your Lord and Saviour.
__________________
St. John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 07-11-2007, 03:55 PM
Kungfuzed's Avatar
Kungfuzed Offline
Religion: Unitarian Universalist
Title:Student Nurse
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: My own little world.
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,986
Frubals: 786298
Kungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman IslandsKungfuzed has a stash of frubals in the Cayman Islands
Default
Quote:
Originally Posted by lister185 View Post
I am 35 and confused, i want to believe there is a god because if there isnt one then what is the point in life.
I just dont know where to start i have been praying looking for a sign something to show me there is someone there.
I have not had an answer as far as i am aware.
Can someone offer me some advice or even perhaps a church i should speak to, i live in Edinburgh by the way.
The "Purpose of Life" is a completely imaginary human invention. Look at a tree. What is it's purpose of life? Yes, it gives us oxygen and provides a home for little critters, but does it have a purpose for itself? Why would it even need one?

When I was 14 I really pondered the purpose of life, not just life in general, but a specific purpose for my own existence. I was very depressed and frequently thought about taking my own life. I found religion for a while and it gave me the support I needed through those rough years. Maybe you need it too, I really can't say since I don't know you.

Now that I'm in my thirties I use a different method for dealing with the blues. I open my eyes and find out what exactly is causing my trouble. If I'm depressed over finances or relationship problems I deconstruct them piece by piece and come up with a plan to overcome my problems. Some problems take years to fix but nothing is permanent. I wonder if you might be depressed since you don't seem to know the purpose of life if God doesn't exist.

Everyone is different. Religion is only going to make vague blanket statements for the general population. If you are looking for a specific purpose of life for yourself you will have to find that within you, weather you are religious or not. Get to know yourself. Find some hobbies. Find out who you really are, even the parts you don't like. Believe in yourself and you will find the answers you are looking for.
__________________
All things change in a dynamic environment. Your effort to remain what you are is what limits you. ~ Project 2501
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 07-11-2007, 04:59 PM
LogDog Offline
Religion: No.
Title:BANNED
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: pdx
Gender: Male
Posts: 473
Frubals: 26774
LogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud ofLogDog has much to be proud of
Default
Welcome.

Why do you feel a need to believe? Why do you want to follow? Why does there need to be a god for there to be a point to life? Are you afraid of something? Do you think the fabricated answers and wishful thinking of religion will make you feel more content? If so, why? If you can't live without religion in your life, make sure the god you choose to worship is the right one. There are many imposters out there and they all claim to be the one true god.

Post your question in the General Religious Discussions section at http://www.iidb.org/vbb/index.php when you get a chance.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 07-11-2007, 05:27 PM
PureX's Avatar
PureX Offline
Religion: Taoist/Christian
Title:Uber Member
Scholarship Award: - Issue reason:  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: U.S.A.
Gender: Male
Posts: 6,063
Frubals: 2961025
PureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time around
PureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time aroundPureX hopes to be reincarnated as a frubal next time around
Default
Quote:
Originally Posted by lister185 View Post
I am 35 and confused, i want to believe there is a god because if there isnt one then what is the point in life.
I just dont know where to start i have been praying looking for a sign something to show me there is someone there.
For most of us it doesn't work like that. "God" is an idea we use in the practice of faith, as an idealization, or symbol of goodness, perfection, peace, etc. And through the pratice of faith in our daily lives, we change ourselves, and become a little more like that ideal we hold in our minds and hearts, and call "God".

Faith isn't about knowing or proving that "God" exists. It's about hoping that a "God" (as the ideal we imagine God to be) exists, and then trying to live our lives according to that hope. And the result, if done well, is that we live better lives, and as better people (whether "God" exists or not).
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 5 1 23 > Last »

« Poll: Morality of death or of life? | Who is James Dobson to you? »
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Similar Threads



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:59 PM.

Contact Us - Religious Forums - Archive 1, 2 - Top

© 2009 Advameg, Inc.

SEO by vBSEO ©2009, Crawlability, Inc.