I'm Lost (Jesus, ritual, testimony, reject, hell)

[nutshell]

As many of the Mormons might know, I've been strugging with my testimony recently (like the past year or so). I must admit, I have doubts about the theology, but I like the lifestyle.

Many of my posts have been angry recently and for that, I am sorry. I've been on the attack because I fear I don't know where I stand personally.

Recently, I've been looking for what I feel is right for me. I was reading what Evangelicals were posting in a Protestant DIR forum and felt (what I thought was) the Spirit move within me. I was shocked. I thought, could they be right. As I pondered this, I felt the Spirit increase and felt a love and knowledge of God I hadn't thought possible. I was compelled to post in that thread and share my knowledge that there is One God and Christ is our Lord and Savior.

I posted this.

And immediately I was rejected. I was told I wasn't welcomed and kicked out.

How could this be? I thought I had found what I've been searching for. Why would God do this to me?

I'm lost.

[MaddLlama]

Well, I am not a Christian, so feel free to ignore me, but I think that it's probably best for you to listen to your heart and what you think God is trying to tell you, and forget what anyone else has to say.
I hear a chorus over and over again here "don't reject God just because you had bad experiences with Christians". If they choose not to accept you, then it doesn't necessarily mean that it's not the direction you should go, it just means that those particular people are too narrow-minded to try and fellowship with someone who needs it.

Anyhow, I hope that helps.

[lizskid]

Well, nutshell, it is my experience that (hu)men reject people, not God. In this case, I believe the forum atmosphere...perhaps had you prefaced your repsonse with what you have told us, the response of the others may have been different. I don't know. But, keep looking, God will find you wherever you go. Peace.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by nutshell

Recently, I've been looking for what I feel is right for me. I was reading what Evangelicals were posting in a Protestant DIR forum and felt (what I thought was) the Spirit move within me. I was shocked. I thought, could they be right. As I pondered this, I felt the Spirit increase and felt a love and knowledge of God I hadn't thought possible. I was compelled to post in that thread and share my knowledge that there is One God and Christ is our Lord and Savior.

I posted this.

And immediately I was rejected. I was told I wasn't welcomed and kicked out.

How could this be? I thought I had found what I've been searching for. Why would God do this to me?

Okay, devil's advocate speaking here...

How could what be? How could Evangelical Christians tell you you aren't welcome on their forum? Isn't that the same thing as asking, "How could someone misuse his agency and not behave like a Christian should behave?"

Why would God do what to you? What makes you think He is responsible for how people behave?

I'm lost.

No you're not. Good try, though.

[Jayhawker Soule]

There's this song that goes ...

Looking For Love in All the Wrong Places

Perhaps ... ?

[Quagmire]

Originally Posted by nutshell

How could this be? I thought I had found what I've been searching for. Why would God do this to me?

I'm lost.

Maybe He was telling you to heed the message but ignore the messengers. Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn from time to time.

[Guitar's Cry]

Sorry to hear it Nutshell. People should try a bit of politeness now and then...

You may feel lost, but take it as a chance to explore your spirituality a bit. Feel around a bit, like Quagmire's blind squirrel. Existence is rich in spirit. Might as well sample!

Jesus said something along the lines of "Where two or more of you gather in my name, there I shall be." I wouldn't worry about the label of those you gather with. Just make sure you enjoy their company.

[jonny]

I'm sure they'll be really nice to you now.

People usually show off their true character until they want something out of you. Then they'll do what it takes to get it. Once they've got it, they'll keep you around as long as they get some sort of benefit or satisfaction for having your around. After you no longer are giving them what they want, they'll go back to showing their true character again. This isn't a stab at Evangelicals. It's just what I've observed from people in general.

This philosophy is why, while I accept people's apologies and forgive them, I still see the initial act as the act of their true character and how they really feel towards me or others. The apology is an admission that they have a character flaw (as we all do).

I know it's a pretty pesimistic view of interpersonal relationships, but it's what life has taught me.

Anyone who is honest will admit to struggling with their faith from time to time. Otherwise, it wouldn't require faith. If you ever want to talk, I'm willing.