STOP!! and read: Yes, another member has joined the crew (Jehovah, hell)

[DrCash7]

Right now I guess you could consider me a lost soul...

I've been raised Christian since I can remember and I've always been one to talk to and praise God (i.e. pray and go to church). Recently I have experience a number of "bad" situations that have made me ask questions that I try to avoid asking. Questions like "If God created everything why does the opportunity to be evil arise?" and "Why?" which is not to be taken as "Why me?" but simply "Why at all?" Right now I am looking for a way to change my past. A lot of things have happened in my past (as I am sure with everyone) that should not have happened. Yes, there were some bad things that happened that in the end actually served a positive lesson to my young mind, but there were also things which only served a negative message and again should have never happened. Now I am turning to my faith: "God I ask you to change these things. It is written in your word to ask and then to receive." Anyone who would like to offer any advice I invite you to do so.

[Scott1]

Hello and welcome.... thanks for sharing your faith with us.

[michel]

Hi Dr Cash, Namaste.

I'm sorry to hear that you've had a hard time of it - on the face of it, perhaps I can empathise with you. I have been through 'I wish I hadn'ts and If only things had been different', but they don't really help, do they ?

Advice - I don't give - especially about faith. That is something you need to work out for yourself, and you've come to the right place to hear a diversity of views; perhaps something will mean something to you, and encourage you to explore new avenues - or even reaffirm your original views.

All I can say is that you've made a good start, by joining the forum - and if you want to hear different opinions, you've sure come to the right place!

Welcome, and good luck.

[Fluffy]

Hello there .

I am truly sorry that you have gone through some bad experiences . It is quite normal for people to question their faith during a period like that which is unfortunate because it is during this time when your faith can be the most comforting.

Just remember to keep on sharing your experiences with others and not to bottle things up. The more you are able to talk freely about them, the more you will be able to get rid of the negative effects that such experiences have on you.

Welcome to the boards! I hope you have a good time here!

[ahunting]

Just wanted to say HI from another newbie! I understand confusion regarding religion. I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness. I left them when I was 18. It was so heavily ingrained in my brain that it took me years to find my own belief system. Even the things I never felt were right for me as a child or teenager still were difficult for me to question.

I do not believe we will ever know the answer to the "why" question about many things. I have gotten to the point of believing certain things to be solid truths and believing that many things are up for interpretation for the individual. I am constantly doing a check for myself on what I believe if that makes sense. I try to always be open to new ideas while keeping my ideals. I believe I can learn things from those I don't even agree with.

Just my two cents!

Amy (who is continually finding interesting jewels on the ground of my path)

[ahunting]

I think I should have said confusion about faith...not "confusion about religion". I went back and re-read your post. I agree with Fluffy. It is easy to have faith during good times. So much harder when things are rough!

Amy

[Green Gaia]

Hello and welcome to RF!

[Master Vigil]

Welcome!! I don't believe it is possible to change the past, only to learn from it. And create a good present, which in turn creates a good future. But the present (IMO) is most important. I wish you much luck on your path, and may it be fruitful.

Peace, and may the spirits be with you.

Master Vigil

[Majikthise]

Welcome!

[SK2005]

Welcome and enjoy! Great title!