Miserable and seeking

[Sand Dancer]

Is it possible the reason the religions you've tried on have fail is that you tried to shoehorn their dogma/beliefs/practices into your own personal worldview? Personally, I think this is the reason many seekers have trouble settling on a religion. Instead of finding a religion that conforms to their views, they attempt to adjust to their views to conform to those of the religion.

It's okay not to identify with a religion. I didn't for years. I struggled to even find a label that fit.

Ultimately, without even looking really, just as a result of years of discussions both on the internet and IRL, I found a religion that aligned with my views. Though I've made a few lifestyle changes since I've discovered the religion and read some things that help me to better understand my experiences and who I am, nothing in my views has changed.

I'm not saying this will happen for everyone, but never give up hope that you will find a religion that fits. Sometimes the finest things in life are stumbled upon without even looking.

I think I am putting too much pressure on myself to find one. I am impatient and my mind just won't stop trying to find a spiritual home. I think when I was satisfied with Christianity, the people aspect of it felt great. Then once I was an adult, I saw that people didn't walk the walk, they just talked the talk, and sometimes they did not behave very nicely, and it made me sad. Should I expect more from people in other religions, or are people just going to people, regardless of what religion they are?

 

[Secret Chief]

a micromanaging god

 

[Sand Dancer]

Just a thought ...

Yes. I have considered this as well. My humanistic view, thought, spurred me to fight against the religious right, since I and many others, including society, IMO, have been damaged by their views, and I wanted to be a lover, not a fighter. I guess with my history, until I heal from it, I may have to put humanism on the back burner.

 

[Sand Dancer]

In my faith, He never leaves me nor forsakes me. He is my constant companion, faithful friend, ever merciful and His Holy Spirit fills me day after day.

I talk to Him and He talks to me (in a multifold way). For me, it is more than a religion, it is a relationship.

That is a very nice feeling, to be sure. How does he talk to you? I keep getting nothing.

 

[Sand Dancer]

Don´t you worry
Be happy and look at the numerous Native Tribes all over the world, who have the NATURE ITSELF as their religious basics.
The term "religion" means a "double mutual connection" and this connection between humans and nature itself is what constitute a solid religion, both physically and spiritually.
If you are more interested, just contact me via my profile address.
My personal Mytho-cosmological website here.
Regards from
Native
Natural Philosopher & Comparative Mythologist

I absolutely love native spirituality, if you can lump them into one category, but it seems they don't like anyone outside of their tribe to join. I don't want to be rude and do that. I do have a teensy weensy bit of Cherokee blood, but I don't think I would qualify. I will check out your link.

 

[Sand Dancer]

Beware the proselytizers. Best wishes on your continued search. Maybe take a break.

I am trying to just enjoy being a human in this universe.

 

[Secret Chief]

Should I expect more from people in other religions, or are people just going to people, regardless of what religion they are?

I think we all know the answer to that one. Mother Teresa was no saint.

 

[Sand Dancer]

This is how I felt all my life until I was born again in 1988, there is nothing I’ve ever experienced in life better than the fellowship with God that I have through Jesus Christ. There is no emptiness, but a longing for Heaven to be in His presence. There is no substitute for Him, everything else comes short.
The great thing about God is His arms are always open, He is always waiting for people to return, He watches and waits, it’s almost like He says give
Me a reason to bless you.
Psalms 107 is one of my favorites

I was born again in 1987. It's a great feeling, but sadly, I became very judgemental and narrow minded for a long time. I did realize this and started trying to be more like Jesus, but I think by then the damage was done, and as much as I like Jesus, I just walked away from the religion. That's one of my big quandaries. I wanna wanna wanna, but I can't can't can't. I think what I do is I get all gung ho about a religion, then once the excitement wears off, my mind starts picking it apart and I get depressed. Ack.

 

[Sand Dancer]

If you're having a hard time finding the things you miss from religion in a new religion, consider whether you have to get all of them from one source.

The place where you get fellowship, for instance, doesn't necessarily have to be the same place where you get purpose.

Wow, that's a cool viewpoint. There are things I like and dislike about most religions. Hmm, food for thought.

 

[PureX]

I don't know -- there are some religions I looked into while I was searching, or at least looking -- trying to understand. And frankly some did not appeal to my inner sense of what makes sense. To me. Some religions seem like one big blur to me. Oh well -- that's me I guess. No matter how many trees make a sound in a forest where no one hears --
Oh, and P.S. Meditation can be good.

Are you looking for a religion or a theology? If it's theology, I would suggest looking inward for that. THEN look for the religious tools that can help you develop it as a lifestyle.

 

[Sand Dancer]

I have a few suggestions, but it depends upon whether you are in a metropolitan area. If you are in a rural area you have few choices.

Stage 1. The first thing is to find somewhere that will accept you without making you feel as if you need to conform. You need a place that is Ok with you on long term visitor status and that will let you participate in volunteer activities without being a member. If you can find this, then you can begin work on the next level of your search. So far I cannot find something like this in my area, so you may not either, but look around. Ask around. Find. Maybe it will be a volunteer position at a pet clinic. Maybe you will find a universalist church or quaker meeting. Perhaps there is a local gas station where locals hang out.

Stage 2. Having achieved stage 1, you can look for something better. Now you are looking to add to the place you have already found. You are looking to become a relied upon person -- someone that is part of a process in addition to the characteristics of your stage 1 location. So now you aren't judged, are accepted and are needed.

Stage 3. I don't know. I've never gotten this far. How about something which combines the above and also leaves room for you to talk about your thoughts and personal feelings. That would be good. Try Meetup or start your own meetup once you have achieved stage 2.

I actually do have a Quaker Meetinghouse and UU church that are close by. I would love a discussion group. Have you not reached stage 3 due to not being able to find enough folks to start one with? Meetup makes you pay to start a group, but maybe it's worth it.

 

[Sand Dancer]

Do you recall the story of the two builders?

I might need a little more prompting to remember.

 

[Sand Dancer]

How about forgetting religion?

I will be taking a break from searching, but my mind keeps wanting to study spiritual things and I like having likeminded people to hang with. *sigh*

 

[Sand Dancer]

Hello

Coming from a First Baptist born again Christian family household, I can completely understand where you are coming from. I did my search and found the truth of my Creator.

I truly hope you find it.

I was mostly Baptist as well. Thank you!

 

[Sand Dancer]

I wish you well on your spiritual journey, Thirza Fallen. Personally speaking, I know that it's difficult to leave your Christian faith after being actively involved with it for many years. My spiritual journey isn't quite the same as yours, but I can sympathize with what you are feeling and what you are going through because I left Christianity after being a Christian for thirty years. It was difficult for me too at first, but I finally realized that it was the best decision that I've ever made for my mental health and personal well-being.

I was depressed, lonely and empty all those years as a Christian, but I feel peace and joy in my life now. My mental health has also vastly improved, and I'm a happier person. I feel liberated, to be honest. I don't feel the need to be in a religion right now, but I've been casually exploring Spiritualism. Anyway, I wanted to share my personal experience with you and encourage you to keep your chin up. Be kind and patient with yourself. As I said, I wish you well on your journey, and my inbox is open if you'd like to talk.

☮ and ❤
Sgt. Pepper

It's not for everyone. My already low self-esteem got lower and I became a person who was very narrow minded and judgmental; something I wasn't really before. Some people blossom in it though. Thank you so much for your kind response. I appreciate it.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I feel lonely, untethered and empty. Not sure what to do. I am not a spiritual flake, just confused.

Lonely, what about friends? What confuses you?

 

[YoursTrue]

Are you looking for a religion or a theology? If it's theology, I would suggest looking inward for that. THEN look for the religious tools that can help you develop it as a lifestyle.

I'm no longer looking, I found what I want and love. But thanks anyway.

 

[Sand Dancer]

Namaste

2. How much have you read or studied the Bhagavad Geeta? To what extent?
Please do not get intimidated by sarcastic comments like "Which of the 33 million Hindu gods do you want to worship?" [I remember some non-Hindu grabbed the opportunity to say that to you a while ago.] Clearly they do not know what strawman they are setting up.
Ignore such things. It is not about the many gods at all.

Anyhow, this is neither about Chritianity nor Hinduism.
It is about your bhAva.

I have picked through it, but not sat down to read it thoroughly. I would like to though. The many gods are just the myriad aspects of...Brahman, is it? Thank you!

 

[Sand Dancer]

Lonely, what about friends? What confuses you?

I do have friends and it's wonderful, but inside I am still seeking for some kind of completion. I keep changing my religious title on here and I didn't want people to not take me seriously, but I find a new religion, get all excited about it, delve into it, then find out it's not "the one."

 

[ElishaElijah]

I was born again in 1987. It's a great feeling, but sadly, I became very judgemental and narrow minded for a long time. I did realize this and started trying to be more like Jesus, but I think by then the damage was done, and as much as I like Jesus, I just walked away from the religion. That's one of my big quandaries. I wanna wanna wanna, but I can't can't can't. I think what I do is I get all gung ho about a religion, then once the excitement wears off, my mind starts picking it apart and I get depressed. Ack.

I hate religion, I love Jesus, I threw off that snake in Jesus Name!