[kka25]

I want to read this later.

[The Polymath]

(Original post by Markus4)
I believed in God as a young child. I "lost my faith" several years ago when I was old enough to think for myself...

I feel alot wiser now: God probably doesnt exist.

I feel secure in my life with the knowledge that I am not one of the fools who proclaim God certainly exists, or one of the fools who proclaim God certainly doesnt exist.

We cant know, lets just live our lives and have a good time.

Amen

(sorry )

[K the Failure]

(Original post by Prestoria)
But I've always been spiritual

What does that mean?

[Prestoria]

(Original post by K the Failure)
What does that mean?

I've always believed that there is something greater than humans. It doesn't necessarily include God or other deities.

[K the Failure]

(Original post by Prestoria)
I've always believed that there is something greater than humans. It doesn't necessarily include God or other deities.

What does 'greater' mean?

[Prestoria]

(Original post by K the Failure)
What does 'greater' mean?

I'd say that something beyond human understanding, but thinking about that, that's not necessarily accurate. By greater, I mean something along the lines of the existence of something more powerful than humans. If you want to continue, I think it's probably more appropriate to do so through PM since I'm sure no-one else wants to read this.

[K the Failure]

(Original post by Prestoria)
I'd say that something beyond human understanding, but thinking about that, that's not necessarily accurate. By greater, I mean something along the lines of the existence of something more powerful than humans. If you want to continue, I think it's probably more appropriate to do so through PM since I'm sure no-one else wants to read this.

I'm not sure what you're getting at. Are you spiritual about polar bears? They're mighty powerful.

And I'm sure plenty of people, skeptics and non-skeptics alike, would be interested to see how this conversation progresses.

[Prestoria]

(Original post by K the Failure)
I'm not sure what you're getting at. Are you spiritual about polar bears? They're mighty powerful.

And I'm sure plenty of people, skeptics and non-skeptics alike, would be interested to see how this conversation progresses.

Perhaps I phrased it wrong or I didn't explain enough. I was born with a disability that had brought hardship to most aspects of my life, and I was aware of this when I was quite young. Granted, the disability I have is very minor compared to more severe ones, but nevertheless, it had caused me to become resentful because I couldn't do most things that other people could or if I could, I'd have to work as doubly as hard to do that certain thing. Upon entering a Christian mainstream education with a very Christian environment, I found God and at that time, I understood that I was given this circumstance so I could grow both spiritually and as a person. That had sparked my belief in a higher power - God. I think my mistake in writing the first post here was that I stated that I had always believed in something greater than ourselves - in hindsight, it wasn't always.

As I grew up and matured, I had these big questions such as the afterlife and I became convinced that there had to be more than just this life. That just strengthened my faith in God.

However, I'm no longer a Christian, but I still believe in a higher power which doesn't necessarily have to be God. What is a higher power? It's hard to define because it's different for every individual - for one person, it might be God; for another, it might be nature even. For me, I don't know exactly what it is for now - I just know that it's something spiritually greater than me. I'm currently doing some reading and reflection which I hope can give me those answers but at the same time, I'm mindful that there are certain things I don't *need* to know.

I know this probably doesn't answer your question, but that's the best response I can give to you so far. Thank you for asking, by the way, it did made me think.

[K the Failure]

(Original post by Prestoria)
I know this probably doesn't answer your question, but that's the best response I can give to you so far. Thank you for asking, by the way, it did made me think.

It doesn't, but no problem.

[frankholiness]

Hi willbee,
Actually my way was the opposite one. I grew up on the east side of the iron curtain and we were kinda forced to be atheists. It took me about 3 years from 13 to 16 as I struggled with the issue if there is a God or not. After my answer became a yes, I went to a nearby Catholic church. Most of the members of the youth group did not know God or Jesus, they were just nice, relegious youngsters. But I felt there must be more. 4 months after I first went to church, I met God personally. It was the greatest thing in my life. I never dreamed of the love and the joy that I experienced. From the outside it may seem like an imagination but I was there, and nothing ever came close to it in this life. Because this experience was so obvious, I can not think about losing my faith. I 'lost' my catholicism and went to other Christian churches but I never lost my faith. I still 'meet' God regularly, and this is the best thing in my life.
I wish you all the best,
Frank

[Hypocrism]

(Original post by frankholiness)
Hi willbee,
Actually my way was the opposite one. I grew up on the east side of the iron curtain and we were kinda forced to be atheists. It took me about 3 years from 13 to 16 as I struggled with the issue if there is a God or not. After my answer became a yes, I went to a nearby Catholic church. Most of the members of the youth group did not know God or Jesus, they were just nice, relegious youngsters. But I felt there must be more. 4 months after I first went to church, I met God personally. It was the greatest thing in my life. I never dreamed of the love and the joy that I experienced. From the outside it may seem like an imagination but I was there, and nothing ever came close to it in this life. Because this experience was so obvious, I can not think about losing my faith. I 'lost' my catholicism and went to other Christian churches but I never lost my faith. I still 'meet' God regularly, and this is the best thing in my life.
I wish you all the best,
Frank

Do tell.

[slowcheetah]

(Original post by willbee)
I used to feel like the whole universe was connected like some grand design, like the thing about galaxies and sunflowers having the same pattern or something.

It still is. It's called science Looking at the universe from a scientific point of view, you can still appreciate how amazing it is- have you tried that?
Also, I don't know what kind of God you believed in, but maybe it's possible that He/She/They are still there but not in the way you thought. Personally, I like the idea that if there is a God, they're probably not connected or maybe even aware of us in the way most religions believe but still are responsible for the way the universe works.

[Three Mile Sprint]

I just pin-balled around different Religions for a few-years till I finally found one that I was called to and comfortable with.

[Marc707]

(Original post by willbee)
So up until 3 weeks ago I think I still believed in God. But then about 2 weeks ago I was praying and I was like "Why am I doing this? I don't believe in God".

I thought it would feel like I'd lost a lot more, but it doesn't matter that much. Now I'm at uni I don't need God as much. I've got good friends who are better at supporting me than God ever was. They answer back when I talk to them.

The only issue is that I'm a bit lost without God. I just feel a bit like what do I do now? Has anyone else lost their faith? It wasn't like I followed any particular rules or lifestyle, it was just that I felt like I had more direction, more certainty in my reason for existence. Now I'm struggling to think of a reason for my existence, and this combined with a bleak imagined future is making me very depressed and I'm wondering what is the point of continuing to exist...

It doesn't feel like I've been freed because I'm not going to behave any differently, just I'm not going to pray to or worship anymore because I don't see the point.

I used to feel like the whole universe was connected like some grand design, like the thing about galaxies and sunflowers having the same pattern or something. Now, I don't feel connected to anything. If I could have my faith back I probably would, but you can't force a belief.


Anyway, I wouldn't say I'm depressed by this new-found atheism, just as if I don't know what to do with myself and I'm gonna have a really lonely future.

Have you ever lost your faith? How did you deal with it?

Why would losing your faith in God make you depressed or find an emptiness? I think this is again due to the idea that religion has brainwashed many people with from a young age: that life without God is meaningless and empty and I suspect it's this idea ingrained into you that is now blooming. Many people are atheist or have lost faith and theyre happy and living fulfilling lives. Dont worry, this sadness is more often than not temporary

[Dee Leigh]

(Original post by Marc707)
Why would losing your faith in God make you depressed or find an emptiness? I think this is again due to the idea that religion has brainwashed many people with from a young age: that life without God is meaningless and empty and I suspect it's this idea ingrained into you that is now blooming. Many people are atheist or have lost faith and theyre happy and living fulfilling lives. Dont worry, this sadness is more often than not temporary

I agree, I don't get why people say this. I guess it's fear of the unknown.

Recently I was on Twitter and a girl said "If you don't believe in God then you are hopeless/you have no hope." I was thinking "what???" such an ignorant comment.

I've grown up in a religious (but not religiously strict) family, but I do believe you can live a great life without God. Sometimes I have felt lost and more isolated even when I strongly believed in God, which must seem ironic to some people as they believe you'd be lost without God.

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[Marc707]

(Original post by Dee Leigh)
I agree, I don't get why people say this. I guess it's fear of the unknown.

Recently I was on Twitter and a girl said "If you don't believe in God then you are hopeless/you have no hope." I was thinking "what???" such an ignorant comment.

I've grown up in a religious (but not religiously strict) family, but I do believe you can live a great life without God. Sometimes I have felt lost and more isolated even when I strongly believed in God, which must seem ironic to some people as they believe you'd be lost without God.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Exactly, and if you say to someone who's just lost their faith, 'oh your life is going to be hopeless and desolate from now on', youre hardly going to help the situation are you?!

[Dee Leigh]

(Original post by Marc707)
Exactly, and if you say to someone who's just lost their faith, 'oh your life is going to be hopeless and desolate from now on', youre hardly going to help the situation are you?!

Exactly! I totally agree

Posted from TSR Mobile

[Robbie242]

I can't help but laugh at this video, ADAM LIVES WITH DINOSAURS

[Flibble22]

For most of my life I've gone without faith, but even now I wouldn't call myself a Christian.

I edge towards the more basic religions which relate to spirits, the ancestors and such. I believe we're 'eternal beings' and there are spirits who keep us, and guide us, on the right track.

So am I Pagan, given that I believe in such things? Who knows.

[ReeceJ]

I have drifted between many positions! At one point I was quite a strong believer. I then considered myself agnostic then atheist. But, I became a believer after this. Now? I'd say Agnostic-Atheist but more likely Agnostic.


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