Losing my Religion: Is this normal?
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- When you're reconsidering your faith and relationship with God, so many things you were once so sure about can suddenly come into question, and saying that it's a frightening experience is an understatement.
This livestream explores many common questions people have when considering leaving their church, taking a break, and questioning their understanding of God.
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53:36 It is so true that we were made to feel so afraid about being sinful that we became paranoid to the point of even making one minute discretion that we were teterrible people and unfaithful to God.
But as you quite rightly pointed out, Jesus didn't freak out about sin, his grace and forgiveness was so immense that as he put it made us "free from the guilt of sin"
That's awesome Nikieta: The SPIRIT of God Jesus ministering our hearts. Maranatha.
32:24 Church: Exactly. I recently came to this same conclusion that our relationship with God is one on on one and that being at a church event 24/7 is NOT what keeps you strong. It's our personal faith and walk that keeps us faithful.
Just like your Joseph reference, there are many other examples scripturally that confirm this.
Jesus in the desert for 40 days and nights, not to mention the three hour prayers before the cross.
The Ethiopian Eunuch
Paul the Apostle
John the Baptisms
Shadrach and crew
Daniel
Esther
Ruth
Mary Magdaline
The list goes on.
All of these men (and women) were strong in the faith despite not being part of a body
54:00 This is a big one.
Until I started to think and work out my faith by myself and in my own thoughts, it never occurred to me that when making a decision to become a Christian meant that I have a direct connection with God.
I knew I had a personal relationship with him and my faith came from him etc, but the church had us believe that he guided me through THEM!
Instead I recall how even before meeting the church, God was personally guiding me spiritually from the beginning, throughout and now even more so after the fact.
The ICOC/ICC doctrine and methodology stiffled God rather than drew or push me closer to him.
If I had any form of independent thought of God's word or plan for my life, I would quickly become pushed to rethink my thoughts back to the church's viewpoint.
Today however, I see more from God's own perspective and his guidance and have even been able to help others heal. Something I was always led to believe that I wasn't able to do as in the eyes of the leaders, I wasn't Godly enough!
Now I realise that is not true and that God is in me as much as the next person.
26:50 That's another good point. Lot's community. Despite all being God's people, it did not guarantee that faith was assured and in this instance it wasn't as with many other times where God's people weren't actually Godly.
Then we look at 2003. Same story.
The long and short of it is that being part of 'the body' is more about being connected to God than to a church event!
56:39 Many advisors.
This is an interesting one because the quote is true. Getting advice from trusted people, especially if they are particularly knowledgeable in the subject you are seeking input from, helps you evaluate your options.
The church sadly abused this scripture to the point of getting advice always and in everything, but that's not what the verse says.
Additionally, while they encouraged getting advice (even from multiple sources), you can only accept advice from one person, your discipler!
This is neither beneficial, useful, or helpful. It's a closed-minded approach, and there is no guarantee that the advice given is even the correct one.
More importantly, it's advice and therefore down to the individual to evaluate their choices and make a decision which advice is best.
Even if they decide that none of the advice given is appropriate to the situation and they make their own choice.
When it comes to the bible, what helped me recently is trying to read it whilst envisioning the environment, time period and culture from when it was written.
In short Imagine what it would have been like ti be Paul, Ruth, Esther, David Jesus etc in those exact times.
Secondly, read outside of individual scriptures to get a better context of what is actually being said and the true meaning behind it. We were often spoon fed verses and told they meant x when they actually mean y.
Thirdly, try to read without the rose coloured glasses of the ICOC/ICC (or whatever church you attend). What these churches teach is what they want you to understand, but God's messages are more often than not very different. Try to see what God is saying instead of transforming God's message in their ideals. I know I did that a lot and still have to fight that at times.
One last thing, actually ask God to show his true self. Ask him to reveal what he is really like.
This one may sound mad or religious, but I found it really helped me to see him not the doctrine.
I left ICOC 6 years ago after 28 years in the LA area. I lost ALL of my friends. I am wondering if you know of a support group in that area of survivors. I believe I could benefit from the unity of others who have been through a similar trauma.