Has Anyone Else had Religous Difficulties Over the Past Couple

[windy252]

of Years? (Posted in lounge for broader audience)
It started for me in the 8th grade, but it seemed to intensify the past couple of years, especially when I started my first year in a university and had actually begun to hear better arguments for skepticism of Christianity than things to the effect of, “You’re a poopy-head.” However, I’ve found that while I still believe in a God, my lack of belief in a Christian God has definitely intensified over November 2004-now. I have too many problems with the idea of traditional Christianity and every church I’ve tried to go to lately always seems to blame their problems on liberalism. I’m going to attempt a Unitarian one tomorrow, if I can manage to drag myself out of bed on time. I wish I could tell my family but a good portion of them are traditional Christians and I don’t want to upset them. The idea of sitting with evangelicals for eternity sounds like hell to me.

[Critters2]

1. You've been going to the wrong churches. Look for churches that

refer to themselves as "Progressive Christians". The easiest way to find these is to ask whether they are gay-friendly (which is telling in other areas, as well). Most denominations have a gay-friendly movement. In my denomination, we're called "Open and Affirming". Others use the terms "Welcoming", "Affirming" or "More Light".

I'm a Christian, a lefty, a Democrat, a bisexual, and a progressive. My church is cool with all of these things, as many members fall into one or more of these categories. And there's no preaching about the evils of liberalism, since I'm the one who does the preaching.

There are also a good many Progressive Christians on DU. Go to DU Groups, then the "religion, and atheism Or something" subset, then "progressive Christians and People of Faith" (or words to that effect). You'll find us a friendly bunch.

Good luck with your search!

On edit: The answer to your question is no. I haven't had religious difficulties over the past couple of years. I have a church that I love.

[hippywife]

2. Just where I work.

Outside of work, I belong to the local chapter of the Interfaith Alliance and there's lots of harmony with a great group of folks from all faith traditions.

[xchrom]

3. i'm episcopalian -- and we're always in a tizzy over

stuff like that.

on the other hand -- every sunday there's a parade -- usually some guys in great dresses, someone swinging a burning purse, and booze.

episcopalians are big on sherry -- so all things considered -- i figure you can't beat that.

[skygazer]

4. Consider the fact that you don't need to attend church to believe

And that no church is going to adhere perfectly to what you as an individual believe in the depth of your soul. You may find that there are aspects of several belief systems that fit your ideology - to me, the mark of someone who is truly spiritual is someone who actually thinks about what they believe rather than blindly following a faith because that's what their family has always believed. It sounds like you're one of those thinking people.

And though it's good not to want to upset those you love, your spirituality is at the heart of who you are. Don't compromise it. :hi:

[YankeyMCC]

5. A book suggestion

"Doubt: A History" by Jennifer Michael Hecht

It's not about atheism it's about doubt, and the kind of questions it sounds like you may be asking and how philosophers, activists and every day people some believers some not, dealt with those questions and how in tern their 'doubt' has affected history.

A little knowledge of this might help you articulate what you're going through. And maybe help point you in a direction for further investigation.

[Pacifist Patriot]

6. My religious difficulties began in college when I...

explored becoming a military chaplain through the Episcopal church.

I am now a minister serving a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Feel free to PM me or email at [e-mail].

http://www.brevardminister.com

[Critters2]

7. Hi!

There's bunch of clergy here on DU! Me, I'm UCC, but I know of United Methodist and others around here. Didn't realize you were a colleague. It's nice to meet you.

Btw, I was married to a UU. But by the time we ceased to be married, he was Eastern Orthodox. Neither of which had to do with the marriage ending.

So, Hi! :hi:

[Pacifist Patriot]

8. That's really interesting.

When I was in graduate school my faculty advisor was an Eastern Orthodox priest who had been active in the Unitarian Universalist church in the late 70s. Weird!

[Critters2]

9. A whole bunch of staff from one of the fundie campus ministries

maybe Campus Crusade, can't recall for sure, became Orthodox at one time about a decade ago. My ex said the structure and certainty--while lacking self-righteousness--were what spoke to him.