has anyone here converted or has anyone been looking to convert to a religion since recovery?

[London2005]

just for clarification, I have like zero interest in proselytising or convincing others, me personally I have been looking to add more purpose in my life and have been looking to explore orthodoxy as a part of that research, I am also wondering if others feel the same…so I don't feel quite alone

 

[TBONTB]

Not personally, but I'd be interested in hearing more about your journey. Is there a particular religion you are exploring?

 

[London2005]

Not personally, but I'd be interested in hearing more about your journey. Is there a particular religion you are exploring?

Orthodox Christianity because of its mysticism theology and ancient history

 

[TBONTB]

Orthodox Christianity because of its mysticism theology and ancient history

Beautiful imagery.

 

[Parnate]

Probably Buddhism for me. I am a Hindu but I feel Buddhism is better for me . I like how Buddhism is more about acceptance of life rather than trying to change it .

 

[real human being]

Probably Buddhism for me. I am a Hindu but I feel Buddhism is better for me . I like how Buddhism is more about acceptance of life rather than trying to change it .

Didn't Buddhism originate from India?

 

[London2005]

Didn't Buddhism originate from India?

it was a part of ancient india but it's in modern day nepal

 

[froggirl9000]

I like how Buddhism is more about acceptance of life rather than trying to change it .

Not gonna portray myself as the greatest religion expert in the world, but have you looked into Taoism? That description sorta reminds me of it.

 

[_Gollum_]

I wish I could convert to Christianity--it's the only thing in this world that could save me--but I can't force myself to believe something I don't believe.

 

[getoutgirl]

I once went to a Scientology building place near where I live cos I was feeling bored and I guess rather empty generally. But instead I had a blast there. Shit is bonkers. They project cool movies tho. Very fun. Go only if you're gonna take it as amusement but not seriously, you just can't.

 

[mysideofthemountain]

Kind of the opposite here. I grew up in authoritarian religion and left and it…well it helped a lot with my mental health. I recognize my story is just one kind of religious story. While I do believe that most people who leave authoritarian religious groups are better off mental health wise, I've also seen the opposite, namely, people who are in religions that provide community, a sense of purpose, and care for one another benefit from religion.

 

[MissAbyss]

I wasn't raised religious. Although, in my teens I started to search for answers. I got into a love-hate relationship with God. I created an aversion towards Christians, most of them were judgemental and hypocritical and I couldn't stand it. Also, I couldn't come to terms with how to justify all this suffering that some people have to endure and some people don't. Although, I mostly understand the essence of the Holy Bible, but I don't believe in the concepts of blessings or punishment, Heaven or Hell.

After that, I looked into Theravada Buddhism for a while. Achieving Nirvana by following The Four Noble Truths by practicing the Eightfold Path.
I still do practice it though but yet I couldn't come to terms with the whole rebirth cycle of life, death and renewal driven by the energy of karma. The mental energy of one's past volitional actions.

Last months, I'm back to Christianity again.
In my darkest hours, when my whole world collapsed I turned my face to God and said to Him, "Thank you, now I understand".

I will not covert myself to Christianity and devote myself to the Holy Bible. He will understand.

 

[flowerbomb]

I wish I could convert to Christianity--it's the only thing in this world that could save me--but I can't force myself to believe something I don't believe.

well said... same for me.

 

[_Gollum_]

well said... same for me.

Is your profile picture from the music video of My Immortal? That's one of my favourite songs <3

 

[grey.skye]

I've begun attending Buddhist meditation services. I'm intrigued with the idea of transforming suffering by accepting it and meditation practice is offering me a space of peace within despair. I feel like trying everything medically and still wanting to die is driving me to spirituality.

 

[decayingdoll]

Orthodox Christianity because of its mysticism theology and ancient history

i've been an orthodox inquirer for a few years ! sadly never baptised due to my family :( but i'm still christian today :)

 

[n031]

im in search of my personal beliefs, not any religion in particular

 

[mafuyu]

I have looked into so many religions throughout my life and still have yet to find one I 100% agree with. Although I did join the Satanic Temple, but that religion exists more as a protest group. I almost became Catholic twice, but things didn't make sense to me, like Adam & Eve, the catechism, original sin, the crusades, geocentrism, the fact the bible was written by men (so I believe it's biased, which means it's flawed, which means I'm some sort of heretic), etc. I could really go on forever. I yearn for a group. Lutheran Christianity and Buddhism is as close as I've gotten. I do believe in a higher power.

 

[kazatte]

I have looked into so many religions throughout my life and still have yet to find one I 100% agree with. Although I did join the Satanic Temple, but that religion exists more as a protest group. I almost became Catholic twice, but things didn't make sense to me, like Adam & Eve, the catechism, original sin, the crusades, geocentrism, the fact the bible was written by men (so I believe it's biased, which means it's flawed, which means I'm some sort of heretic), etc. I could really go on forever. I yearn for a group. Lutheran Christianity and Buddhism is as close as I've gotten. I do believe in a higher power.

oh i get you so bad. i feel like im just looking for something to latch onto or to find comfort in, some group to attach myself to. i know thats not the point of religion but like i just don't know what i believe in anymore and it's kind of scary

side note: i love your profile. mafufu <3

 

[Pluto]

 

[KlixxFoxe]

Yes, I also think that Christianity helped me to escape from depression and suicidal thoughts. If you're already into Orthodox Christianity, I think you should try to go to your local church (ROCOR if you live in a big city) or find a group of people who are interested in it too. You're not alone!

 

[otoyikim]

I Came pretty close close to basically any major religon under the sun, ironically, since being depressed.

I don't know what i beleve in though. I would consider myself an Alevi(Which is a subsect of islam) but, i still don't know what i believe in.

I just feel lost. Devoid of purpose.

 

[RosebyAnyName]

I've tried to explore organized religions, but I always felt alienated by them. My parents were both raised catholic christian (but raised me atheist), so I was interested in that. However, the misogyny was just too much and put me off of converting even though I found everything else interesting.

Currently, I'm just pursuing a generally spiritual path. I'm interested in philosophical approaches to spirituality, things like pluralism, metaphors, and the collective unconscious. I am especially interested in the works of Carl Jung right now, but I've only just started exploring his works and don't have an educated opinion on it yet.

 

[BPDtgirl]

it was a part of ancient india but it's in modern day

perhaps you would find some peace in Gnostic teachings of Christianity. Neo-Christian Gnosticism has lots of teachings that make a lot of sense for us folk who struggle with the idea of evil in the world but still long to have to a communication with God.

just a thought!

 

[London2005]

perhaps you would find some peace in Gnostic teachings of Christianity. Neo-Christian Gnosticism has lots of teachings that make a lot of sense for us folk who struggle with the idea of evil in the world but still long to have to a communication with God.

just a thought!

are you Gnostic? my problem is there is a lack of community

 

[isthisit?]

I was depressed and suicidal for a long time. One of the reasons things got better for me was for my now gf and she with her family was estonian orthodox, so I was interested and did some research and read a couple of testaments from the bible. Now Im estonian orthodox, but I cant be baptised without godparents and my entire lineage in pretty atheist. God definitely had a part in my recovery.
I was depressed and suicidal for a long time. One of the reasons things got better for me was for my now gf and she with her family was estonian orthodox, so I was interested and did some research and read a couple of testaments from the bible. Now Im estonian orthodox, but I cant be baptised without godparents and my entire lineage in pretty atheist. God definitely had a part in my recovery.

 

[London2005]

I was depressed and suicidal for a long time. One of the reasons things got better for me was for my now gf and she with her family was estonian orthodox, so I was interested and did some research and read a couple of testaments from the bible. Now Im estonian orthodox, but I cant be baptised without godparents and my entire lineage in pretty atheist. God definitely had a part in my recovery.
I was depressed and suicidal for a long time. One of the reasons things got better for me was for my now gf and she with her family was estonian orthodox, so I was interested and did some research and read a couple of testaments from the bible. Now Im estonian orthodox, but I cant be baptised without godparents and my entire lineage in pretty atheist. God definitely had a part in my recovery.

cool! I have never really met anyone online from estonia btw

 

[BPDtgirl]

are you Gnostic? my problem is there is a lack of community

I am, so to speak, and you'd be correct to assume there isn't much community but I guess there are a number of factors for that. Mostly surrounding the fact that the core belief structure is really down to you to seek divine knowledge. Community wise, I know of nothing outside of the internet and the people on the subreddit seem to be very critical of others so I do not engage

Whilst community is great, its not entirely necessary and you can always find community in any Church, for the most part in my experience Gnostics are Christians as they believe in the divinity of Christ. However, the central teachings are simply that this physical plane in which we exist, along side so much evil and suffering, was created by a flawed and imperfect 'God'. Your 'soul' (I guess) was created by the true creator and through learning and introspection you can escape the physical plane. Your understanding of the universe thereafter requires your own insight, learning and introspection.

I'm happy to talk about things if you'd like! there is no holy mission for me that compels me to convert folk to Gnostic teachings. I found major religions to be paradoxical, how could we live in a world created by an all loving God and yet find ourselves in so much despair that we met here? I simply find the belief system of Gnosticism fits in line with the reality we live in and, irregardless of whether it is the true answer to the ultimate question, I find peace in it, perhaps you will too?