Discussion I wish I believed in God

[tabby]

I want more than anything to have something to believe in, and I'm wondering how many of you feel the same way.
If I were able to fully believe in God, to have something to occupy my mind, I think maybe I wouldn't be here, or at the very least I'd be able to rationalize my suffering.
I hate that science exists to explain everything, and that there is nothing I can leave to the supernatural, because then that would mean there has to be something beyond us worth experiencing, both here on Earth and after death. It would mean I was. out here for a reason. I think just knowing that would make things so much easier.

 

[Antinous]

Wishful thinking is hell. I offer that comment as a person who believed in god for 60 years. Even studied for religious life during 6 years of undergrad/grad work. It twisted my mind so badly that, after walking away from god 13 years ago I'm still correcting habitual patterns of thinking that are self-inflicted harm. There are times I yearn for the "comfort" of sharing my troubles with an invisible friend, but 99.999% of the time I'm relieved to have shed that BS. Building a virtual world in my head based on lie after lie after lie was not healthy for me or for anyone who had the misfortune to become entangled with me.

 

[tabby]

Wishful thinking is hell. I offer that comment as a person who believed in god for 60 years. Even studied for religious life during 6 years of undergrad/grad work. It twisted my mind so badly that, after walking away from god 13 years ago I'm still correcting habitual patterns of thinking that are self-inflicted harm. There are times I yearn for the "comfort" of sharing my troubles with an invisible friend, but 99.999% of the time I'm relieved to have shed that BS. Building a virtual world in my head based on lie after lie after lie was not healthy for me or for anyone who had the misfortune to become entangled with me.

I really appreciate this reply. I appreciate any and all advice from someone older and wiser than me. Thank you so much.

 

[mind3de]

Indeed god does exist. In February this year I had a vision. Now I know that god exists. I was alone in the forrest and there I saw demons and then god helped me to get out of the forrest. Believe me, he does exist. He is just hidden.

About 10 years ago I already had something like a near-death-expierence. I wish I could prove that he exists, but I can't.

Because of god, I likely won't CTB.

 

[020x]

Religious people are a lot stronger mentally than those who don't believe. They have someone they can rely on, doesn't matter whether he actually exists or not. I wish I did as well :)

 

[front of me]

Honestly, for me, I find that being attached to or believing in a fictional character is useless.

 

[pthnrdnojvsc]

I'll never believe in god , an afterlife, reincarnation , magic , anything supernatural , nothing ever.
I believe after death is non-existence forever no pain ever no suffering no problems.

 

[Antinous]

I really appreciate this reply. I appreciate any and all advice from someone older and wiser than me. Thank you so much.

Thank you. The problem with god is the flip side of the comfort coin. Belief comes with shame, and shame is, by far, the most toxic aspect of having a human brain.

 

[tabby]

Religious people are a lot stronger mentally than those who don't believe. They have someone they can rely on, doesn't matter whether he actually exists or not. I wish I did as well :)

That's exactly what I'm getting at! Having something to rely on! You get it

Indeed god does exist. In February this year I had a vision. Now I know that god exists. I was alone in the forrest and there I saw demons and then god helped me to get out of the forrest. Believe me, he does exist. He is just hidden.

About 10 years ago I already had something like a near-death-expierence. I wish I could prove that he exists, but I can't.

Because of god, I likely won't CTB.

That is very interesting, could you tell me more details about your vision? Were you sober (even if not it doesn't mean the visions meant nothing, drugs often open the brain Ive heard)?

 

[mind3de]

If you don't believe in god, ask yourself the question: Why isn't there just nothing? Why was there big bang? How could life evolve out of non-living atoms and molecules? There has to be someone who created all of that and that's god.

 

[Orbitc]

I am a militant atheist and I believe that any religion is nothing more than the exploitation of stupidity and ignorance of people by sects. Any sects is primarily a commercial organization for the sale of indulgences. This is disgusting - like you can do anything, any bad things, but then it will be enough to sincerely repent and your sins will be nullified. Although I like paganism, I am fascinated by the culture of the Vikings))

 

[Minsu]

Me too. But I can't, there's not the evidence that something like God exists.

 

[obligatoryshackles]

I would caution against the notion that theistic faith is the only way to attain spirituality and purpose.

There are other paths towards the same comfort that you can attain through blind faith in "god". While this is a pretty stereotypical answer, Buddhism, or at least many of the practices of those traditions, are based on real human experiences and do not require necessarily even being religious. The human mind is a lot more malleable, or to put it more cynically, susceptible to this kind of thing than what western, Christian/anti-Christian centered society might lead us to believe.

 

[Gaga786]

I believe God exists, but I doubt he loves me or is doing anything to make my life meaningful. Everyone around me says it's because he has kept good things for me in the afterlife so to deserve those things I have to endure the pain. What kind of a logic is that? I wish God loved me, but he only loves and cares for my abusers

 

[enough of this]

I believe God exists, but I doubt he loves me or is doing anything to make my life meaningful. Everyone around me says it's because he has kept good things for me in the afterlife so to deserve those things I have to endure the pain. What kind of a logic is that? I wish God loved me, but he only loves and cares for my abusers

God is nothing BUT love - pure unconditional love. You have no less value than anyone and are loved just as much as He loves anyone. I think the meaning of life is to give life meaning. Everything to allow our lives to be meaningful, is provided. We just have to sort through all this shit to find and accept it. I'm sorry your circumstances have been such that you've come to the conclusion God doesn't love you. I hope you can put yourself in the kind of circumstances that will help you to see God's love for you.

 

[Gaga786]

God is nothing BUT love - pure unconditional love. You have no less value than anyone and are loved just as much as He loves anyone. I think the meaning of life is to give life meaning. Everything to allow our lives to be meaningful, is provided. We just have to sort through all this shit to find and accept it. I'm sorry your circumstances have been such that you've come to the conclusion God doesn't love you. I hope you can put yourself in the kind of circumstances that will help you to see God's love for you.

Thank you, but I think thing is that I felt like God was never there for me in my life while I was being abused. He let me be abused and tormented, whereas allowed my abusers to walk away free and do amazing in life. So far they are thriving in life and doing amazing, while Im stuck feeling like this.I also don't like the senseless cruelty of humans and how cruel this world can be. There's just so much suffering and God is just watching from his throne. Doesn't make sense that God will allow that to happen. Regardless, I do connect to a supreme power and I hope he forgives me when I do take my own life in the future. Thats all I pray to him for: for forgiveness

 

[enough of this]

Thank you, but I think thing is that I felt like God was never there for me in my life while I was being abused. He let me be abused and tormented, whereas allowed my abusers to walk away free and do amazing in life. So far they are thriving in life and doing amazing, while Im stuck feeling like this.I also don't like the senseless cruelty of humans and how cruel this world can be. There's just so much suffering and God is just watching from his throne. Doesn't make sense that God will allow that to happen. Regardless, I do connect to a supreme power and I hope he forgives me when I do take my own life in the future. Thats all I pray to him for: for forgiveness

I felt that way, too, growing up, and was an atheist most of my life because of it. I thought, how could there possibly be a God that would allow me to be treated this way? Then, I came to realize (not that I actualize it all the time) that all of the abuses I received, are problems for me to get through and grow through. Yes, they're very challenging, and, at times, seem impossible.
But, they're worth working on. One. Step. At a time.

I think of it this way: The farther I pull back the arrow, the more tension there is on the bow. Then, when I release it, the farther it will travel. So, it that way, all my trials - abuses, being bullied, getting cheated, getting dumped... whatever - become my allies in traveling further in my life than if they hadn't happened.

I know it's not easy, and it's far easier to go with a well-practiced survival agenda than a living agenda. There's more security in the familiarity of anything than there is in something new, especially when it seems impossible and is overwhelming.

But, I'm inviting you to consider it. You're welcome to PM me for details, if you like.

 

[Gaga786]

I felt that way, too, growing up, and was an atheist most of my life because of it. I thought, how could there possibly be a God that would allow me to be treated this way? Then, I came to realize (not that I actualize it all the time) that all of the abuses I received, are problems for me to get through and grow through. Yes, they're very challenging, and, at times, seem impossible.
But, they're worth working on. One. Step. At a time.

I think of it this way: The farther I pull back the arrow, the more tension there is on the bow. Then, when I release it, the farther it will travel. So, it that way, all my trials - abuses, being bullied, getting cheated, getting dumped... whatever - become my allies in traveling further in my life than if they hadn't happened.

I know it's not easy, and it's far easier to go with a well-practiced survival agenda than a living agenda. There's more security in the familiarity of anything than there is in something new, especially when it seems impossible and is overwhelming.

But, I'm inviting you to consider it. You're welcome to PM me for details, if you like.

Thank you! I definitely feel similarly, but the problem is no matter what I do and even If I do tackle my issues and trauma, it resurfaces after a time and I'm back in that stage again. It's like this weird tug of war with myself, it takes a lot of time and energy to pull myself out only to fall in the pit again. Now im like what is the point if my entire life will be like this. I also have barely any energy to do any tasks, so my future appears very grim.

 

[umjammertranner]

I was raised Catholic as a god fearing child and it fucked me up, I had so much anxiety around that stuff back then but after I got over my edgy Reddit atheist phase as a teenager I was left just kind of hopeless.

I mean that in a "If god does exist it abondened us long ago/I want to kill it" way. The amount of suffering that goes on in the world makes me angry at the idea of such a being existing, and I can't really believe it would

 

[enough of this]

Thank you! I definitely feel similarly, but the problem is no matter what I do and even If I do tackle my issues and trauma, it resurfaces after a time and I'm back in that stage again. It's like this weird tug of war with myself, it takes a lot of time and energy to pull myself out only to fall in the pit again. Now im like what is the point if my entire life will be like this. I also have barely any energy to do any tasks, so my future appears very grim.

Yes, I understand. That's how the process works for everyone. But if you can take on the understanding that not everything in this world is going to be against you, that sooner or later, something will come along that will be in your favor. And once you start to believe that some things will work out for you, then you'll begin to see other things working out for you. Even if they're just little things to begin with. You can create any reality you want. You don't have to let your history create your destiny.
It's okay to let go of it. Really!

All the best to you, my friend.

 

[Gonnerr]

If i ever see god , i will shoot him without hesitation, i want no explanation.

Because the creator of that shit if he exists is a pretty crazy maniac.

 

[San_Miguel]

I believe God exists, but I doubt he loves me or is doing anything to make my life meaningful. Everyone around me says it's because he has kept good things for me in the afterlife so to deserve those things I have to endure the pain. What kind of a logic is that? I wish God loved me, but he only loves and cares for my abusers

God does love you, I promise. Sometimes we have a hard time believing that because we feel unloved by so many others or even by ourselves, but even if nobody else on the planet loves you, God still does. He loves each and every one of us, including your abusers, but that's a good thing. We will never be perfect enough to deserve God's love, but that's OK because He loves us no matter what. If you don't feel like He loves you, you need to remember that He died for you.

He came to our world as Jesus, the Man from Nazareth. He came knowing full well that he would be beaten, tortured, and crucified by the very people He loves so dearly. He died as a sacrifice for all of our sins so that we could be forgiven in the eyes of God. The fact that God sacrificed Himself for our forgiveness reminds us that He loves us more than we could ever possibly imagine. It's important to love and forgive others as He loves and forgives us. God only wants you to return His love and to tell others of His love for them. He wants you to forgive and love your neighbors, even the evil and abusive ones. There is no force more powerful than Love in this world, and it will set you free.

Please, go to Christ and offer your suffering. Share your pain with Him so you can live more freely.

Stay strong my friend, for you are dearly loved.

 

[painful existence]

Belief in God can provide comfort and meaning to a lot of the people.I can completely understand your perspective .You can try
However don't go extreme into any religion/cult .It would be worse for you.
I was raised in an extremely orthodox religious society and that was extremely bad for my mental health as well.I was overwhelmed by the fear of hell growing up and that took a huge toll on my mental health .I was living a miserable life.
So when I left religion I did have existential crisis at one point in my life but I don't think I really miss being religious that much.I personally took help from stoic philosophy and even though it doesn't address the problems of existential crisis,it does provide some solid advice on living in this world.

 

[Moxim]

I want more than anything to have something to believe in, and I'm wondering how many of you feel the same way.
If I were able to fully believe in God, to have something to occupy my mind, I think maybe I wouldn't be here, or at the very least I'd be able to rationalize my suffering.
I hate that science exists to explain everything, and that there is nothing I can leave to the supernatural, because then that would mean there has to be something beyond us worth experiencing, both here on Earth and after death. It would mean I was. out here for a reason. I think just knowing that would make things so much easier.

Do you really, though? I'm assuming everyone in this thread, myself included, is seriously underknowed on the topic of theology. It's rarely formally studied, hell it's rarely even studied period, probably because people think it to be an enormous waste of time. It also doesn't help that devout individuals are notoriously bad at explaining the reason for their faith. They would probably even struggle to explain the utility of it.

But, if you are serious, I would recommend looking into C.S. Lewis (The guy that wrote Narnia). Some of Lewis' works just feel remarkable to read, like he actually, truly knows what he's talking about. Not a single person since has ever evoked the same impression on me when contentious topics like theology or ethics are being discussed. Start with Mere Christianity, you will glean infinitely more wisdom from the first two chapters than you ever would discussing it here. It's on youtube as an audiobook / doodle series ,too. Just search "Right & Wrong CS Lewis" and it will be the first result.

 

[brokeandbroken]

I want more than anything to have something to believe in, and I'm wondering how many of you feel the same way.
If I were able to fully believe in God, to have something to occupy my mind, I think maybe I wouldn't be here, or at the very least I'd be able to rationalize my suffering.
I hate that science exists to explain everything, and that there is nothing I can leave to the supernatural, because then that would mean there has to be something beyond us worth experiencing, both here on Earth and after death. It would mean I was. out here for a reason. I think just knowing that would make things so much easier.

To be honest I wish i didn't most of the time.

 

[Forever Sleep]

If you don't believe in god, ask yourself the question: Why isn't there just nothing? Why was there big bang? How could life evolve out of non-living atoms and molecules? There has to be someone who created all of that and that's god.

Why do you suppose God did it? (Supposedly created the universe.) Do you think he/she/it enjoys power and punishing people? If God REALLY only wanted obedient loving servants, why were we even given the ability to choose? Surely- so that when we choose wrongly- we can be punished.

Where did God come from- who created God? Does God have parents?

If humans are God's favourite creatures (I haven't noticed many animals worshipping a God- although I suppose there's no way of knowing for sure) - why did God create dinosaurs first? Did they just become fed up with them after 165 million years and kill them all? Why? Because they weren't being respectful enough?

Why can't elements fuse/react together to create new elements on their own? Why can't those new elements evolve over billions of years into life? I agree- it seems like an incredible feat. Especially seeing as we don't even really know what consciousness is. Still- why does there have to be intention behind it? Just because we don't know the answers- it doesn't have to mean it's magic or spiritual.

We can't see gravity but we feel it's effects. Do you think it's because the earth is greedy and wants to keep hold of everything? No- it's simply a force created between objects. Larger objects create stronger gravitational pulls. I doubt they intend to do it- it's just something that happens. Why can't other things like life and consciousness be the same? They are just things that come into effect when an organism with a brain is born.

What is time? How can we REALLY know how old the universe is? Before the big bang, what if there was still 'stuff' in space? What if time is infinite- what if there wasn't a beginning before the big bang. If there always has been stuff floating about in space- what are the chances- in an infinite amount of time that something wouldn't crash into or react with something else creating an explosion or chain reaction or whatever? It may have just ended up bring an inevitability that something would happen at some point.

Sorry to attack your faith. If I'm honest, I'm not a total unbeliever. I honestly don't know for sure but I have a lot of problems with religion. If it brings you comfort though- I'm happy for you and I hope I haven't offended you.

 

[mind3de]

Why do you suppose God did it? (Supposedly created the universe.) Do you think he/she/it enjoys power and punishing people? If God REALLY only wanted obedient loving servants, why were we even given the ability to choose? Surely- so that when we choose wrongly- we can be punished.

Where did God come from- who created God? Does God have parents?

If humans are God's favourite creatures (I haven't noticed many animals worshipping a God- although I suppose there's no way of knowing for sure) - why did God create dinosaurs first? Did they just become fed up with them after 165 million years and kill them all? Why? Because they weren't being respectful enough?

Why can't elements fuse/react together to create new elements on their own? Why can't those new elements evolve over billions of years into life? I agree- it seems like an incredible feat. Especially seeing as we don't even really know what consciousness is. Still- why does there have to be intention behind it? Just because we don't know the answers- it doesn't have to mean it's magic or spiritual.

We can't see gravity but we feel it's effects. Do you think it's because the earth is greedy and wants to keep hold of everything? No- it's simply a force created between objects. Larger objects create stronger gravitational pulls. I doubt they intend to do it- it's just something that happens. Why can't other things like life and consciousness be the same? They are just things that come into effect when an organism with a brain is born.

What is time? How can we REALLY know how old the universe is? Before the big bang, what if there was still 'stuff' in space? What if time is infinite- what if there wasn't a beginning before the big bang. If there always has been stuff floating about in space- what are the chances- in an infinite amount of time that something wouldn't crash into or react with something else creating an explosion or chain reaction or whatever? It may have just ended up bring an inevitability that something would happen at some point.

Sorry to attack your faith. If I'm honest, I'm not a total unbeliever. I honestly don't know for sure but I have a lot of problems with religion. If it brings you comfort though- I'm happy for you and I hope I haven't offended you.

I can't answer those questions. I was always a radical atheist until this year when I had a vision. So I now just know that there's a god. However that's possible. I don't know.

 

[MrDarkness]

I mean we can't prove that god exists but we also can't disprove, I mean something had to create the Big Bang, I mean the bible is just suppose to make people feel easy about death and the creation of life etc

 

[ihatethisplanet]

I still believe, but can't feel like God is listening to me. I have a deeply religious friend who is not preachy at all, but she told me once that she feels so loved by Jesus and I wondered what that felt like. I've bought religious books and can barely focus on any of them. Everything goes in one ear and out the other, but that's the case with most books these days. I've heard that going through tribulations will make you stronger, but it will never make sense to me why children have to deal with cancer and other deadly illnesses. They're too young to learn anything from that and many times don't even survive. So what's the point?

My belief will still always be there and I try to keep it in mind, but the wind went out of my sails a long time ago. Fear of hell is a major factor in why I haven't tried to do something by now.

Not pushing my beliefs on anyone here - this is just my personal situation.

 

[JustABug]

I want more than anything to have something to believe in, and I'm wondering how many of you feel the same way.
If I were able to fully believe in God, to have something to occupy my mind, I think maybe I wouldn't be here, or at the very least I'd be able to rationalize my suffering.
I hate that science exists to explain everything, and that there is nothing I can leave to the supernatural, because then that would mean there has to be something beyond us worth experiencing, both here on Earth and after death. It would mean I was. out here for a reason. I think just knowing that would make things so much easier.

I wish to believe in God too. It's Wishful thinking to believe we're not alone and there truly is a plan God has for us. My family are Christians but I could never believe myself. Most religious ideology is built up on hatred that even if God did exist, the teachings religions preach would definitely be exaggerated and not at all what God's intention was.