Learning other faiths

[cdmj2111]

I've been finding life very stressful recently, and not just with the build up to Christmas. I am a non practising Christian but wondered on other faiths that might reach me and give my life a new meaning. Stop me feeling annoyance and hate and help me live my life to the full. Any suggestions on easy to read books that explain that faith? Thanks & happy Christmas.

[soonny]

Hello cdmj2111,

 

I understand what you're trying to say, I'm a free thinker myself. Most people find spiritual and emotional support by joining a religion, but as I mentioned, most people, not all. You first have to understand why you refuse to be a Christian or chose to be an atheist. Because I could frankly say, let it be Islam or any other religions out there, they are not going to differ much. If you don't like the idea of going to church chances are you might not like it as well in a temple/mosque.

 

I would suggest you to look at your life in a broader perspective. Take some time alone to slow down and think about what excites you and what does not. It is very important you realize what you want and what you need and know the difference. Some people find a sense of belonging amongst fellow church members, and that's where they want to be and it works for them. But some prefer to travel alone, prefer to spend some time alone in the kitchen baking cakes on Sundays, etc. So try and discover your own passion.

[ursula62]

There may be no need to look at religions, there's a self help book that might help you. It's not related to any faith at all. It's called "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson.

He's also got a website: http://dontsweat.com/

Hope you find what you're looking for.

[El D]

why must you have a faith? It seems a bizarre concept that a religion is not fulfilling your needs so you pick another one. My advice would be to drop religion altogether and reach a meaning for yourself that you, and not some ancient madman, have decided upon. Take control and you will feel a lot better.

[Steve F]

Although it is not a faith as such, have a look at Humanism on the internet. I would describe myself as a Humanist. This is the one life you have, live it and respect others - whatever they believe.

[kestrel]

Do not look for religion to solve your problems as all you're doing is allowing people belonging to these religions to stop looking at what you want and start telling you what they want from you, ie money, time, 'carrot and stick' syndrome which states that they can save you for a price. You take away your own free will and hand it over to someone else. Why not be inovative and create your own religion based on principles that you believe in. You are an individual if you are looking for some type of spiritual enlightenment go out into the country look at nature. Or you could decide to actively do something to help other people. There must be help groups in your area. I feel from you that you are finding no real meaning to life so identify what aspect that you are disatisfied with and do something about it.

[Romeo]

A Christian friend of mine once had a similar problem.  She sorted it out by going into a Christian retreat over Christmas, where she got away from all the stress and commercialism of 'xmas', but where there was a proper spiritual celebration of 'Christmas'.  Another friend of mine (a guy this time) went into a Buddhist retreat at Christmastime.  Again he got away from all the tinsel and toys and rushing about, but enjoyed a spiritual peace, a recharging of the batteries.

[Romeo]

PS - Happy Christamas to you too, cdmj2111.

[cdmj2111]

thank you all so much for the lovely advice. It is all taken on board. Happy Christmas to you all.