The Religious Path

[luna-tic]

To those of whatever religious denomination. What made you want to follow the doctrine?
What circumstances led you to that decision?
How were you convinced by the book, priest, family or friend if you had no religious inclination before?
What keeps you believing?

[naomi24]

Hi Luny, good question. For some considerable time, I was a Christian, but since I am no longer, I can't really answer the complete question. However, I'll no doubt join in somewhere along the thread, and I just wanted to say it's good to see you back on AB - and I hope you're feeling better. x

[luna-tic]

Thank you Wiz , Although I said, those of religious denomination, anyone is welcome.
I think any belief that is so strong could partly be construed as a religion such as atheism but there are none of the usual traits as found in other followings such as attending old cold musty establishments on particular days, singing of hymns or reading from books where people live to be 965 years old...........or is there?
Actually that's a good question. How few practices are needed to verify the person as being religious?

[luna-tic]

Hi Naomi, Thanks to your kind words of encouragement, they have given me a boost to return to AB/R and S.
I do feel a bit better.
I look forward to your views as always. x

[bladski]

I was presented with a religion and then was prompted to ask God through prayer wether it was true or not.

In James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

I received my answer through the spirit and knew that it was true and since then I have followed all the doctrine of my religion and believe everything they tell me.

[Ice-Maiden]

Like the JW who let his wife die the other day. Yes.....wonderful to believe in everything you're told, isn't it?

[bladski]

I don't know what u are referring to Ice-Maiden but I believe my denomination to be true and I have faith that the leaders would not ask me to do something contrary to the will of God and if for some reason they did (being that no man is perfect) I would simply pray about it and if I felt the Spirit tell me that I should do it then I would

[Ice-Maiden]

That's fine Bladski - so long as you're not hurting yourself or other people - then believe in what you wish.

[bladski]

Nope no hurting people :)

[luna-tic]

Hello bladski, Could you tell me what you mean by receiving your answer through the spirit?

[bladski]

No i'm not "so easily led" but when u have faith and believe something and trust in it then to not follow it makes you pretty pathetic or weak.

[bladski]

Luna... The Spirit is the Holy Ghost and is a guide for people in their lives. It confirms right and wrong (kinda like a conscience).

[Ice-Maiden]

I think most peope are drawn to their own particular religion because of indoctrination by parents or religious leaders. I haven't had my own children baptized into any faith - in order that they aren't labelled before they have a chance to explore what's right for them as individuals. I know people can change their ideas as they get older, but how many do? I say if you wish to believe in something, then do it, quietly, but since NOBODY knows what the truth is, there's no particular right or wrong path to follow.

[bladski]

although a poor example wiz... I'll go with it. If u truly believed the world to be flat or if u truly believed in anything why wouldn't u follow it?

[bladski]

Ice-Maiden believing in something "quietly" has it goods and bads. First of all if we all did it quietly billions of people would not have had to die due to religious oppression on the other hand many relgions beliefs are very strong on missionary work and being quiet about beliefs is a no

[naomi24]

bladski, what denomination are you, and if you believe everything your leaders tell you, can you tell us why? After all, they only have the same information as you have at their disposal - or is this a wind-up? If it isn't, then I'll be very interested in reading your experiences, and I'd like to know how exactly the Holy Spirit communicates with you, since I call my conscience a conscience.

Luny Good for you. If I have helped you, then I'm delighted, but I'm sure it's all due to your own efforts and to your own inner strength. Well done. x