On Religion
March 7, 2012 § 4 Comments
I wasn’t sure how to answer the question of whether I was religious or not. My initial thought was that I’m probably more spiritual than religious. I spent some time researching the differences between “being spiritual” and “being religious” and I’m not sure that I can identify myself as either one. My experience with religion has been very complex and sometimes it’s difficult for me to talk about it. To be honest, it’s always difficult to talk about how I was raised religiously. I grew up in a strict, Christian home and my parents were very religious. They were legalistic in how they viewed religion and they expected my sibling and I to follow their beliefs. I felt confined and depressed by all the rules and regulations and I felt that I couldn’t do anything or be myself. I felt that I could only express myself in certain ways and I felt that my parent’s religious beliefs were choking my creative and spiritual self. Things were so bad that as a teenager I rebelled against my parent’s religious beliefs and I even ran away from home because I wanted more freedom.
These days, I’m skeptical of organized religions in general. Many times I view religion as being dogmatic and controlling. Although there are many principles/teachings that I believe from Christianity, I have a hard time attending church. I don’t know if I want to be a part of a Christian community and I’m not interested in participating in most church activities. I’d rather study, pray, and seek answers on my own and to be open to whatever faith my studies take me on.
I know that my parent’s beliefs are not the beliefs that all Christians share but the experiences from my childhood are something that I can’t let go of.
I hear you. My parents weren’t strict about religion though we did attend church most weeks. I classify myself as a poor christian. I’ve checked into most of the organized religions and I have real problems with all of them. They damn well don’t practice what they preach.
The closest to a true religion, to my mind, is the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The ones I know here actually do live their beliefs. I enjoy discussing the bible with them, but have no intention of joining them. It would rule out too many of the vile and evil things that I enjoy in life.
Thank you for your comment! I agree that a lot of people that I know don’t really practice what they preach either and I’m not sure why that is. Maybe they accept only certain aspects of their religion or they are they are struggling with their beliefs. My parents did (and still do) live out their beliefs but I don’t have the same views as they do. I feel that I am growing or at least trying to grow spiritually by studying on my own and I’m excited about the process.
I totally agree with you. My parents were and are the same way. I am not going back to church. Theres just something not right about it. If i wasn’t so nervous and stuff i would have ran away myself. Don’t let anyone push you into stuff like that.
Thank you for your comment as well and your advice. I would not let anyone talk me into joining a church or a religion.