Hello guys, I'm a high school freshman who is contemplating his beliefs.
Now, I was an "internet atheist" for a year and a half or so. I'm sure most of you know what that means. Anyway, I felt like something was missing not believing in a higher power.
So, I have started to look into religion.
I'm not looking into Christianity right now, Episcopal in particular.
I am really having my doubts.
So many of the things about Christianity strike me as silly. Prayer, Genesis, Moses, Noah's Ark, Demons, Angels, God-Men, Miracles, Desert Kings chosen by god, the OT god, this "war in heaven", the ceremony, Hell, the Holy Spirit (a placebo) ...
It is hard to have a logical mind believing in this stuff. I accept evolution, science, archaeology, and so on.
But at the same time, the Bible has some really deep stuff in it (especially in the Greek and Hebrew texts). And, I am in a way afraid to reject Christianity only out of fear of hell (although the Bible does say that perfect love casts away fear).
I feel drawn to the Episcopalian religion for a few reasons.
1. They are open minded and relatively progressive.
2. The ceremony (illogical, but cool)
3. The hokey, good natured feel (church humor :areyoucra).
4. My uncle, a member of the Episcopalian church.
5. It provides a community, a sort of haven, united.
6. One of my favorite science teachers, a friar.
Unless this is how the Holy Spirit manifests itself, these reasons seem easy to explain and selfish. I've felt this same feeling for the UU Church but now believe it to be lacking in unity.
I do feel God however. I feel God reading a good book, listening to music (rock, not Beethoven or the latest Jesus Juice Christian band), thinking about the laws that govern the universe ...
I've gone through a few phases before where I've felt that I have found God, and it has had effects. I felt more willing to do good and more complete as an individual.
I want there to be a god, but wanting doesn't make it true. I feel feelings of a higher power than myself, but they can't be attributed to any one religion.
What do you think? :help:
Now, I was an "internet atheist" for a year and a half or so. I'm sure most of you know what that means. Anyway, I felt like something was missing not believing in a higher power.
So, I have started to look into religion.
I'm not looking into Christianity right now, Episcopal in particular.
I am really having my doubts.
So many of the things about Christianity strike me as silly. Prayer, Genesis, Moses, Noah's Ark, Demons, Angels, God-Men, Miracles, Desert Kings chosen by god, the OT god, this "war in heaven", the ceremony, Hell, the Holy Spirit (a placebo) ...
It is hard to have a logical mind believing in this stuff. I accept evolution, science, archaeology, and so on.
But at the same time, the Bible has some really deep stuff in it (especially in the Greek and Hebrew texts). And, I am in a way afraid to reject Christianity only out of fear of hell (although the Bible does say that perfect love casts away fear).
I feel drawn to the Episcopalian religion for a few reasons.
1. They are open minded and relatively progressive.
2. The ceremony (illogical, but cool)
3. The hokey, good natured feel (church humor :areyoucra).
4. My uncle, a member of the Episcopalian church.
5. It provides a community, a sort of haven, united.
6. One of my favorite science teachers, a friar.
Unless this is how the Holy Spirit manifests itself, these reasons seem easy to explain and selfish. I've felt this same feeling for the UU Church but now believe it to be lacking in unity.
I do feel God however. I feel God reading a good book, listening to music (rock, not Beethoven or the latest Jesus Juice Christian band), thinking about the laws that govern the universe ...
I've gone through a few phases before where I've felt that I have found God, and it has had effects. I felt more willing to do good and more complete as an individual.
I want there to be a god, but wanting doesn't make it true. I feel feelings of a higher power than myself, but they can't be attributed to any one religion.
What do you think? :help:
Have you looked outside of Christianity? I know you might be nervous about going to Hell, but I seriously wouldn't worry about that. In my opinion, God cares more if you are genuine then if you join the "correct" religion. But anyways, I would have a look at the Christian DIR and the Seeker DIR if I were you. Again, welcome! 
