I prayed to all the gods, none have answered back...

[Araceli Cianna]

Okay. So I am chronically ill. I was raised in a Christian family. My mum kept telling me Jesus would heal me. But after time I realised my belief in him and prayers were doing nothing. Even when I tried sincerely to hold onto the faith. So I became atheist. But every now and again I still get the urge to pray. So I pray to other deities from other religions since Jesus didn't respond. Well, mostly Hindu deities since I like Hinduism (Durga/Shiva). But still nothing.

Maybe I should try praying to as many different gods as possible from as many different pantheons and see if any of them decide to respond and help me? Maybe I should at least try it. I don't think gods are really out there, but maybe if they are one will actually show themselves to me. Why should I believe in a being that supposedly has the power to manifest itself but doesn't? Are they not real? Do they just not care? Maybe they are not really powerful afterall?

 

[MonkeyFire]

You speak or you listen.

 

[DavidFirth]

Okay. So I am chronically ill. I was raised in a Christian family. My mum kept telling me Jesus would heal me. But after time I realised my belief in him and prayers were doing nothing. Even when I tried sincerely to hold onto the faith. So I became atheist. But every now and again I still get the urge to pray. So I pray to other deities from other religions since Jesus didn't respond. Well, mostly Hindu deities since I like Hinduism (Durga/Shiva). But still nothing.

Maybe I should try praying to as many different gods as possible from as many different pantheons and see if any of them decide to respond and help me? Maybe I should at least try it. I don't think gods are really out there, but maybe if they are one will actually show themselves to me. Why should I believe in a being that supposedly has the power to manifest itself but doesn't? Are they not real? Do they just not care? Maybe they are not really powerful afterall?

Jesus probably did respond. He either told you to wait and you chose not to or He gave you an answer you did not wish to hear.

How long have you been chronically ill?

 

[Akivah]

I don't think prayers are to just ask for stuff. In my opinion, prayer is meant to bolster yourself. Prayers for strength or patience are good.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Okay. So I am chronically ill. I was raised in a Christian family. My mum kept telling me Jesus would heal me. But after time I realised my belief in him and prayers were doing nothing. Even when I tried sincerely to hold onto the faith. So I became atheist. But every now and again I still get the urge to pray. So I pray to other deities from other religions since Jesus didn't respond. Well, mostly Hindu deities since I like Hinduism (Durga/Shiva). But still nothing.

Maybe I should try praying to as many different gods as possible from as many different pantheons and see if any of them decide to respond and help me? Maybe I should at least try it. I don't think gods are really out there, but maybe if they are one will actually show themselves to me. Why should I believe in a being that supposedly has the power to manifest itself but doesn't? Are they not real? Do they just not care? Maybe they are not really powerful afterall?

I think the main thing is to appreciate your mom as much as you can and hope you can come to an emotional agreement if not a verbal one. That is very important, much more important than dickering over words about invisible things; and who knows what either of you will believe ten years from now?

 

[pearl]

Why should I believe in a being that supposedly has the power to manifest itself but doesn't? Are they not real? Do they just not care? Maybe they are not really powerful afterall?

It is not God that lets us down, but our idea of God that lets us down.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Don't count on any Gods to heal you of physical illness.

 

[Quintessence]

Some religious traditions teach that their deity or deities are the "good guys" looking out for humans and are interventionist (sometimes in very personal ways). It's understandable why such teachings are as popular as they are, as it certainly feels good to believe that some deity is watching out for you. If you are looking for guidance from such traditions - where deities act like caring parents - others would serve you better than myself.

Pagan traditions generally expect adherents to take matters into their own hands instead of begging the gods. If I want something done, it's up to me to get it done. The gods provide valuable inspiration that keeps me focused on that goal. Various gods that are aligned with the goal are allies. Those are relationships I should work to develop to help the inspiration flow. Other gods will be adversaries, or stand in the way of the goals. That flow of inspiration needs to be disempowered and quelled. Either way, the gods are not out for my best interest, as they are not concerned with me - my job is to read the cards I have been dealt and work with the situation as I can to reach the desired outcome. It's my job to build the relationships, direct the flow of inspiration and energy.

 

[Araceli Cianna]

You speak or you listen.

I do both equally..

 

[Araceli Cianna]

Don't count on any Gods to heal you of physical illness.

Why not? If they are supposed to be greater than us and have magical abilities, why couldn't they heal me if they wanted to?

 

[Araceli Cianna]

Some religious traditions teach that their deity or deities are the "good guys" looking out for humans and are interventionist (sometimes in very personal ways). It's understandable why such teachings are as popular as they are, as it certainly feels good to believe that some deity is watching out for you. If you are looking for guidance from such traditions - where deities act like caring parents - others would serve you better than myself.

Pagan traditions generally expect adherents to take matters into their own hands instead of begging the gods. If I want something done, it's up to me to get it done. The gods provide valuable inspiration that keeps me focused on that goal. Various gods that are aligned with the goal are allies. Those are relationships I should work to develop to help the inspiration flow. Other gods will be adversaries, or stand in the way of the goals. That flow of inspiration needs to be disempowered and quelled. Either way, the gods are not out for my best interest, as they are not concerned with me - my job is to read the cards I have been dealt and work with the situation as I can to reach the desired outcome. It's my job to build the relationships, direct the flow of inspiration and energy.

Interesting answer, but I have to reply similar to above. If I was a doctor and some nice lady came to me asking for help curing a condition that she has and it's in my power to relieve her burden and she offers something in return that is valuable to me (such as a bit of money), why wouldn't I help her? I think the same of the gods. I pray to them "I will offer you whatever you desire", and I am sincere and believe myself to be good hearted. I could not ignore the call of an afflicted innocent. Why should they?

 

[Araceli Cianna]

I think the main thing is to appreciate your mom as much as you can and hope you can come to an emotional agreement if not a verbal one. That is very important, much more important than dickering over words about invisible things; and who knows what either of you will believe ten years from now?

Yeah thanks, things have remained amicable between us

 

[Nakosis]

Why should I believe in a being that supposedly has the power to manifest itself but doesn't? Are they not real? Do they just not care? Maybe they are not really powerful afterall?

Your lack of belief is pretty powerful. IMO your certainty that there is no God prevents your subconscious mind from manifesting one for you.

Once you go down the road of atheism it is difficult to return from it.

When I was much younger I accepted there was a God. I had a troubled youth, prayed and had a spiritual experience. This encouraged further belief. I ended up following a Guru from India who taught me how to hear and see God. These seemed to be physiological experiences. I had visions, spoke in tongues once. I had conversations with God where God provided profound answers.

Unfortunately I never stopped questioning the truth of these experiences, trying to understand and justify them.

I suspect doubt prevents the subconscious mind from manifesting these kinds of spiritual experiences from the conscious mind.

God will not answer the prayer of the unbeliever.

There is comfort in God right? That's what you are looking for?

I don't know what's better to go through life with. Accepting the certainty of God or accepting the uncertainty of God.

Maybe if we humans could really learn to love and support each other, we wouldn't need God.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Once you go down the road of atheism it is difficult to return from it.

Sorry but I find that imaginative. I don't know that many people, and I know 4 who were atheists that became Christians. One of them was a member here.

Also, where has @Revoltingest been for the last few days? I have this weird feeling that he's decided to leave us so he can pastor a church.

 

[Araceli Cianna]

Your lack of belief is pretty powerful. IMO your certainty that there is no God prevents your subconscious mind from manifesting one for you.

Once you go down the road of atheism it is difficult to return from it.

When I was much younger I accepted there was a God. I had a troubled youth, prayed and had a spiritual experience. This encouraged further belief. I ended up following a Guru from India who taught me how to hear and see God. These seemed to be physiological experiences. I had visions, spoke in tongues once. I had conversations with God where God provided profound answers.

Unfortunately I never stopped questioning the truth of these experiences, trying to understand and justify them.

I suspect doubt prevents the subconscious mind from manifesting these kinds of spiritual experiences from the conscious mind.

God will not answer the prayer of the unbeliever.

There is comfort in God right? That's what you are looking for?

I don't know what's better to go through life with. Accepting the certainty of God or accepting the uncertainty of God.

Maybe if we humans could really learn to love and support each other, we wouldn't need God.

So do you believe in God now or not? Your answer is unclear, but you said that we manifest our own gods. Does that then make them real? Or just images within the mind?

 

[George-ananda]

I prayed to all the gods, none have answered back...

What are you expecting to happen; a physical cure?

I believe in reincarnation over eons of time and one lifetime of anything is not really long. From a grander perspective, our purpose is learning love and detachment from the temporary.

Do continue with your efforts to alleviate your illness, and it is fine to ask assistance from higher sources, but remember the big picture is not within our current scope of vision.

 

[Araceli Cianna]

I believe in reincarnation over eons of time and one lifetime of anything is not really long. From a grander perspective, our purpose is learning love and detachment from the temporary.

Do continue with your efforts to alleviate your illness, and it is fine to ask assistance from higher sources, but remember the big picture is not within our current scope of vision.

Thank you. Can you tell me why you believe what you believe? I want to know more about the idea of reincarnation and what makes people believe in it.

 

[MonkeyFire]

I do both equally..

Maybe you do them backwards.

 

[viole]

Okay. So I am chronically ill. I was raised in a Christian family. My mum kept telling me Jesus would heal me. But after time I realised my belief in him and prayers were doing nothing. Even when I tried sincerely to hold onto the faith. So I became atheist. But every now and again I still get the urge to pray. So I pray to other deities from other religions since Jesus didn't respond. Well, mostly Hindu deities since I like Hinduism (Durga/Shiva). But still nothing.

Maybe I should try praying to as many different gods as possible from as many different pantheons and see if any of them decide to respond and help me? Maybe I should at least try it. I don't think gods are really out there, but maybe if they are one will actually show themselves to me. Why should I believe in a being that supposedly has the power to manifest itself but doesn't? Are they not real? Do they just not care? Maybe they are not really powerful afterall?

Maybe the true God does exactly the contrary of what He is asked to do. You know, mysterious ways and such.

Tried that?

Ciao

- viole

 

[George-ananda]

Thank you. Can you tell me why you believe what you believe? I want to know more about the idea of reincarnation and what makes people believe in it.

My understanding is that we are in a soul developing process having experiences that make us develop our souls. Characteristics of an older soul include increased love, wisdom and detachment from the temporary. And yes, souls do accept physical experiences that from our worldly perspective look less fortunate.

As for why I came to believe in reincarnation, my interest started with studying the paranormal and those sources that can best explain what is going on. Those explanations almost invariably included the idea of reincarnation from western Theosophical teachings to eastern (Indian) religions.

Secondly, there is evidence that can be verified of people remembering details of past lives that can be investigated. The most famous researcher of such things is Dr. Ian Stevenson nd his investigation of childhood reincarnation memories. It appears that children still remember more and the memory fades as the child develops in the new life. Here's a sample case:

According to these accounts, when she was about four years old, she told her parents that her real home was in Mathura where her husband lived, about 145 km from her home in Delhi. Discouraged by her parents, she ran away from home at age six, trying to reach Mathura. Back home, she stated in school that she was married and had died ten days after having given birth to a child. Interviewed by her teacher and headmaster, she used words from the Mathura dialect and divulged the name of her merchant husband, "Kedar Nath". The headmaster located a merchant by that name in Mathura who had lost his wife, Lugdi Devi, nine years earlier, ten days after having given birth to a son. Kedar Nath traveled to Delhi, pretending to be his own brother, but Shanti Devi immediately recognized him and Lugdi Devi's son. As she knew several details of Kedar Nath's life with his wife, he was soon convinced that Shanti Devi was indeed the reincarnation of Lugdi Devi. When Mahatma Gandhi heard about the case, he met the child and set up a commission to investigate. The commission traveled with Shanti Devi to Mathura, arriving on 15 November 1935. There she recognized several family members, including the grandfather of Lugdi Devi. She found out that Kedar Nath had neglected to keep a number of promises he had made to Lugdi Devi on her deathbed. She then traveled home with her parents. The commission's report concluded that Shanti Devi was indeed the reincarnation of Lugdi Devi.[2]