Need advice... Clashing feelings about faiths!

[illykitty]

Then once again we are in the same boat. I'm stuck on theist because I believe in a God but what Shklee (He+she) wants from humanity or has done to us is always shifting. I tried to be Muslim but quit after all the constant arguments and in fighting I had seen. For example I like Progressive Muslims most Muslims I have met decry them as everything from Kaffir to they are not Muslim. They seem almost no different from the Christianity sects that I left. I was Christian at first but Islam brought up a wave of new possibilities of Jesus not being the Messiah or anything special at all and my faith kinda collapse in on itself. And I would be Sikh but I have trouble believing in rebirth or keeping the 5Ks. I'm a mess

Aww maybe you can try to go with it, don't think about the 5Ks right away, they're not important straight away. And rebirth, well it's hard to help with this but is the afterlife really important to think about? Sikhi might make you happy, with the worship, ethics and connection to God... And whatever happens after life, happens. More important is what you do now.

I'm thinking about SD again, a lot. I realised reading back some old posts and my journal that it seems to make a lot of sense to me and it combines everything I like about different religions. Of course I realise that SD isn't ONE religion but an umbrella of paths but heck, it would be great to settle on one umbrella. That much closer to finding my path!

 

[Huey09]

I'm thinking about SD again, a lot. I realised reading back some old posts and my journal that it seems to make a lot of sense to me and it combines everything I like about different religions. Of course I realise that SD isn't ONE religion but an umbrella of paths but heck, it would be great to settle on one umbrella. That much closer to finding my path!

SD? I'm a little confused by the initials, but I see what you mean I might give it a shot provided that I can get back into religion...decadence is a little addictive lol

 

[Jainarayan]

Why are people part of certain religions?

Because God shows himself in a way that is meaningful to the devotee. I am not Indian; I have never been to India; I knew few if any Indians or Hindus before I became acquainted with Hinduism. What I did begin to learn about Hinduism and the Hindu deities as a 13 year old Roman Catholic resonated with me. That's how God showed himself to me.

 

[Huey09]

SD? I'm a little confused by the initials, but I see what you mean I might give it a shot provided that I can get back into religion...decadence is a little addictive lol

my bad now I know you meant Sanātana Dharma Hinduism very beautiful. Personally I would worship Kali she's awesome especially how she calls her worshippers her children(gives me the warm fuzzies), finally I could just tell my problems don't make me call my mother lol

 

[illykitty]

Finding a religion or faith is being on hold at the moment. I'm still reading about various faiths, as interest and knowledge, but I realised that as other aspects of my life, I can't do anything. I'm paralysed by mental illness... Depression is very crippling! There are some days, or even weeks I'm in a high mood but that's not the majority of the time.

Even if I found something, I don't think I would be capable of following it. I still pray to the deity but that's about it for now. Perhaps as I get better I can actually go from reading about religion to actually trying to practise them!

 

[Jainarayan]

Finding a religion or faith is being on hold at the moment. I'm still reading about various faiths, as interest and knowledge, but I realised that as other aspects of my life, I can't do anything.

I think that's wise.

I'm paralysed by mental illness... Depression is very crippling! There are some days, or even weeks I'm in a high mood but that's not the majority of the time.

You have not only my sympathy, but my empathy. I too am often plagued with depression. I am bipolar 2 hypomanic/depressive. I can take some serious nosedives.

Even if I found something, I don't think I would be capable of following it. I still pray to the deity but that's about it for now. Perhaps as I get better I can actually go from reading about religion to actually trying to practise them!

Don't think you have to find a religion, let it find you, if that even happens. I thought I found a religion, but what I found were conflicts with my core beliefs. And the key word is "beliefs"; there is a big difference between beliefs and religion. Maybe you are, to use an oft-denigrated phrase, SBNR... Spiritual But Not Religious.

Here are two of my all time favorite quotes on the subject:

Chanting is no more holy than listening to the murmur of a stream; counting prayer beads no more sacred than simply breathing; religious robes no more spiritual than work clothes. If you wish to attain oneness with the Tao [my note: let Tao = God, Deity, etc.] don’t get caught up in spiritual superficialities. Instead, live a quiet and simple life, free of ideas and concepts. Find contentment in the practice of undiscriminating virtue, the only true power. Giving to others selflessly and anonymously, radiating light throughout the world and illuminating your own darkness, your virtue becomes a sanctuary for yourself and all beings. This is what is meant by embodying the Tao. - Lao tze

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. - The Buddha

 

[illykitty]

You have not only my sympathy, but my empathy. I too am often plagued with depression. I am bipolar 2 hypomanic/depressive. I can take some serious nosedives.

Well I got issues with my mood as well, but I'm not bipolar according to the psychiatrist I saw today. Not a chemical issue either. So in other words, life screwed me and now I'm stuck with this and there's nothing that can cure me, only help with therapy (which I tried in the past).

Don't think you have to find a religion, let it find you, if that even happens. I thought I found a religion, but what I found were conflicts with my core beliefs. And the key word is "beliefs"; there is a big difference between beliefs and religion. Maybe you are, to use an oft-denigrated phrase, SBNR... Spiritual But Not Religious.

Maybe... Perhaps part of me wants to find a religion soon to cling on so I can go through life. SBNR is lonely, not comforting and God feels distant to say the least.

 

[Jainarayan]

Well I got issues with my mood as well, but I'm not bipolar according to the psychiatrist I saw today. Not a chemical issue either. So in other words, life screwed me and now I'm stuck with this and there's nothing that can cure me, only help with therapy (which I tried in the past).

That's called situational depression. I experience that as well as as clinical/major depression.

Maybe... Perhaps part of me wants to find a religion soon to cling on so I can go through life. SBNR is lonely, not comforting and God feels distant to say the least.

Maybe something like visiting a Universal Unitarian or Friends' Meeting (Quakers), if any exist in your area. They are largely non-denominational, but more of a theistic fellowship. In any one meeting house/church/gathering there could be people of diverse faiths. They're very ecumenical.

 

[illykitty]

That's called situational depression. I experience that as well as as clinical/major depression.

Maybe something like visiting a Universal Unitarian or Friends' Meeting (Quakers), if any exist in your area. They are largely non-denominational, but more of a theistic fellowship. In any one meeting house/church/gathering there could be people of diverse faiths. They're very ecumenical.

Sorry to hear that, it's really hard to deal with. I really don't know how to deal with it even though I've read many self help guides and had a little therapy before.

Hmm well UU's here tend to be old people sipping tea and not really talking about theology... I don't think I'd enjoy that.

But seriously speaking, I think some of what is holding me back is being scared of making a mistake, same doubts that come back and (sadly) being married.

He isn't holding me back but in some indirect way... Hard to explain but I'm scared of the perspective he'll have of me, his feelings and thoughts. Whenever I read about a religion or tried it, there was an uneasy feeling in our relationship that I can only explain as being really uncomfortable. I'm not sure how to get over this either... Even though I told him I was the same person it felt different.

 

[honeri]

I feel like I'm having a double life!

 

[illykitty]

I feel like I'm having a double life!

I hear you. I'm not sure who I am and how to find out.

Lately I've been questioning everything in my life, not just religion.

I'm not going to lie, I'm feeling a bit miserable at the moment.

 

[DawudTalut]

Finding a religion or faith is being on hold at the moment. I'm still reading about various faiths, as interest and knowledge, but I realised that as other aspects of my life, I can't do anything. I'm paralysed by mental illness... Depression is very crippling! There are some days, or even weeks I'm in a high mood but that's not the majority of the time.

Even if I found something, I don't think I would be capable of following it. I still pray to the deity but that's about it for now. Perhaps as I get better I can actually go from reading about religion to actually trying to practise them!

Peace be on you. Respectfully saying, if you do not mind, please read:
1= Recent evidence suggests that good nutrition is essential for our mental health and that a number of mental health conditions may be influenced by dietary factors.

2- Depression and Diet
Thanks.

 

[illykitty]

I've been sort of doing my own thing lately. Today however I'm having doubts. I feel like I got split personalities or thoughts and don't know which to trust. I don't know if things are coincidences or signs. I don't know if I conveniently ignore certain things to suit myself or if it's the right path for me. Part of me wants to trust and part is sceptical. It's all very confusing.

It's easy for an Atheist, trust scepticism, a believer would say to trust the other side. I feel in between, sandwiched. I don't know what to do.

On another subject, issues with depression aren't getting better nor worse. At least I'm glad it's not spiralling down but it's hard to live with at times. I've had therapy in the past without success and I feel unable to pick myself up. It's quite a dilemma.

But for today, I'll push all this aside. It's my husband's birthday.

 

[Treks]

It's easy for an Atheist, trust scepticism, a believer would say to trust the other side. I feel in between, sandwiched. I don't know what to do.

Trust your higher self.

On another subject, issues with depression aren't getting better nor worse. At least I'm glad it's not spiralling down but it's hard to live with at times. I've had therapy in the past without success and I feel unable to pick myself up. It's quite a dilemma.

Have you investigated other kinds of therapy? There are lots of different techniques. Perhaps you need to find a therapist nearby who uses a different approach.

Aaaaand belated happy birthday to your husband.

 

[illykitty]

I've been experiencing too many coincidences it's kind of freaking me out. I don't know what to do about it. Follow that or follow what I feel like following?

 

[crossfire]

I've been sort of doing my own thing lately. Today however I'm having doubts. I feel like I got split personalities or thoughts and don't know which to trust. I don't know if things are coincidences or signs. I don't know if I conveniently ignore certain things to suit myself or if it's the right path for me. Part of me wants to trust and part is sceptical. It's all very confusing.

It's easy for an Atheist, trust scepticism, a believer would say to trust the other side. I feel in between, sandwiched. I don't know what to do.

On another subject, issues with depression aren't getting better nor worse. At least I'm glad it's not spiralling down but it's hard to live with at times. I've had therapy in the past without success and I feel unable to pick myself up. It's quite a dilemma.

But for today, I'll push all this aside. It's my husband's birthday.

I've been experiencing too many coincidences it's kind of freaking me out. I don't know what to do about it. Follow that or follow what I feel like following?

Have you ever read any Carl Jung?

 

[illykitty]

No, I haven't. Is it something you think could help?

Edit: I know of the personality types though.

 

[crossfire]

No, I haven't. Is it something you think could help?

Edit: I know of the personality types though.

Carl Jung's system is also known as Analytical Psychology. He wrote about individuation and synchronicity.

 

[Aganjuzu]

I've been experiencing too many coincidences it's kind of freaking me out. I don't know what to do about it. Follow that or follow what I feel like following?

Just keep your cool and keep following the signs. Don't freak out, it's better if u just think of it as being in the right place at the right time.
Seems like you've been looking outside yourself quite a bit; It can be difficult but u gotta trust yourself sometimes too.

Carl Jung's system is also known as Analytical Psychology. He wrote about individuation and synchronicity.

I've known the term "synchronicity" pretty well at times; didn't know jung wrote on it. Thanx i'll have to take a look.

 

[crossfire]

Just keep your cool and keep following the signs. Don't freak out, it's better if u just think of it as being in the right place at the right time.
Seems like you've been looking outside yourself quite a bit; It can be difficult but u gotta trust yourself sometimes too.



I've known the term "synchronicity" pretty well at times; didn't know jung wrote on it. Thanx i'll have to take a look.

He's the one who coined the phrase, I do believe.

Carl Jung - Synchronicity

{Speaking of synchronicity, I have some keychains with the very same rose chafer beetle in them that the article pictures.}