Very confused about my religious status or what I believe in.

[jimbo1174]

Okay so I made a first post asking for a place to ask this because I literally do not know what I believe AT ALL. I grew up in a Christian environment but never felt it. If that does not raise a flag, Idk then.

Ooohhh K... I hope this is in right section.

For starters: I believe in "God" but not God a spirit with human form, or like a person. Or a being that sits in heaven) I believe God as a spirit but formless that fills all. I believe God is just a spirit(a force that sustains a life) a spirit that is everything and nothing can exist with this base life. --- Sounds kinda Christian doesn't it? But wait...

I DO however believe in Heaven in this way: To me, Heaven is just the upper, higher plane of existence, where there is relatively no evil. I don't believe in Hell though.

Next I believe in multiple Gods. I believe many Gods of the pagans, but I believe all those gods manifest into 1 God. Does that make any sense? I hope

I don't believe in Satan either, I believe EVIL. I believe in Black and White. I believe in psychics (not the hollywood like psychics in games and things like that!), I also believe in magic (I believe in Black and White variations, not really the intention matters. Again not the Disney, or Hollywood or video games stuff) I don't believe in demons are angels. But I do believe in devils (I believe in devils, in this way: pesky evil suckers)

I'm really confused about this. Please keep in mind I did not know this for my whole life and just assumed I was "Christian", but i dont feel it anymore.

Thanks for your effort I tried to keep it very short. I could go maybe 100 more lines if i don't keep it short. Thanks beyond words how much this will help me! xoxo

 

[LuisDantas]

Maybe you could read a bit about Deism, Henotheism and, I don't know, perhaps a few specific religions?

 

[George-ananda]

Okay so I made a first post asking for a place to ask this because I literally do not know what I believe AT ALL. I grew up in a Christian environment but never felt it. If that does not raise a flag, Idk then.

Ooohhh K... I hope this is in right section.

For starters: I believe in "God" but not God a spirit with human form, or like a person. Or a being that sits in heaven) I believe God as a spirit but formless that fills all. I believe God is just a spirit(a force that sustains a life) a spirit that is everything and nothing can exist with this base life. --- Sounds kinda Christian doesn't it? But wait...

I DO however believe in Heaven in this way: To me, Heaven is just the upper, higher plane of existence, where there is relatively no evil. I don't believe in Hell though.

Next I believe in multiple Gods. I believe many Gods of the pagans, but I believe all those gods manifest into 1 God. Does that make any sense? I hope

I don't believe in Satan either, I believe EVIL. I believe in Black and White. I believe in psychics (not the hollywood like psychics in games and things like that!), I also believe in magic (I believe in Black and White variations, not really the intention matters. Again not the Disney, or Hollywood or video games stuff) I don't believe in demons are angels. But I do believe in devils (I believe in devils, in this way: pesky evil suckers)

I'm really confused about this. Please keep in mind I did not know this for my whole life and just assumed I was "Christian", but i dont feel it anymore.

Thanks for your effort I tried to keep it very short. I could go maybe 100 more lines if i don't keep it short. Thanks beyond words how much this will help me! xoxo

Maybe start a thread with your ONE most important issue. And go from there ? There's a lot of different subjects above.

 

[Sees]

As far as theology there are people who subscribe to "soft polytheism" throughout the ranks of modern paganism, some within various traditions and others just doing their own thing. It's also pretty similar to the way some view God/s in Hinduism.

You could start reading some in those areas and then, as suggested above, post up any specific questions, concerns, etc. as they come to you.

One thing - belief and doctrine being the prime dictator or designator of religion isn't as often so outside of the big Abrahamic religions. The practices, mindset, etc. can be what collectively groups people while their specific beliefs we would classify as religious/spiritual can vary a good bit.

 

[columbus]

I'm really confused about this.

I guess I don't understand what you are looking for or hoping for. A label? A community? A code to live by? A path to follow?
Do you feel in a hurry to find whatever it is?
Just asking.
Tom

 

[sun rise]

Okay so I made a first post asking for a place to ask this because I literally do not know what I believe AT ALL. I grew up in a Christian environment but never felt it. If that does not raise a flag, Idk then.

Ooohhh K... I hope this is in right section.

For starters: I believe in "God" but not God a spirit with human form, or like a person. Or a being that sits in heaven) I believe God as a spirit but formless that fills all. I believe God is just a spirit(a force that sustains a life) a spirit that is everything and nothing can exist with this base life. --- Sounds kinda Christian doesn't it? But wait...

I DO however believe in Heaven in this way: To me, Heaven is just the upper, higher plane of existence, where there is relatively no evil. I don't believe in Hell though.

Next I believe in multiple Gods. I believe many Gods of the pagans, but I believe all those gods manifest into 1 God. Does that make any sense? I hope

I don't believe in Satan either, I believe EVIL. I believe in Black and White. I believe in psychics (not the hollywood like psychics in games and things like that!), I also believe in magic (I believe in Black and White variations, not really the intention matters. Again not the Disney, or Hollywood or video games stuff) I don't believe in demons are angels. But I do believe in devils (I believe in devils, in this way: pesky evil suckers)

I'm really confused about this. Please keep in mind I did not know this for my whole life and just assumed I was "Christian", but i dont feel it anymore.

Thanks for your effort I tried to keep it very short. I could go maybe 100 more lines if i don't keep it short. Thanks beyond words how much this will help me! xoxo

There's a lot of different thoughts here and a discussion could result from any of them.

As others have suggested, you might benefit from learning about other religious traditions unless you have already studied them.

 

[Rival]

Have you looked at Zoroastrianism? I would also recommend Norse Paganism.

 

[Treks]

Wicca.

 

[HonestJoe]

Okay so I made a first post asking for a place to ask this because I literally do not know what I believe AT ALL.

I’m confused too. You say here that you don’t know what you believe yet you go on to list a number of quite specific things that you do or don’t believe in. It seems that you’re asking for an establish religion or practice that your personal beliefs can be fitted in to (and that’s how several people have responded) but that kind of thing has never made sense to me. I don’t see the rationale of taking your unique and individual set of beliefs, principles, ideas and life practices and trying to make them fit a predetermined structure, a process that would inevitably involve compromise and adjustments to your beliefs.

I think there is an underlying narrative that we need to have a label to attach to our beliefs but I personally don’t think that’s at all necessary, maybe even disadvantageous. I don’t think someone like you, with a defined set of beliefs you’ve come to over time, needs an existing religious label to attach to them. What’s the problem with just having your beliefs, unique to you and, significantly, open to further development and adjustment?

 

[rusra02]

I do not think we could ever discern the truth unless our Creator revealed it to us. I am convinced the Bible is God's communication with mankind, and that what it says is the truth. All your questions are answered in the Bible.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

Thanks for your effort I tried to keep it very short. I could go maybe 100 more lines if i don't keep it short. Thanks beyond words how much this will help me! xoxo

Hinduism possibly?

You might find it useful to spend some time browsing the DIRs here.

 

[allfoak]

What you believe is what you believe.
Change it, keep it, believe what you please.
Live life.

The original organized religion was a sound mind and body.
Organize those things and you will not need anyone to tell you what to believe.

 

[Jainarayan]

For starters: I believe in "God" but not God a spirit with human form, or like a person. Or a being that sits in heaven) I believe God as a spirit but formless that fills all. I believe God is just a spirit(a force that sustains a life) a spirit that is everything and nothing can exist with this base life. --- Sounds kinda Christian doesn't it? But wait...

Pan(en)theistic Deism.

Next I believe in multiple Gods. I believe many Gods of the pagans, but I believe all those gods manifest into 1 God. Does that make any sense? I hope

Soft polytheism.

I would also recommend Norse Paganism.

Nope... Norse Paganism, Germanic Paganism, Heathenry is hard polytheistic. The god/desses are not manifestations of one or archetypes. They are real, individual beings.

 

[Rival]

Nope... Norse Paganism, Germanic Paganism, Heathenry is hard polytheistic. The god/desses are not manifestations of one or archetypes. They are real, individual beings.

I know, but I was just suggesting it on the off chance that the OP might research it and change his mind. Norse Paganism seems to be taking off in the West recently I thought I might just throw it in there

 

[Jainarayan]

I know, but I was just suggesting it on the off chance that the OP might research it and change his mind. Norse Paganism seems to be taking off in the West recently I thought I might just throw it in there

True... one's view can change. My earlier beliefs were soft polytheistic, even as recently as my practicing Hinduism. I've since become a largely hard polytheist. That is, there are some gray areas, such as the "does Thor=Perun=Perkunas=Thunor=Donar=Taranis?" conundrum.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

What I learned, and this may not help, is not to have religious titles. Do you want structure or flexibility? Do you want to be solo or by community (which means adopt customs you may not be familar with)? How do you define religion? How important is it to you in regards to applying it to your life?

For starters: I believe in "God" but not God a spirit with human form, or like a person.

Next I believe in multiple Gods. I believe many Gods of the pagans, but I believe all those gods manifest into 1 God. Does that make any sense? I hope

These two I dont understand. How do you believe in multiple gods if god isnt a being (in general not just christianity) but a force that sustains life? Are there multiple forces?

I think it would be benefitial to write on paper or computer how do you define these terms. Better yet, when you go about your day how do you see yourself in connection to your experiences and how you interpret events around you and influence you.

For example, I believe in the ancestors and spirits. I didnt (and still dont) have a name for this religion because I recognized it as my identity. Its not a religion, path, or way. Ancestral veneration is a practice of gratitude, offerings, charity, and more.

Im no longer a Buddhist. I am a person whose life is based on the Dharma.

I am no longer a pagan. I am a person whose life is based on holistic and natual living, celebrations, with ancestry and magic as a foundation.

Find how you relate your values and to what or to whom.

If something good happens, is it because of the gods, coinsedence, family, how you define god?

Dont study it. Observe. Be aware. Jot down notes. Meditate or or pray (doesnt need to be to anyone).

I will come back to make this more unified. But defining yourself based on a religion you are trying to find in my opinion is self defeating. Observing what you already value and place your values from and collecting that knowledge, That lets you know where to start.

Work inside out not outside in.

 

[maj123]

Hello Jimbo,
I read what you wrote above, it's clear that you are confused,and the state you are living is not
strange for - any one who doesn't his/her beliefs from the right path will be so,
I am Thanks Allah a Muslim and I will reply according to my Islamic bases,
First, the proof for what I said above from the Holy Quran is:
Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded? [45:23]
According to this verse it's necessary for mankind to receive revelation from God.
So In Quran Allah thanked Himself for this point He Said:
[All] praise is [due] to Allah, who has sent down upon His Servant the Book and has not made therein any deviance. (1)[He has made it] straight, to warn of severe punishment from Him and to give good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a good reward (2)In which they will remain forever (3)And to warn those who say, "Allah has taken a son." (4)They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths; they speak not except a lie. (5)

Secondly,
you Should know that Islam is the religion of all the prophets, In Quran you will find a lot of verses stating this fact: e.g.
1- Say, [O believers], "We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him." [2:136]
2-
And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].[2:4] Saheeh International

3-
[2:133] Saheeh International
Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, "What will you worship after me?" They said, "We will worship your God and the God of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac - one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him."
4-
[3:52] Saheeh International
But when Jesus felt [persistence in] disbelief from them, he said, "Who are my supporters for [the cause of] Allah?" The disciples said, "We are supporters for Allah. We have believed in Allah and testify that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].
5-
[16:36] Saheeh International
And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship Allah and avoid Taghut." And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers.
Thirdly, as a good result, in Islam you will not fond any contradiction as your Lord the creator that you
should worship is Unique and above our imaginations:
In Quran Allah Himself descripe Himself saying:
* Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One, (1)Allah, the Eternal Refuge. (2)He neither begets nor is born, (3)Nor is there to Him any equivalent." (4)

*(21)He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. (22)He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him. (23)He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (24)

Finally, we could come to this conclusion that Allah said Himself Saying:
[He is] Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you from yourselves, mates, and among the cattle, mates; He multiplies you thereby. There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing. [42:11]
Thanks indeed for reading my comment and have a good luck.
Regards
Maj

 

[12jtartar]

jimbo1174,
I understand what you mean. There are so many confusing and contradictory beliefs being spread, that it makes it almost impossible to see what the truth is, that is, if you put your trust in men's ideas.
The Bible is not really hard to understand, in fact it is so logical it is easy to understand, when you, first pray to God, then study God's word, without all these preconceived ideas you have expressed. Many things you have mentioned are directly contrary to what the Bible says.
There is a system called Systematic Theology. In this approach you study the Bible without having already made up your mind, but being ready, with an open heart to change your beliefs, when you learn something from God's word. Many people have Sacred Cows, or Home Truths, which are beliefs that people have, that they love so much, that they just will not accept truth, and change their beliefs.
Truth is all important to The Ultra Clean God who's word is written in the Bible, John 3:23,24. In fact the truth is so important that the Bible tells us that God is going to destroy all who do not have a LOVE of the truth, 2Thessalonians 2:9-13. So make sure your heart is right, and that you really want to know the truth. The very worse thing you can do is to try to find a religion that fits your preconceived ideas. You MUST find the truth of God's word and change your beliefs to conform to Gods.
Now, they best way to find the truth, is to study the Bible Topically, which means that you take a subject that you want to understand, and then look up all the scriptures that touch on that subject. After you have read all these scriptures, you then form a theory from what you have learned. If your theory fits every one of the scriptures that touches on your subject, you have the truth of that subject. If some scriptures do not fit your theory, you must form another theory, until you theory fits all scriptures. There is a term; Intertextuality, which means that all scripture is related to all other scripture. The Bible is Univocal, meaning it tells ONE truth about everything, so all of your beliefs must fit the overall picture, which is the masterpiece of God' word.
Pray first and have an open heart. Remember Satan is the ruler of this world, 2Corinthians 4:3,4, and he has blinded the minds of most people, because their HEARTS are not right to accept the truth, Revelation 12:9, 1John 5:19, Matthew 13:13-15, Mark 7:20-23.
Do not put your trust in men, in whom there is NO salvation, Psalms 146:3,4. Put your complete trust in God, who has had His word written for our own good, Proverbs 3:5,6, Deuteronomy 10:13, Isaiah 48:17,18, 1Timothy 2:4, 2Peter 3:7-9.
Agape!!!

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Lol at the Christians and Muslim trying to proselytize here.

Truth is all important to The Ultra Clean God who's word is written in the Bible, John 3:23,24. In fact the truth is so important that the Bible tells us that God is going to destroy all who do not have a LOVE of the truth, 2Thessalonians 2:9-13. So make sure your heart is right, and that you really want to know the truth. The very worse thing you can do is to try to find a religion that fits your preconceived ideas. You MUST find the truth of God's word and change your beliefs to conform to Gods.

Stop threatening people.

 

[ShivaFan]

I have summerized your "beliefs" below, excuse me if I got anything wrong:

I believe in "God" but not God as a spirit with human form, nor like a person

I believe God is just a spirit - a force that sustains a life - spirit that is everything and nothing can exist with(out?)

Heaven is a higher plane of existence

Don't believe in hell

Multiple Gods, those gods manifest into One God

Don't believe in Satan, but do believe in EVIL as a presence

Believe in devils but they are not powerful Angels but pesky evil semi-powerful-imp-like-totems below the status of more powerful Angels

I believe in magic (you can change your surroundings or fate with powers that already exist but may be etheral)

Conclusion/recommendation:

You believe in Animism.

Problem is, there are African versions, South American versions, American Indian and First Nations versions, some are also in India and China, elsewhere.

So, since it is largely unorganized, it is difficult to make a recommendation such as a "sect name".

I think the approximation for you, but not exact, that has a name would be Shenism or Taoism.

In India, there is an approximation called Bal(-ism).