IDK what i believe

[rednailpolish92]

so... i used to be a christian. i used to believe in God, pray, partake in communion, i was baptized... all the stuff youre supposed to do right? well, in the last few years, i feel like i have found something better. i know what love is, and i dont feel like God ever gave me that love. i never felt that He was looking out for me. now, idk if i believe in God at all, and am kinda turning to Buddhism as my religion. however, i dont really know the "rules" i guess, am not practicing, but i really like the whole mindset of kind of, do what you think is rihght. but i feel like im betraying God, even tho i dont belive in Him. what the heck?

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

You cant betray a god you don't believe in. You're still having some clinging to Christianity because it's what you were raised with but clearly you don't believe in it, so there's nothing wrong with abandoning it for something else. If you don't know much of Buddhism, then do more research on it but as you said, it's what you like, so go with what you like (Buddhism).

[Esc-tactic seat]

i agree with above. i think that if you don't feel like believing in the ONE God, then you aren't a Christian. its not about whats right,no such thing exists. just its about what you want to believe in. if you feel like that and turning to Buddhism,no one can stop you. you like that religion more and you believe more in it...like it makes more sense, then go for it. Buddhism is a great religion and highly respected in many places. its not even weird to feel that way about it.
just research a bit and find yourself out in a religion. pick that
and don't mind what others tell you,not even the church,cause it seems like your mind has already been changed,which isnt any wrong. same is for me,i am still a christian after all though my mind is changing slowly.

[MadPoet]

Don't cling to Christianity if it's not what you want. It's hard to let go of a religion, especially if you've been raised within it, but if you don't believe what Christianity has to teach then there's really no point in clinging to it. Chances are you will be happier in another religion, one you belong to by choice and not because you feel like you have to. I would try learning a little bit more about Buddhism and getting involved in the religion more, then it might be easier to fall into place as a Buddhist and to finally let go of Christianity.

[Singing to the starlight]

Spirituality is a very personal and beautiful thing. Don't feel rushed to label yourself. Simply being 'religious' is a good enough answer to anyone who asks, which they shouldn't. Just take some time to work it all through. I personally see good and bad in every organised religion and feel that my spirituality is mine, very personal and my relationship between me and 'god' (whatever you want to call it/him/her) is very personal as well, and I don't need organised religion etc to tell me what to think/believe or what my values are.

[Goatboy]

I would say that it's best if you take things slowly and don't just dive into anything. Do research, read books and talk to people. I realise that it is hard leaving Christianity (or any belief you were brought up with), as I have myself have. But if it contradicts, and doesn't fit into what you believe - then there's nothing to feel guilty about. I have huge respect for Buddhism, and though I'm not practising I am influenced by it's teachings and hope to learn more from it. Though there are many beliefs out there, so don't forget to look into other stuff too. There is no need to be fully one thing or the other, or to find a 'label' for yourself.

[ChelseaSmile]

I think its because for so long you believed in God, that now you feel like your betraying him.
I'm kind of like you in a way. I was baptized in the Catholic church.
Did communion. Prayed. Everything like that. But then One day I was thinking about it. And after 10 or so years of all the church stuff, I thought to myself.
"God can't really be a good ... uhmm... whatever he is. (I was about to say guy)
Because his whole philosophy is based on "My way is the only way. You have to do things how I want. Live by what I say. But then again Buddha can't be a God. I suppose you can worship him though. Buddha was an actual person born B.C (before
Christ) And His WHOLE philosophy was based on Believing in what is right to YOU Thats what I liked about Buddha. He even has a quote that said " Do not believe in anything anyone tells you, unless you agree with it yourself. Don't believe in anything I say unless you, yourself, agree with it."
Buddha was a lot more openminded than God is.
It leaves me to think who really is the good guy.
Because I honestly don't think its God.
-Bryri

[Anna Skye]

Religion and spirituality are deeply personal things. If you don't believe in Christianity, then you're not Christian. I went through a similar situation as you - born, raised, and baptized Catholic, but I realized around 2nd grade that it wasn't what I truly believed, so I still went to church and did Sunday School because my father required me to, but deep down, while I appreciated Catholicism as something important to my family and many other people, it wasn't what I truly believed n. I have my own personal belief system now, and it makes me happy. One of the great things about living in a culturally advanced society is religious freedom, so don't let others tell you that what you believe is "wrong."

[rednailpolish92]

thanks guys! i am doing research and hope to slowly get more involved in the religion