How do you find God if you don't believe?

[Anonymous]

I am asking this question after reading a previous post about people being depressed because they don't have religion in their lives. I am an atheist in my 40s, although I considered myself Christian until my early 20's. However with life and experience I find it impossible to believe in a 'God' and especially anything written in the Bible. It all seems totally unbelievable to me and I hate the way it has given people reasons to discriminate against LGBTQ communities.

I struggle on and off with depression and sometimes I wished I did have a faith to comfort me. It is very easy for people to say you should turn to Jesus etc, but to me it is like believing in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.

[Anonymous]

I don’t understand your question. You want to find something you don’t believe in?

[Anonymous]

Ok I'll try again. If you are of the opinion that people feel less depressed if they have a faith. How do you suggest a depressed person finds a faith, if they struggle to believe in the concept of a God?

[Anonymous]

What is it about “faith” that you think will help? Community? Structure? Unconditional love? Life after death?

Other than the last one, can you find a way to recreate these elements in your life without religion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is it about “faith” that you think will help? Community? Structure? Unconditional love? Life after death?

Other than the last one, can you find a way to recreate these elements in your life without religion?

I think a lot of people take comfort in ritual and community. Maybe you’d feel comfortable attending Unitarian services? Or a humanitarian congregation somewhere?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t focus on trying to believe in god.

You might think about this quote from William Barber—

“Hope is not empirically chosen. It is a moral commitment.”

[Anonymous]

Listen to Rabbi Simon Jacobson on Youtube.

[Anonymous]

I didn't find God. He found me.

For a few years I felt something needed fixing. I was raised Catholic and hated catechism, hated going to church, didn't have my kids baptized. It all seemed fake to me. I thought how can I be perfect when I'm not perfect ? I am human. Humans make mistakes.

My family was highly religious, cousin was a priest, I call my brother The Pope, my aunt regularly entertained priests at her home. I took a personal beating, mouth that is, regularly for not doing what I was supposed to do. But I held my ground. My husband was raised the same way. My FIL told me God would take my kids because of what we were doing. God does NOT do that. There were times we were shunned by family especially on religious holidays. I wasn't offended. I did think they were wrong to treat us that way.

Aren't good christians supposed to love unconditionally? Be giving, caring, nonjudgmental ? I didn't see any of that. The family was religious but not spiritual. There is a difference. All their goodness came with strings. FAKE FAKE FAKE. I accepted that. Didn't like it but life goes on.

About 7 years ago I had a spiritual awakening. Immediate, intense, very moving. I was shocked. Not something I expected. From that day on my whole outlook on life changed dramatically. And it's been wonderful.

If you are human you have God DNA in you. You don't have to believe in him. HE believes in YOU.
Your questioning alone says you are on your way to finding what you need.
AMEN !

[Anonymous]

I’m in my mid 40s and have found myself increasingly having experiences and insights that I would describe as “divine.” I’ve been battling depression and have found a lot of joy from the experiences.

However, I still identify as an atheist. Because I don’t feel the need to believe or not. I simply enjoy what is.

My experiences have come via mediation, long walks, and micro-dosing some mushrooms a year ago.

[Anonymous]

If you are curious about finding God, you can read the accounts of atheists who did just that. There are many. They were in your shoes at one point.

https://www.everystudent.com/wires/atheist.html

here’s the story of one. If you google “atheist who found God,”you will find more people who have done so.

C.S. Lewis is an atheist who became a great Christian writer. He has many books you could check out from your local library.

As a lifelong Christian who has struggled with anxiety and depression, you will not become perfect or never experience sadness or pain or hardship if you become a Christian and find God. But you will have God to comfort you, and everlasting peace and love when your earthly body dies.

Surrounding yourself with believers who love God is very uplifting. Our pastor’s wife absolutely shines with happiness when she worships God at church.

Praying for you, op.

[Anonymous]

Also, op, I’ve found the “happiest” and most depression and anxiety proof Christians have the thought and purpose of not doing as they want, but the will of God. They humbly bow to the will of God. That doesn’t mean becoming a hopeless, inert lump that has no thoughts or feelings or dreams or wishes. It means they admit they don’t know everything, aren’t always right about everything, and know God knows more than they do.

It takes alot in our day and age to be a humble person. To admit we aren’t able to know everything or save others or ourselves. We must trust God.

Also, people who do everything with love and to glorify God take pride and happiness in the most minute of tasks. Every action and accomplishment, no matter how small, can help other people and be used for the glory of God.

God wants you to love yourself, your fellow man, and Him.

[Anonymous]

The fact that you’re asking this question shows your heart is at least a little open to God. Follow your instinct on this. If you Think faith will help you (and I would agree), then just pray a little and see what happens. Maybe there’s a church or something out there for you

[Anonymous]

You don’t have to believe in the Abrahamic concept of GOD.
Buddhism or Taoism with the emphasis in meditation might be something you should explore.
I am like you and Taoism philosophy is the best for me.

[Anonymous]

Op seems to be speaking of the God of the Bible.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s more about accepting we are not 100% in control and therefore being open and embracing to the mystery/ wonders of life and our journey here together. Obviously in my darkest moments I can’t manage this, few can. But just working on it goes a long way. I recommend listening to Sharon stanburg’s talks which have very simple, pragmatic ways in which we can find a sense of connection, ie, at a checkout line, you read the name tag of someone helping you, and repeat the name in your head, and then interact them with an intention and awareness in which you are wholly present with them.