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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just talk to God. Like a friend - every day. After a few weeks you may have some answers and peace come to you…that’s your answer.

I spoke to god every day of my life for 50 years and never found peace or answers. That was my answer...I don't believe there was anyone listening and I'm sorry I wasted all that time.

People that "think" they are "talking to god" or that he is talking to them, are just convincing themselves of something that they WANT to be true.

I didn't have to convince myself. God reached out to me and I had nothing to do with it.

Hmmm. I wonder why God "reache[s] out" to some people and not others? Seems very arbitrary. Like in the OT, reaching out to one particular family in the desert of Iraq. Well, God moves in mysterious ways that's for sure.

No one can understand God's ways, that's for sure. And how could we, when we are talking about God? It is like expecting 2 dimensional creatures to understand the ways of the 3D world, or those who see in black and white what it's like to see in colors, except all that times a million. If you expect to understand exactly how God works before believing, you are misguided because no one will ever accomplish that in this life. Our brains are incapable of it, and I would be suspicious of any religion that claims otherwise.

We are not all destined to be the same or to have the same relationship with God. Here are the words of St. Therese of Lisieux (little flower):

Jesus has been gracious enough to teach me a lesson about the mystery of the differences in souls, simply by holding up to my eyes, the book of nature. I understood how all the flowers God created are beautiful- how the splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not take away from the perfume of the violet or the simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all flowers wanted to be roses, nature would lose her springtime beauty, and the fields would no longer be decked out with little wildflower.

And so it is in the world of souls… Jesus’ garden. He willed to create great souls comparable to lilies and roses, but he created small ones as well… and these must be content to be daisies or violets destined to give joy to God’s glances, when he looks down at His feet. Perfection consists in doing God’s will… in being what He would have us be.

JUST AS THE sun shines simultaneously on the tall cedars and on each little flower as though it were alone on the earth, so Our Lord is occupied particularly with each soul as though there were no others like it. And just as in nature all the seasons are arranged in such a way as to make the humblest daisy bloom on a set day, in the same way, everything works out for the good of each soul.

She lived less than 25 years in total and lived at home and then at a convent. She didn't really venture out into the world.

And she managed to become one of the most popular saints of all time. So your point is?... that people need to do great things and experience lots of worldly glory in order to be great and have anything to offer? In fact, that is exactly what Christianity argues against. That God loves every human with an everlasting love, regardless of human accomplishments and circumstances, and that anyone can do things in their capacity to please and honor God.

I think a lot of Catholic saints are weird not in a good way. They have some mental issue often and the church venerates these people who are basically against life or who are very sick. A lot of the women are people who are very young and frail and basically submissive in every way. St Catherine of Siena is another one. She was anorexic and didn’t eat. I just think a lot of these people the Catholic Church thinks are so holy are actually people with various major health issues.

Oh wow now you are judging whole groups of Catholic saints and therefore, the billions of Catholics and other Christians who have looked up to them. Now who is the arrogant tribe.... Not sure if have you actually read the readings of any of these saints, especially the doctors of the church such as Catherine of Siena and St. Therese, but their writings speak for themselves. If they had "mental illnesses" then perhaps it would serve us all well if more of us had mental illnesses. And submissive? Catherine of Siena ordered the Pope around, telling him to stop being fearful and act like a man. They were submissive only to God, and that is perhaps what triggers atheists, who submit to no one.

I don’t have as much respect for these men as you do. Most Popes have been corrupt. I dont really care where the Catholic Church headquarters is. No I don’t think we need more people with mental illness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look OP, if you are still here, or anyone else searching, the fundamental question is: do you even believe in the possibility of a correct answer, of an objective Truth? Because if you won't even allow for that possibility (maybe because you can't stand the thought of hurting other people's sensibilities because it would imply others are wrong), then you are not ready for this journey. Focus on that fundamental issue first. People get through this hump in varying ways. For some, it might be that they get there intellectually or logically. For others, it might be precipitated by an existential crisis that humbles them enough to say anything's possible. But that is just based on my observations. God works in mysterious ways and there are certainly no limits to how he breaks down people's walls. Good luck.

I don't think Christianity is my path to finding God, this thread has confirmed it. Some of the posts are lecturing and overbearing. I don't believe in the God of the Bible, that doesn't mean that there isn't a Higher power or I can't find my own Spirituality. I don't care if some of the Christians on here think I am wrong. There have been some helpful answers to my post but it has mainly been hijacked by one or two posters who seem intent in bullishly pushing Christianity and telling everyone else they are wrong. Pretty gross.

You have had a private school education, have a college degree, a career, and a supportive family. You have health insurance and can access mental health care and afford prescription drugs to treat your depression and mental health struggles. [b]You can afford your home, transportation, pay your bills, buy groceries, have a computer and internet access. You were not sexually, emotionally, or physically abused as a child or adult.

You’ve been blessed beyond measure throughout your life. If you don’t want to believe in the God of the bible, you were privileged to be born and live in a country with complete religious freedom- both freedom to believe, or not to believe.

I think calling people who are exercising their religious freedom (especially in a forum specifically discussing religion) is gross. Nobody makes you come to a religious forum. This is a place to specifically discuss religion. You don’t have to discuss Christianity or Christians. No Christian asked you to ask questions about Christianity or religion or spiritual beliefs or practices.

Because the majority of Americans are Christian, including our President and his family, as well as the majority of our elected officials claiming to have a Christian faith tradition, it’s completely understandable that Christianity plays a role in American society, politics, and culture.

I wish you luck on navigating your spiritual life. It’s clear that even with all your familial and material blessings, you are missing a spiritual component to your life. You should focus on your mental health, and focus on supporting your mom. Since you both have struggled with suicidal thoughts, you need to monitor each other and help each other in tough times and make sure you both have what you need to remain as physically and mentally healthy as possible.

Realize many people in America are not as well off or financially stable as you are, and consider donating your time and talents and financial support to organizations you feel are worthwhile, to help your fellow man.

Perhaps start a thread here encouraging others to do the same, share resources that are helpful.

Also calling people names and saying free expression of speech and religion are “gross” isn’t very kind or tolerant. Perhaps working on accepting others and giving them space to exercise their God given freedoms might be appropriate. Tolerance and acceptance is for everyone, not just for ideals/values/morals you approve of personally or happen to agree with.

I don't have a problem with Christians generally just judgmental close minded ones like you. Most of my friends and family identify as Christian and are open and tolerant people who do not diss other people's faiths.

You know very little about my childhood and early adult life other than I went to boarding school. You are assuming that I don't already work with charities and volunteer my time- you couldn't be more wrong. I am leaving this thread now, so maybe you can focus your lecturing on someone else.

DP: you need to be aware that not all people who identify themselves as Christian actually believe in God. God made the rules that designed to make us feel uncomfortable. If you look at any concepts that the God designed for us, they are way beyond human nature: love your neighbor; when someone hits you on one cheek, you should turn another one.... Those and other are so contrary to our human nature and so uncomfortable to follow. No wonder you are feeling uncomfortable with Christianity. You might find more comfort in other religions, or spiritual rituals, but you will not find the God there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just talk to God. Like a friend - every day. After a few weeks you may have some answers and peace come to you…that’s your answer.

I spoke to god every day of my life for 50 years and never found peace or answers. That was my answer...I don't believe there was anyone listening and I'm sorry I wasted all that time.

People that "think" they are "talking to god" or that he is talking to them, are just convincing themselves of something that they WANT to be true.

I didn't have to convince myself. God reached out to me and I had nothing to do with it.

Hmmm. I wonder why God "reache[s] out" to some people and not others? Seems very arbitrary. Like in the OT, reaching out to one particular family in the desert of Iraq. Well, God moves in mysterious ways that's for sure.

No one can understand God's ways, that's for sure. And how could we, when we are talking about God? It is like expecting 2 dimensional creatures to understand the ways of the 3D world, or those who see in black and white what it's like to see in colors, except all that times a million. If you expect to understand exactly how God works before believing, you are misguided because no one will ever accomplish that in this life. Our brains are incapable of it, and I would be suspicious of any religion that claims otherwise.

We are not all destined to be the same or to have the same relationship with God. Here are the words of St. Therese of Lisieux (little flower):

Jesus has been gracious enough to teach me a lesson about the mystery of the differences in souls, simply by holding up to my eyes, the book of nature. I understood how all the flowers God created are beautiful- how the splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not take away from the perfume of the violet or the simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all flowers wanted to be roses, nature would lose her springtime beauty, and the fields would no longer be decked out with little wildflower.

And so it is in the world of souls… Jesus’ garden. He willed to create great souls comparable to lilies and roses, but he created small ones as well… and these must be content to be daisies or violets destined to give joy to God’s glances, when he looks down at His feet. Perfection consists in doing God’s will… in being what He would have us be.

JUST AS THE sun shines simultaneously on the tall cedars and on each little flower as though it were alone on the earth, so Our Lord is occupied particularly with each soul as though there were no others like it. And just as in nature all the seasons are arranged in such a way as to make the humblest daisy bloom on a set day, in the same way, everything works out for the good of each soul.

She lived less than 25 years in total and lived at home and then at a convent. She didn't really venture out into the world.

And she managed to become one of the most popular saints of all time. So your point is?... that people need to do great things and experience lots of worldly glory in order to be great and have anything to offer? In fact, that is exactly what Christianity argues against. That God loves every human with an everlasting love, regardless of human accomplishments and circumstances, and that anyone can do things in their capacity to please and honor God.

I think a lot of Catholic saints are weird not in a good way. They have some mental issue often and the church venerates these people who are basically against life or who are very sick. A lot of the women are people who are very young and frail and basically submissive in every way. St Catherine of Siena is another one. She was anorexic and didn’t eat. I just think a lot of these people the Catholic Church thinks are so holy are actually people with various major health issues.

Oh wow now you are judging whole groups of Catholic saints and therefore, the billions of Catholics and other Christians who have looked up to them. Now who is the arrogant tribe.... Not sure if have you actually read the readings of any of these saints, especially the doctors of the church such as Catherine of Siena and St. Therese, but their writings speak for themselves. If they had "mental illnesses" then perhaps it would serve us all well if more of us had mental illnesses. And submissive? Catherine of Siena ordered the Pope around, telling him to stop being fearful and act like a man. They were submissive only to God, and that is perhaps what triggers atheists, who submit to no one.

I don’t have as much respect for these men as you do. Most Popes have been corrupt. I dont really care where the Catholic Church headquarters is. No I don’t think we need more people with mental illness.

DP. Get help for your hate/rage addiction. Preferably from a licensed professional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, my guess is that you, like many, have a fundamental misunderstanding of God and religion and what they actually teach. There is so much misunderstanding on this site and in media generally, even among people raised in a religion. Confusion is understandable. Deepak Chopra wrote easy to read overview of religions and what "God" is to them in, "How to Know God."

Behold the Deepak Chopra quote generator:

http://www.wisdomofchopra.com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

I think God is the regulation our desires that take from others or that deplete ourselves unnecessarily. I think God is showing ourselves and others love. Love and Discipline with regards to human natural instincs. Basically regulation of natural instincts and living a life of love for ourselves and others despite the world's hardships.

I personally find that people who are LGBTQ are dealing with something internally genetic that has been off perhaps for generations due to trauma. I think it's their reality but I think there is more to it that is neurological. Which is why you see so much depression and anxiety and other disorders due to this. It's not just the world. It's kind of finding their purpose in the world and somehow becoming whole themselves. I don't think it's particularly natural for people to not want to reproduce since it's a basic need. I feel the same way about single people that are single for their whole lives. Neither is a problem but I think because they don't reproduce, it's harder to find this purpose and when they do they are more stable.

This is the oddest take on God and also on LGBT people I've ever heard. You are so confused.

To you maybe. It's Jungian basically. God exists in our body and we manifest him. Also related to taoism and just current science and psychoanalytic research. God isn't real in that there is some external force we can't control nd that we are aiming at. We manifest God through ourselves. Through our thoughts and actions. We bring God into being by going beyond our animal instincts. That's what I'm basically writing about. Controlling our animal instincts in a way that allow humans to flourish and care for each other.

Homosexuality used to be in the DSM so it's not that off of an idea to understand that genes turned off due to trauma create a person who can't see themselves as a full man and therefore needs to find another man to love or vice versa. The way I've heard it discussed is that it's a type of searching for the father for gay people that they always wanted. Or if a woman searching for the mom they always wanted. It's often described as a psychological injury sustained in childhood at the hands of an absent parent.

No, you are not God. You don't manifest God or bring God into being. If you believe that, you need to go reread the DSM. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just talk to God. Like a friend - every day. After a few weeks you may have some answers and peace come to you…that’s your answer.

I spoke to god every day of my life for 50 years and never found peace or answers. That was my answer...I don't believe there was anyone listening and I'm sorry I wasted all that time.

People that "think" they are "talking to god" or that he is talking to them, are just convincing themselves of something that they WANT to be true.

I didn't have to convince myself. God reached out to me and I had nothing to do with it.

Hmmm. I wonder why God "reache[s] out" to some people and not others? Seems very arbitrary. Like in the OT, reaching out to one particular family in the desert of Iraq. Well, God moves in mysterious ways that's for sure.

No one can understand God's ways, that's for sure. And how could we, when we are talking about God? It is like expecting 2 dimensional creatures to understand the ways of the 3D world, or those who see in black and white what it's like to see in colors, except all that times a million. If you expect to understand exactly how God works before believing, you are misguided because no one will ever accomplish that in this life. Our brains are incapable of it, and I would be suspicious of any religion that claims otherwise.

We are not all destined to be the same or to have the same relationship with God. Here are the words of St. Therese of Lisieux (little flower):

Jesus has been gracious enough to teach me a lesson about the mystery of the differences in souls, simply by holding up to my eyes, the book of nature. I understood how all the flowers God created are beautiful- how the splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not take away from the perfume of the violet or the simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all flowers wanted to be roses, nature would lose her springtime beauty, and the fields would no longer be decked out with little wildflower.

And so it is in the world of souls… Jesus’ garden. He willed to create great souls comparable to lilies and roses, but he created small ones as well… and these must be content to be daisies or violets destined to give joy to God’s glances, when he looks down at His feet. Perfection consists in doing God’s will… in being what He would have us be.

JUST AS THE sun shines simultaneously on the tall cedars and on each little flower as though it were alone on the earth, so Our Lord is occupied particularly with each soul as though there were no others like it. And just as in nature all the seasons are arranged in such a way as to make the humblest daisy bloom on a set day, in the same way, everything works out for the good of each soul.

She lived less than 25 years in total and lived at home and then at a convent. She didn't really venture out into the world.

And she managed to become one of the most popular saints of all time. So your point is?... that people need to do great things and experience lots of worldly glory in order to be great and have anything to offer? In fact, that is exactly what Christianity argues against. That God loves every human with an everlasting love, regardless of human accomplishments and circumstances, and that anyone can do things in their capacity to please and honor God.

I think a lot of Catholic saints are weird not in a good way. They have some mental issue often and the church venerates these people who are basically against life or who are very sick. A lot of the women are people who are very young and frail and basically submissive in every way. St Catherine of Siena is another one. She was anorexic and didn’t eat. I just think a lot of these people the Catholic Church thinks are so holy are actually people with various major health issues.

Oh wow now you are judging whole groups of Catholic saints and therefore, the billions of Catholics and other Christians who have looked up to them. Now who is the arrogant tribe.... Not sure if have you actually read the readings of any of these saints, especially the doctors of the church such as Catherine of Siena and St. Therese, but their writings speak for themselves. If they had "mental illnesses" then perhaps it would serve us all well if more of us had mental illnesses. And submissive? Catherine of Siena ordered the Pope around, telling him to stop being fearful and act like a man. They were submissive only to God, and that is perhaps what triggers atheists, who submit to no one.

I don’t have as much respect for these men as you do. Most Popes have been corrupt. I dont really care where the Catholic Church headquarters is. No I don’t think we need more people with mental illness.

DP. Get help for your hate/rage addiction. Preferably from a licensed professional.

Rage and addiction? Lol. The people you venerate here are the ones with addictions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

I think God is the regulation our desires that take from others or that deplete ourselves unnecessarily. I think God is showing ourselves and others love. Love and Discipline with regards to human natural instincs. Basically regulation of natural instincts and living a life of love for ourselves and others despite the world's hardships.

I personally find that people who are LGBTQ are dealing with something internally genetic that has been off perhaps for generations due to trauma. I think it's their reality but I think there is more to it that is neurological. Which is why you see so much depression and anxiety and other disorders due to this. It's not just the world. It's kind of finding their purpose in the world and somehow becoming whole themselves. I don't think it's particularly natural for people to not want to reproduce since it's a basic need. I feel the same way about single people that are single for their whole lives. Neither is a problem but I think because they don't reproduce, it's harder to find this purpose and when they do they are more stable.

This is the oddest take on God and also on LGBT people I've ever heard. You are so confused.

To you maybe. It's Jungian basically. God exists in our body and we manifest him. Also related to taoism and just current science and psychoanalytic research. God isn't real in that there is some external force we can't control nd that we are aiming at. We manifest God through ourselves. Through our thoughts and actions. We bring God into being by going beyond our animal instincts. That's what I'm basically writing about. Controlling our animal instincts in a way that allow humans to flourish and care for each other.

Homosexuality used to be in the DSM so it's not that off of an idea to understand that genes turned off due to trauma create a person who can't see themselves as a full man and therefore needs to find another man to love or vice versa. The way I've heard it discussed is that it's a type of searching for the father for gay people that they always wanted. Or if a woman searching for the mom they always wanted. It's often described as a psychological injury sustained in childhood at the hands of an absent parent.

No, you are not God. You don't manifest God or bring God into being. If you believe that, you need to go reread the DSM. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is real.

God is not real. God is our hope for a better future. We are not god but God is an ideal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

I think God is the regulation our desires that take from others or that deplete ourselves unnecessarily. I think God is showing ourselves and others love. Love and Discipline with regards to human natural instincs. Basically regulation of natural instincts and living a life of love for ourselves and others despite the world's hardships.

I personally find that people who are LGBTQ are dealing with something internally genetic that has been off perhaps for generations due to trauma. I think it's their reality but I think there is more to it that is neurological. Which is why you see so much depression and anxiety and other disorders due to this. It's not just the world. It's kind of finding their purpose in the world and somehow becoming whole themselves. I don't think it's particularly natural for people to not want to reproduce since it's a basic need. I feel the same way about single people that are single for their whole lives. Neither is a problem but I think because they don't reproduce, it's harder to find this purpose and when they do they are more stable.

This is the oddest take on God and also on LGBT people I've ever heard. You are so confused.

To you maybe. It's Jungian basically. God exists in our body and we manifest him. Also related to taoism and just current science and psychoanalytic research. God isn't real in that there is some external force we can't control nd that we are aiming at. We manifest God through ourselves. Through our thoughts and actions. We bring God into being by going beyond our animal instincts. That's what I'm basically writing about. Controlling our animal instincts in a way that allow humans to flourish and care for each other.

Homosexuality used to be in the DSM so it's not that off of an idea to understand that genes turned off due to trauma create a person who can't see themselves as a full man and therefore needs to find another man to love or vice versa. The way I've heard it discussed is that it's a type of searching for the father for gay people that they always wanted. Or if a woman searching for the mom they always wanted. It's often described as a psychological injury sustained in childhood at the hands of an absent parent.

No, you are not God. You don't manifest God or bring God into being. If you believe that, you need to go reread the DSM. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is real.

God is not real. God is our hope for a better future. We are not god but God is an ideal.

You are contradicting yourself.

[Anonymous]

OP: How do I find God?
Random Poster: It’s me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just talk to God. Like a friend - every day. After a few weeks you may have some answers and peace come to you…that’s your answer.

I spoke to god every day of my life for 50 years and never found peace or answers. That was my answer...I don't believe there was anyone listening and I'm sorry I wasted all that time.

People that "think" they are "talking to god" or that he is talking to them, are just convincing themselves of something that they WANT to be true.

I didn't have to convince myself. God reached out to me and I had nothing to do with it.

Hmmm. I wonder why God "reache[s] out" to some people and not others? Seems very arbitrary. Like in the OT, reaching out to one particular family in the desert of Iraq. Well, God moves in mysterious ways that's for sure.

No one can understand God's ways, that's for sure. And how could we, when we are talking about God? It is like expecting 2 dimensional creatures to understand the ways of the 3D world, or those who see in black and white what it's like to see in colors, except all that times a million. If you expect to understand exactly how God works before believing, you are misguided because no one will ever accomplish that in this life. Our brains are incapable of it, and I would be suspicious of any religion that claims otherwise.

We are not all destined to be the same or to have the same relationship with God. Here are the words of St. Therese of Lisieux (little flower):

Jesus has been gracious enough to teach me a lesson about the mystery of the differences in souls, simply by holding up to my eyes, the book of nature. I understood how all the flowers God created are beautiful- how the splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not take away from the perfume of the violet or the simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all flowers wanted to be roses, nature would lose her springtime beauty, and the fields would no longer be decked out with little wildflower.

And so it is in the world of souls… Jesus’ garden. He willed to create great souls comparable to lilies and roses, but he created small ones as well… and these must be content to be daisies or violets destined to give joy to God’s glances, when he looks down at His feet. Perfection consists in doing God’s will… in being what He would have us be.

JUST AS THE sun shines simultaneously on the tall cedars and on each little flower as though it were alone on the earth, so Our Lord is occupied particularly with each soul as though there were no others like it. And just as in nature all the seasons are arranged in such a way as to make the humblest daisy bloom on a set day, in the same way, everything works out for the good of each soul.

She lived less than 25 years in total and lived at home and then at a convent. She didn't really venture out into the world.

And she managed to become one of the most popular saints of all time. So your point is?... that people need to do great things and experience lots of worldly glory in order to be great and have anything to offer? In fact, that is exactly what Christianity argues against. That God loves every human with an everlasting love, regardless of human accomplishments and circumstances, and that anyone can do things in their capacity to please and honor God.

I think a lot of Catholic saints are weird not in a good way. They have some mental issue often and the church venerates these people who are basically against life or who are very sick. A lot of the women are people who are very young and frail and basically submissive in every way. St Catherine of Siena is another one. She was anorexic and didn’t eat. I just think a lot of these people the Catholic Church thinks are so holy are actually people with various major health issues.

Oh wow now you are judging whole groups of Catholic saints and therefore, the billions of Catholics and other Christians who have looked up to them. Now who is the arrogant tribe.... Not sure if have you actually read the readings of any of these saints, especially the doctors of the church such as Catherine of Siena and St. Therese, but their writings speak for themselves. If they had "mental illnesses" then perhaps it would serve us all well if more of us had mental illnesses. And submissive? Catherine of Siena ordered the Pope around, telling him to stop being fearful and act like a man. They were submissive only to God, and that is perhaps what triggers atheists, who submit to no one.

I don’t have as much respect for these men as you do. Most Popes have been corrupt. I dont really care where the Catholic Church headquarters is. No I don’t think we need more people with mental illness.

DP. Get help for your hate/rage addiction. Preferably from a licensed professional.

Rage and addiction? Lol. The people you venerate here are the ones with addictions.

Rage addiction, not rage and addiction, look it up.

[Anonymous]

I am your G-d who took you out of Egypt, from a house of slavery. You should have no other gods before me. Details to follow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

I think God is the regulation our desires that take from others or that deplete ourselves unnecessarily. I think God is showing ourselves and others love. Love and Discipline with regards to human natural instincs. Basically regulation of natural instincts and living a life of love for ourselves and others despite the world's hardships.

I personally find that people who are LGBTQ are dealing with something internally genetic that has been off perhaps for generations due to trauma. I think it's their reality but I think there is more to it that is neurological. Which is why you see so much depression and anxiety and other disorders due to this. It's not just the world. It's kind of finding their purpose in the world and somehow becoming whole themselves. I don't think it's particularly natural for people to not want to reproduce since it's a basic need. I feel the same way about single people that are single for their whole lives. Neither is a problem but I think because they don't reproduce, it's harder to find this purpose and when they do they are more stable.

This is the oddest take on God and also on LGBT people I've ever heard. You are so confused.

To you maybe. It's Jungian basically. God exists in our body and we manifest him. Also related to taoism and just current science and psychoanalytic research. God isn't real in that there is some external force we can't control nd that we are aiming at. We manifest God through ourselves. Through our thoughts and actions. We bring God into being by going beyond our animal instincts. That's what I'm basically writing about. Controlling our animal instincts in a way that allow humans to flourish and care for each other.

Homosexuality used to be in the DSM so it's not that off of an idea to understand that genes turned off due to trauma create a person who can't see themselves as a full man and therefore needs to find another man to love or vice versa. The way I've heard it discussed is that it's a type of searching for the father for gay people that they always wanted. Or if a woman searching for the mom they always wanted. It's often described as a psychological injury sustained in childhood at the hands of an absent parent.

No, you are not God. You don't manifest God or bring God into being. If you believe that, you need to go reread the DSM. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is real.

God is not real. God is our hope for a better future. We are not god but God is an ideal.

You are contradicting yourself.

No. Look up Jung

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

I think God is the regulation our desires that take from others or that deplete ourselves unnecessarily. I think God is showing ourselves and others love. Love and Discipline with regards to human natural instincs. Basically regulation of natural instincts and living a life of love for ourselves and others despite the world's hardships.

I personally find that people who are LGBTQ are dealing with something internally genetic that has been off perhaps for generations due to trauma. I think it's their reality but I think there is more to it that is neurological. Which is why you see so much depression and anxiety and other disorders due to this. It's not just the world. It's kind of finding their purpose in the world and somehow becoming whole themselves. I don't think it's particularly natural for people to not want to reproduce since it's a basic need. I feel the same way about single people that are single for their whole lives. Neither is a problem but I think because they don't reproduce, it's harder to find this purpose and when they do they are more stable.

This is the oddest take on God and also on LGBT people I've ever heard. You are so confused.

To you maybe. It's Jungian basically. God exists in our body and we manifest him. Also related to taoism and just current science and psychoanalytic research. God isn't real in that there is some external force we can't control nd that we are aiming at. We manifest God through ourselves. Through our thoughts and actions. We bring God into being by going beyond our animal instincts. That's what I'm basically writing about. Controlling our animal instincts in a way that allow humans to flourish and care for each other.

Homosexuality used to be in the DSM so it's not that off of an idea to understand that genes turned off due to trauma create a person who can't see themselves as a full man and therefore needs to find another man to love or vice versa. The way I've heard it discussed is that it's a type of searching for the father for gay people that they always wanted. Or if a woman searching for the mom they always wanted. It's often described as a psychological injury sustained in childhood at the hands of an absent parent.

No, you are not God. You don't manifest God or bring God into being. If you believe that, you need to go reread the DSM. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is real.

God is not real. God is our hope for a better future. We are not god but God is an ideal.

You are contradicting yourself.

No. Look up Jung

No. Take a logic course.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

I think God is the regulation our desires that take from others or that deplete ourselves unnecessarily. I think God is showing ourselves and others love. Love and Discipline with regards to human natural instincs. Basically regulation of natural instincts and living a life of love for ourselves and others despite the world's hardships.

I personally find that people who are LGBTQ are dealing with something internally genetic that has been off perhaps for generations due to trauma. I think it's their reality but I think there is more to it that is neurological. Which is why you see so much depression and anxiety and other disorders due to this. It's not just the world. It's kind of finding their purpose in the world and somehow becoming whole themselves. I don't think it's particularly natural for people to not want to reproduce since it's a basic need. I feel the same way about single people that are single for their whole lives. Neither is a problem but I think because they don't reproduce, it's harder to find this purpose and when they do they are more stable.

This is the oddest take on God and also on LGBT people I've ever heard. You are so confused.

To you maybe. It's Jungian basically. God exists in our body and we manifest him. Also related to taoism and just current science and psychoanalytic research. God isn't real in that there is some external force we can't control nd that we are aiming at. We manifest God through ourselves. Through our thoughts and actions. We bring God into being by going beyond our animal instincts. That's what I'm basically writing about. Controlling our animal instincts in a way that allow humans to flourish and care for each other.

Homosexuality used to be in the DSM so it's not that off of an idea to understand that genes turned off due to trauma create a person who can't see themselves as a full man and therefore needs to find another man to love or vice versa. The way I've heard it discussed is that it's a type of searching for the father for gay people that they always wanted. Or if a woman searching for the mom they always wanted. It's often described as a psychological injury sustained in childhood at the hands of an absent parent.

No, you are not God. You don't manifest God or bring God into being. If you believe that, you need to go reread the DSM. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is real.

God is not real. God is our hope for a better future. We are not god but God is an ideal.

You are contradicting yourself.

No. Look up Jung

And stop pathologizing LGBT people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look OP, if you are still here, or anyone else searching, the fundamental question is: do you even believe in the possibility of a correct answer, of an objective Truth? Because if you won't even allow for that possibility (maybe because you can't stand the thought of hurting other people's sensibilities because it would imply others are wrong), then you are not ready for this journey. Focus on that fundamental issue first. People get through this hump in varying ways. For some, it might be that they get there intellectually or logically. For others, it might be precipitated by an existential crisis that humbles them enough to say anything's possible. But that is just based on my observations. God works in mysterious ways and there are certainly no limits to how he breaks down people's walls. Good luck.

I don't think Christianity is my path to finding God, this thread has confirmed it. Some of the posts are lecturing and overbearing. I don't believe in the God of the Bible, that doesn't mean that there isn't a Higher power or I can't find my own Spirituality. I don't care if some of the Christians on here think I am wrong. There have been some helpful answers to my post but it has mainly been hijacked by one or two posters who seem intent in bullishly pushing Christianity and telling everyone else they are wrong. Pretty gross.

You have had a private school education, have a college degree, a career, and a supportive family. You have health insurance and can access mental health care and afford prescription drugs to treat your depression and mental health struggles. [b]You can afford your home, transportation, pay your bills, buy groceries, have a computer and internet access. You were not sexually, emotionally, or physically abused as a child or adult.

You’ve been blessed beyond measure throughout your life. If you don’t want to believe in the God of the bible, you were privileged to be born and live in a country with complete religious freedom- both freedom to believe, or not to believe.

I think calling people who are exercising their religious freedom (especially in a forum specifically discussing religion) is gross. Nobody makes you come to a religious forum. This is a place to specifically discuss religion. You don’t have to discuss Christianity or Christians. No Christian asked you to ask questions about Christianity or religion or spiritual beliefs or practices.

Because the majority of Americans are Christian, including our President and his family, as well as the majority of our elected officials claiming to have a Christian faith tradition, it’s completely understandable that Christianity plays a role in American society, politics, and culture.

I wish you luck on navigating your spiritual life. It’s clear that even with all your familial and material blessings, you are missing a spiritual component to your life. You should focus on your mental health, and focus on supporting your mom. Since you both have struggled with suicidal thoughts, you need to monitor each other and help each other in tough times and make sure you both have what you need to remain as physically and mentally healthy as possible.

Realize many people in America are not as well off or financially stable as you are, and consider donating your time and talents and financial support to organizations you feel are worthwhile, to help your fellow man.

Perhaps start a thread here encouraging others to do the same, share resources that are helpful.

Also calling people names and saying free expression of speech and religion are “gross” isn’t very kind or tolerant. Perhaps working on accepting others and giving them space to exercise their God given freedoms might be appropriate. Tolerance and acceptance is for everyone, not just for ideals/values/morals you approve of personally or happen to agree with.

I don't have a problem with Christians generally just judgmental close minded ones like you. Most of my friends and family identify as Christian and are open and tolerant people who do not diss other people's faiths.

You know very little about my childhood and early adult life other than I went to boarding school. You are assuming that I don't already work with charities and volunteer my time- you couldn't be more wrong. I am leaving this thread now, so maybe you can focus your lecturing on someone else.

DP: you need to be aware that not all people who identify themselves as Christian actually believe in God. God made the rules that designed to make us feel uncomfortable. If you look at any concepts that the God designed for us, they are way beyond human nature: love your neighbor; when someone hits you on one cheek, you should turn another one.... Those and other are so contrary to our human nature and so uncomfortable to follow. No wonder you are feeling uncomfortable with Christianity. You might find more comfort in other religions, or spiritual rituals, but you will not find the God there.

Well said. People don't understand that every Christian teaching is difficult and uncomfortable, even the ones that people like, like loving your neighbor and helping the poor. Being a Christian doesn't mean you are now in the in group and don't have to be uncomfortable anymore. It actually means failing on a daily basis to meet those ideals. Failing and getting up and trying again.