I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this question. I am trying to get a better understanding of how people come to believe in their particular religious beliefs. For example, why do you believe in God or Christianity? Why do you believe in your particular church and what church is it? How did you come to believe it was true, more true, or the only true church over any other church? Did you pray about it and how did you receive an answer? If this wasn't the method used, how did you come to your particular belief? There is an enormous amount of christian churches to choose from. Each have the same common belief in God and the Bible but none of them interpret all of it the same. If they did, then there wouldn't be separate churches.
Why do you believe in your religion?
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W
I don't reckon myself as part of a specific church society, I have my faith in God and Jesus and am happy with that.
I believe because to me God makes more sense than no God, because life is too complex to appear by chance
Why I believe in all the rest I do not know. But faith is after all believing in what can't be proved
I believe because to me God makes more sense than no God, because life is too complex to appear by chance
Why I believe in all the rest I do not know. But faith is after all believing in what can't be proved
Hi Mute,
I became a Christian in 2007. I went to a friends Pentecostal church but was raised in a Catholic church. I was suprised what members of each had to say about the other religion. I really didn't know what to do. or where to go. Then I found this in So I asked God to keep my heart and mind focused on HIM and not on the "rules" of religion. So I can go to any church that is teaching the Bible and just pray that God will show me what he wants me to see and keep my eyes and ears closed to the teachings of man influenced beliefs.
Give it to God in prayer, He is faithful to lead you in the right direction.
God Bless.
I became a Christian in 2007. I went to a friends Pentecostal church but was raised in a Catholic church. I was suprised what members of each had to say about the other religion. I really didn't know what to do. or where to go. Then I found this in So I asked God to keep my heart and mind focused on HIM and not on the "rules" of religion. So I can go to any church that is teaching the Bible and just pray that God will show me what he wants me to see and keep my eyes and ears closed to the teachings of man influenced beliefs.
Give it to God in prayer, He is faithful to lead you in the right direction.
God Bless.
S
I had a basic understanding of the bible for most of my life, but made a decision to accept Christ in 1986. My understanding of God increased over time, which strengthened and reinforced my belief in Christ. I have been priveledged in some ways, to have known many ministers of the gospel, many of whom operated in the gifts of the Spirit. While my faith was securely founded upon his word and a relationship with God through Christ, being exposed to so many who demonstrated the power of God, drew me from religious tradition, into a better understanding of how God works through His people. After having left a somewhat traditional Baptist Church, I am now strictly non-denominational. The power of God is now something I feel and am able to demonstrate on a daily basis.
K
All Christians belong to the church of Christ. There are simply a lot of different building to have church in. The building doesn't matter, where you are doesn't matter, what matters is that you are spending time with God. I believe GOd because he created me and gave me life. Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins so that we could have life. We need to give our all for Jesus. Take a look at the Bible, all the answers are there!Have a blessed day!
C
its funny how a religion can influence you when you Bible read, that when you come up to certain scripture the voice or interpretation of the religion ringing in your mind blinds you from searching what that scripture ment, explains it away the true meaning that the scripture is saying to you, be watchful of that,
T
I grew up in a Baptist Church and that was all I knew, but several years ago I started wondering if maybe the Baptist Church wasn't for me. I started researching different religions to find out what they believed and then I came to the realization that I am, indeed, a Baptist. We moved to a town where there was not a Baptist Church, so we started attending a Methodist Church and my main goal was to become involved in the community and share the love of the Lord, but things didn't work out and I took a break from Church and started doing my own thing. I listened to John McArthur and Chuck Swindoll preaching on my radio station and they play Christian music so that helped me get through my days, but now I am missing the fellowship with other Christians and I do feel the need to get back into a Church. There is no such thing as a perfect church because people are not perfect. The most important thing about a church is hearing God's word. I took a Beth Moore Bible study, Jesus the One and Only, and that opened my eyes to a whole new level. I look for Bible believing Churches and a friend of mine gave me some good advice before choosing a church. She said to do a drive by on Sunday morning and see if people are carrying Bibles, if not, don't go, but if they are that is proof that it is a Bible believing Church. That being said, you still have to be careful about the message the Preacher preaches and allow the Lord to speak to you through the sermon. Scripture can and does get taken out of context.
D
Hello,
Well first off God and Christianity, is the only thing that makes sense to me. I may be a young new Christian (as a few people keep pointing out to me on here when I share opinions) yet I feel the power of God within me through the Holy Ghost(Spirit). I attend a Pentecostal Church, when I was little I was forced to go to a Catholic Church, but the Catholic Church always made me feel uncomfortable like I couldn't do anything or I would get into trouble, not talking going to the bathroom etc.
My uncle (whom I found my church through) did A LOT of research before choosing a church and a denomination of Christianity.
(I know people say they don't believe in religion/church, I don't believe in religion, it is man made, what I believe is the Bible, yet it says in the Bible that we must go to Church. Well its kind of a catch 22 you can't go to church and not have a religion, yes I know there are non-denominational churches but, not everyone has the same beliefs within the church. My pastor explained to me that all church is, is 2 or more people gathered together in one place discussing and learning, with the same beliefs. Hmm I got a bit off track haha sorry)
Anyways back to my uncle, he did a lot of research and so did his friend who is also a pentecostal, and they both just feel that what they read in the Bible and what they practice in the Church, there has yet to be any contradictions, anything they do, there is Biblical evidence to back up why they do, what they do. Now, just because my pastor or someone within the church interprets something they read from the Bible doesn't mean that I have to interpret it that way as well, BUT, so far it all makes sense from what they say and what I read.
How I got there? Well I had seen the things God was doing for my uncle and his now wife in their life, things just fell in place for them, and they are both so much happier that they are with God. (As am I). At one point last year, I had an interest in God, but as time moved on that faded, until a close family member of mine passed away this November, and I prayed to God, that he would lead me down the path that he wanted me to live by. Well things just started to happen from there, slowly at first, but as I began to read the word of God and attend Church, my passion has only increased and will continue to increase as my relationship with God grows. It started off by seeing the movie "Fire Proof" it really got me to think, that how can I have a relationship with anyone else in my life, if I can't have a relationship with someone who loves me unconditionally; God. I started to hang out with my uncle and aunt more, and attended a church service, and that one has grown to 2 a day on Sunday's.
I know that my church is real, you can feel the presence of God, he is there, he speaks to us, individually and as a whole as he did last night through a prophecy. He fills us with the Holy Ghost, he leads us from the darkness into the light, heals people, etc etc etc... My pastors good friend who is a missionary in Pakistan was preaching at a youth convention 2 years ago, where my uncle and aunt had received the Holy Ghost, and he prohpesied (spelling) to them saying that through their walk with God people around them will notice the changes in their life and it will draw them closer to them. Now this was 2 years ago, and I had not heard anything about it before, and that is exactly what has happened to me, my mom, step dad, sister, grandmother, and aunt. We all seen and it has drawn us all so much closer to God, and I am so thankful that God pulled us closer to him.
Sorry I know its long and I probably rambled, but I get so excited when I share my experiences with people. But that in a nutshell is why I chose Christianity and my church. (PS we are a Bible believing church, we always have our Bibles with us when we attend Church.)
God Bless.
Well first off God and Christianity, is the only thing that makes sense to me. I may be a young new Christian (as a few people keep pointing out to me on here when I share opinions) yet I feel the power of God within me through the Holy Ghost(Spirit). I attend a Pentecostal Church, when I was little I was forced to go to a Catholic Church, but the Catholic Church always made me feel uncomfortable like I couldn't do anything or I would get into trouble, not talking going to the bathroom etc.
My uncle (whom I found my church through) did A LOT of research before choosing a church and a denomination of Christianity.
(I know people say they don't believe in religion/church, I don't believe in religion, it is man made, what I believe is the Bible, yet it says in the Bible that we must go to Church. Well its kind of a catch 22 you can't go to church and not have a religion, yes I know there are non-denominational churches but, not everyone has the same beliefs within the church. My pastor explained to me that all church is, is 2 or more people gathered together in one place discussing and learning, with the same beliefs. Hmm I got a bit off track haha sorry)
Anyways back to my uncle, he did a lot of research and so did his friend who is also a pentecostal, and they both just feel that what they read in the Bible and what they practice in the Church, there has yet to be any contradictions, anything they do, there is Biblical evidence to back up why they do, what they do. Now, just because my pastor or someone within the church interprets something they read from the Bible doesn't mean that I have to interpret it that way as well, BUT, so far it all makes sense from what they say and what I read.
How I got there? Well I had seen the things God was doing for my uncle and his now wife in their life, things just fell in place for them, and they are both so much happier that they are with God. (As am I). At one point last year, I had an interest in God, but as time moved on that faded, until a close family member of mine passed away this November, and I prayed to God, that he would lead me down the path that he wanted me to live by. Well things just started to happen from there, slowly at first, but as I began to read the word of God and attend Church, my passion has only increased and will continue to increase as my relationship with God grows. It started off by seeing the movie "Fire Proof" it really got me to think, that how can I have a relationship with anyone else in my life, if I can't have a relationship with someone who loves me unconditionally; God. I started to hang out with my uncle and aunt more, and attended a church service, and that one has grown to 2 a day on Sunday's.
I know that my church is real, you can feel the presence of God, he is there, he speaks to us, individually and as a whole as he did last night through a prophecy. He fills us with the Holy Ghost, he leads us from the darkness into the light, heals people, etc etc etc... My pastors good friend who is a missionary in Pakistan was preaching at a youth convention 2 years ago, where my uncle and aunt had received the Holy Ghost, and he prohpesied (spelling) to them saying that through their walk with God people around them will notice the changes in their life and it will draw them closer to them. Now this was 2 years ago, and I had not heard anything about it before, and that is exactly what has happened to me, my mom, step dad, sister, grandmother, and aunt. We all seen and it has drawn us all so much closer to God, and I am so thankful that God pulled us closer to him.
Sorry I know its long and I probably rambled, but I get so excited when I share my experiences with people. But that in a nutshell is why I chose Christianity and my church. (PS we are a Bible believing church, we always have our Bibles with us when we attend Church.)
God Bless.
1. I was raised in a Christian environment and attended Christian schools on and off my whole life.
2. I decided to attend a conservative Protestant Church when I was 15
3. I became dissatisfied with the lapse in logic I was running into as explanations for difficult questions so I sought out and attended a Presbyterian Church and ended up going to a Presbyterian College.
4. As a youth director, I began questioning my faith and became determined to study church history.
5. After two years of study - church history, the Bible, biographies of saints, I decided to join the RCC.
6. I believe I am Christian because God called me and I really enjoy it.
7. As far as being true or not, I think it is, but I do not know - I am sure God will correct me in time. I am sure that doctrine is not the determining factor of Christianity - sanctification of the heart is.
2. I decided to attend a conservative Protestant Church when I was 15
3. I became dissatisfied with the lapse in logic I was running into as explanations for difficult questions so I sought out and attended a Presbyterian Church and ended up going to a Presbyterian College.
4. As a youth director, I began questioning my faith and became determined to study church history.
5. After two years of study - church history, the Bible, biographies of saints, I decided to join the RCC.
6. I believe I am Christian because God called me and I really enjoy it.
7. As far as being true or not, I think it is, but I do not know - I am sure God will correct me in time. I am sure that doctrine is not the determining factor of Christianity - sanctification of the heart is.
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S
Religion
Believe: to accept that something is true or real
My name is Steven, In the book of Genesis Abraham believed in God not only did Abraham believe mainly he trusted God is Spirit and knows the heart and the mind God knew that Abraham trusted in Him to make this short they had a relationship. I am not married but someone who is married they’re close spend a lot of time together. My belief “relationship” with God has evolved to the point where it is at, is because of the time that I put into it.
The revelations were given “I don’t want to sound conceited” “sincerity” it is at the point where I am at now because that is who God is He is Love I know that I am so not worthy yet God gave me the Holy Spirit. I know this is probably very rare but it is a 24-7 thing 24 hours a day and seven days a week I am continually in communion with my Lord through the Holy Spirit now the Holy Spirit is something else God is awesome. “Jesus I love you” if a person is sincere and has that desire for truth God will show that person that He is for real. Remember God is Spirit and works in a whole different realm so expect phenomenon something experienced: a fact or occurrence that can be observed 2. something notable: something that is out of the ordinary and excites people's interest and curiosity.
So if you so happen to be a scientist or physicist into physics you will try to explain the matter. Well I better stop there before I get to deep.
I guess that I could say that I believe that God wish’s that no man should perish and that all could have eternal life through Christ Jesus is because of
phenomenon… pray, seek, study pray, pray pray, seek, study pray, pray
Believe: to accept that something is true or real
My name is Steven, In the book of Genesis Abraham believed in God not only did Abraham believe mainly he trusted God is Spirit and knows the heart and the mind God knew that Abraham trusted in Him to make this short they had a relationship. I am not married but someone who is married they’re close spend a lot of time together. My belief “relationship” with God has evolved to the point where it is at, is because of the time that I put into it.
The revelations were given “I don’t want to sound conceited” “sincerity” it is at the point where I am at now because that is who God is He is Love I know that I am so not worthy yet God gave me the Holy Spirit. I know this is probably very rare but it is a 24-7 thing 24 hours a day and seven days a week I am continually in communion with my Lord through the Holy Spirit now the Holy Spirit is something else God is awesome. “Jesus I love you” if a person is sincere and has that desire for truth God will show that person that He is for real. Remember God is Spirit and works in a whole different realm so expect phenomenon something experienced: a fact or occurrence that can be observed 2. something notable: something that is out of the ordinary and excites people's interest and curiosity.
So if you so happen to be a scientist or physicist into physics you will try to explain the matter. Well I better stop there before I get to deep.
I guess that I could say that I believe that God wish’s that no man should perish and that all could have eternal life through Christ Jesus is because of
phenomenon… pray, seek, study pray, pray pray, seek, study pray, pray
I'm not sure I entirely understand what each of you mean when you mention the spirit. I grew up in an LDS (Mormon) family. Usually when asking LDS members why they believe in their particular church they say it's because they prayed about it and the holy ghost (aka holy spirit) bore witness to them of it. The LDS generally describe this as love and peace. The scriptures describe the Holy Ghost in several places but I'm still not sure I understand the difference in how people describe it. What do you believe the Holy Ghost is and how does it feel for you?
ACTS
CHAPTER 2
37 ¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the dname of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
JAROM
CHAPTER 1
12 And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance.
ST LUKE
CHAPTER 24
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
ST JOHN
CHAPTER 14
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
ST JOHN
CHAPTER 15
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
ST JOHN
CHAPTER 16
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
ACTS
CHAPTER 9
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
ACTS
CHAPTER 2
37 ¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the dname of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
JAROM
CHAPTER 1
12 And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance.
ST LUKE
CHAPTER 24
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
ST JOHN
CHAPTER 14
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
ST JOHN
CHAPTER 15
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
ST JOHN
CHAPTER 16
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
ACTS
CHAPTER 9
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
M
I dont have a religion, i believe only iin JESUS CHRIST. Religion will only get you i trouble, We have to be careful when it comes to religion, because it only pulls you away from the message of the cross. You find many people that are religious are usually more caught up in what to believe instead of who they should be believing in. I urge everyone to put your total trust in CHRIST. Because religion will fade away but CHRIST will last forever.
Why isn't there just one club? Because they all separate themselves in their interpretations and beliefs of understanding scripture etc. It's not like the bible is just clear on everything. It's not clear. That's why so many people dispute on and have different interpretations. They all claim it's clear if one has the holy spirit but of course they all claim they have the holy spirit which would mean everyone else who believes differently is wrong. To be a follower of Christ is fine. But if you're going to believe anything from the scriptures other than just that Christ died for you, then you're going to have an interpretation on meanings in the Bible. There are going to be other Christians who totally disagree with your interpretation and some may not even consider you Christian because you don't have the same interpretation.
This is an excellent question Mute!
For years I have been a mess of a Christian but not only that, also one huge mess of a person. One time in 2006 - when I was at one of my lowest points - I went to the library to find a David Wilkerson book. I couldn't find the book - even though the library said the book was in stock - and therefore I scanned the Christian section for a book I could take and read. One book in particular about John Wesley and his Brother Charles really grabbed my attention, because a great Christian that I love and admire is a huge fan of Charles Wesley's hymns.
Anyway, in the midst of despair I read that book and was amazed by the stories in it. John Wesley went from a highly disciplined religious man to having an instantaneous experience of being free from sin. After that time he lived always victoriously over sin and brought about quite possibly the largest revival in history. I was hooked! There was hope for me!!!!!!
Though I have yet to experience this - not that I have honestly been following my faith that closely of late either - it is still a hope that I hold in my heart. I've grown up a lot since then and I know that God will take me the rest of the way.
Quest
For years I have been a mess of a Christian but not only that, also one huge mess of a person. One time in 2006 - when I was at one of my lowest points - I went to the library to find a David Wilkerson book. I couldn't find the book - even though the library said the book was in stock - and therefore I scanned the Christian section for a book I could take and read. One book in particular about John Wesley and his Brother Charles really grabbed my attention, because a great Christian that I love and admire is a huge fan of Charles Wesley's hymns.
Anyway, in the midst of despair I read that book and was amazed by the stories in it. John Wesley went from a highly disciplined religious man to having an instantaneous experience of being free from sin. After that time he lived always victoriously over sin and brought about quite possibly the largest revival in history. I was hooked! There was hope for me!!!!!!
Though I have yet to experience this - not that I have honestly been following my faith that closely of late either - it is still a hope that I hold in my heart. I've grown up a lot since then and I know that God will take me the rest of the way.
Quest
Very good post again Mute!
I agree 100% with everything you are saying. God has made the Bible very unclear on certain issues and for what reason I don't know. Both calvinists and arminians, both pre-tribs and post tribs and rapture believing and non-rapture believing Christians can find scriptures that seem to clearly back up their belief system.
Then they go about preaching those particular scriptures while ignoring the scriptures that seem to refute their perspective. Another group will use those neglected scriptures against them to support the opposing view and the arguments will go on and on to infinity.
John Wesley had some really great advice on this topic:
17. But, blessed be God, we are not among those who are so dark in their conceptions and expressions. We no more deny the phrase than the thing; but we are unwilling to obtrude it on other men. Let them use either this or such other expressions as they judge to be more exactly scriptural, provided their heart rests only on what Christ hath done and suffered, for pardon, grace, and glory. I cannot express this better than in Mr. Hervey's words, worthy to be wrote in letters of gold: "We are not solicitous as to any particular set of phrases. Only let men be humbled as repenting criminals at Christ's feet, let them rely as devoted pensioners on his merits and they are undoubtedly in the way to a blessed immortality."
18. Is there any need, is there any possibility, of saying more? Let us only abide by this declaration, and all the contention about this or that "particular phrase" is torn up by the roots. Keep to this, -- "All who are humbled as repenting criminals at Christ's feet, and rely as devoted pensioners on his merits, are in the way to a blessed immortality;" And what room for dispute? Who denies this? Do we not all meet on this ground? What then shall we wrangle about? A man of peace here proposes terms of accommodation to all the contending parties. We desire no better: We accept of the terms: We subscribe to them with heart and hand. Whoever refuses so to do, set a mark upon that man! He is an enemy of peace, and a troubler of Israel, a disturber of the Church of God.
Quest
I agree 100% with everything you are saying. God has made the Bible very unclear on certain issues and for what reason I don't know. Both calvinists and arminians, both pre-tribs and post tribs and rapture believing and non-rapture believing Christians can find scriptures that seem to clearly back up their belief system.
Then they go about preaching those particular scriptures while ignoring the scriptures that seem to refute their perspective. Another group will use those neglected scriptures against them to support the opposing view and the arguments will go on and on to infinity.
John Wesley had some really great advice on this topic:
17. But, blessed be God, we are not among those who are so dark in their conceptions and expressions. We no more deny the phrase than the thing; but we are unwilling to obtrude it on other men. Let them use either this or such other expressions as they judge to be more exactly scriptural, provided their heart rests only on what Christ hath done and suffered, for pardon, grace, and glory. I cannot express this better than in Mr. Hervey's words, worthy to be wrote in letters of gold: "We are not solicitous as to any particular set of phrases. Only let men be humbled as repenting criminals at Christ's feet, let them rely as devoted pensioners on his merits and they are undoubtedly in the way to a blessed immortality."
18. Is there any need, is there any possibility, of saying more? Let us only abide by this declaration, and all the contention about this or that "particular phrase" is torn up by the roots. Keep to this, -- "All who are humbled as repenting criminals at Christ's feet, and rely as devoted pensioners on his merits, are in the way to a blessed immortality;" And what room for dispute? Who denies this? Do we not all meet on this ground? What then shall we wrangle about? A man of peace here proposes terms of accommodation to all the contending parties. We desire no better: We accept of the terms: We subscribe to them with heart and hand. Whoever refuses so to do, set a mark upon that man! He is an enemy of peace, and a troubler of Israel, a disturber of the Church of God.
Quest