There are many paths from where we are to, well, to a better place. This place has many names, such as salvation (for the religious). Some people who have walked such a path make the mistakes of thinking that there is only ONE path, and that there is only ONE name for this better place.

I try to be happy for such people. Not because they have found God, but because they got to that better place. I'll be happy for you what ever you call the place if you will be happy for me what ever I call that place. Likewise for the path you choose if you are likewise for the path I choose.

Unless we choose paths that achieve our progress in the suffering of others.

Because when we find God, he gives us the power to do anything and love us know matter what. He does exist and one day we will be with him in heaven and all our problems will be over.

I consider myself a very religious person. I go to church, my kids go to a Catholic school, and I have a lot of faith that someday we will go to heaven if we are good people and do our best in this life.
I know that if I do put it in God's hands he will help me with my depression and anxiety... I just don't really know how to do it. Is this how you feel too?

For some people the only answer is "it's all part of god's plan." And if that answer helps you thats wonderful! But for some people that answer just doesn't cut it. People who answer this way need to be sinsitive to the fact that sometimes the person in need doesn't want religion being shoved at them. Maybe the person you are talking to doesn't even believe in god. Some people don't knowhow to talk to someone without religion creeping in. I am sorry you are feeling lost and alone, but your not alone. There is a whole website (many websites) full of people who really do understand what your talking about. Don't forget they are here.

Religion is ONE answer. So is diet and exercise. So is quality sleep and meditation.

For religious people, if religion works for them, brings them comfort, great!

My own feeling is: Yes, I think God exists. Yes, I talk with Him daily. And, yes, sometimes organized religion, for me, gets in the way.

Whether Jesus is THE son of God is debatable. We're ALL sons and daughters of God. Jesus makes a lot of sense though.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the sacrificial lamb theory, that he was sent into this world to teach us God's ways, take all the sins of the world on his shoulders, and then die horribly, be sucked back into the netherworld, as a sacrificial "gift" to us, so that we could achieve salvation. Yes, love does involve sacrifice, but why does one have to die so that another receives life, or life eternal? It's a spiritual thing, of course, something to put or faith in, I suppose, something not of this world, a higher calling.

I guess Christianity was formed to attempt to make SOME sense out of something that was senseless, the slaughter of Jesus Christ, such a good man, who was supposedly devoid of sin.

As an atheist, I respect the opinion of anyone who follows a god, and their right to believe in that god without being mocked or attacked, but I do get angry when people say their god is the only thing which will help. I don't believe in god, but I do believe that we have a spiritual side to us, be it a love of nature, music, art or literature. Anything that makes your heart swell with well-being is spiritual to me, although I know there's a biological reason for it.

I think it boils down to the religious wanting us to have the same help as they are getting from their god, which does rather beg the question how come they're still depressed?

Have the courage of your convictions, and calmly repel the suggestions that don't help you. It's possible for us all to coexist, just like George W said about men and fish.

For many, many people, it gives them a purpose in an otherwise dark and cold universe. It gives them comfort and hope, and a reason to step outside of themselves, and carry on for others, be selfless and compassionate.

Studies have shown prayer especially is very, very comforting for the mind. So I do not confront or judge people anymore---I find it's only intrusive when I'm getting judges harsghly or preached-at at a very bad time.

I think there is a lot of sense to 'having religion'; because humans, left to their own devices, can be a pretty ugly lot---selfish, greedy, and cruel.

IF you cannot ascend to their way of thinking, it might be better to agree to disagree, and just stay tolerant, and stick to a good path.

We all have to find a way through this life.

I am a follower of Jesus Christ. period....What matters to me with every human being is what is in their heart, and how they treat others. I hate any area where religion is brought into the conversation and I feel the same way about politics. I just want to know all of the other wonderful things about you. I don't love you or feel differently because you don't believe like I do. I love you for how I am respected, and how I respect you. And if you have a good heart, then I know that God is living on your heart. No more religion or politics for me. I just want to help all of you that I can, with just my heart, and my feelings. Period.

Gramybear, you are such a love. You phrase things so well, and are very kind.

Folks from any backround, NMW their religion is, generally practice tolerance first. Tolerance springs from compassion and empathy.

If that is not the case, avoid those people. People pressing their views on others are usually being carried away by some other motives, very possibly with a touch of superiority complex involved.

If a religion has truth in it, it will speak to your heart---not knock you over the head.

AMEN To that SkiesonFire....Very well put... You are a sweetheart.

My thought was - yep, been there, done that:



Then I met Christ. Now I am on a journey. A healing journey. And yes, God created us, and he wants us to eat well, exercise, and have a relationship with him, nature, one another.

So what have you got to lose by trying? Maybe all those negatives. That is what Jesus did for me.

"bump"

AMEN GRAMYBEAR i feel the same way