my life is messed up because of religion

Originally Posted by Mayflow

I'm not Catholic, but I would be surprised if that church actually condones the teachings of Mother Mary visiting the Earth several times and showing visions of Hell. What sources of this are there?

Of course all sources will come from Catholic websites. But did 70000 not see Fatima?

Originally Posted by donnnn1

Of course all sources will come from Catholic websites. But did 70000 not see Fatima?

Just because some sources are from so called Catholic websites does not mean the Catholic Church endorses them. I also doubt anyone, much less 70000 actually really saw any such thing. Do you actually have any proof that the Catholic church endorses this?

Originally Posted by Mayflow

Just because some sources are from so called Catholic websites does not mean the Catholic Church endorses them. I also doubt anyone, much less 70000 actually really saw any such thing. Do you actually have any proof that the Catholic church endorses this?

I dont have 100% proof that the Church endorses them, but they celebrate feast days in their honour, which suggests somewhat that they endorse them.

Oddly, and as a justaposition to the OP, or perhaps not...My Religion was messed up by Life. It soon became apparent as i grew into my first decade of life that a Good and Merciful God might not in actuality exist.

[UniverseofLove]

Originally Posted by Neville

Oddly, and as a justaposition to the OP, or perhaps not...My Religion was messed up by Life. It soon became apparent as i grew into my first decade of life that a Good and Merciful God might not in actuality exist.

That, to me, is quite serious. Something I don't like about dogmatic or spiritual upbringing as a definate way of life is that a child isn't often exposed to the nature of religion and faith being belief and not fact. Many children don't have the opportunity to make up their own mind and, when and if they do, it's often too late.

I was lucky, I had my mum to introduce me to spirituality when she thought me old enough but was careful to make it clear that my beliefs are my own choice.

If you're willing to share, what made you doubt the existance of a good and merciful God?

I dont know why I just cant believe in this -

My grandad died in 2009, he was a kind, loving man but wasnt religious at all. He never cared about religion in the slightest, only about his wife and family which consisted of 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

My grandma (his wife) grieved terribly and she is a devout Catholic. However early last year she was in the house sitting down reading the newspaper and something touched her, she looked up and my late grandad was there wearing the shirt he always wore, my grandma said she felt so much peace and happiness. He then turned and walked into the kitchen and disappeared.

She is 100% adamant it happened and that she will see him again and she has only told her close family members about it. There is no way my old fashioned, quiet, 83 year old Catholic gran would make this up, and by the way she still has the senses of a 30 year old.

If my grandad is in Heaven, and there is no way I believe he isnt then I dont know why I am worrying.

Originally Posted by donnnn1

Fundamentalist Christians have really messed my head up big time. Im am worried about going to hell and have a sickening fear of death.

They have also told me that Jesus will come and send all other religions to Hell.

I hate this fear, is Christianity and the bible the only real truth?

Dearest Donnnn1....as I mentioned somewhere on another post, there are enormous nett profits being made in the name of 'god', with fear-mongering being used as a 'motivator'.

My heart goes out to you.

Something that prevents me from falling into the trap of that mindset, is reminding myself that there isn't a religion, past or present (or future), that wasn't conceived and created by just another human being, for their own purposes and agendas (almost always for control and financial gain).

It's always been about control, financial greed, tax evasion, and the need to be a 'little tin god of power' in the limelight, than anything to do with spirituality.

Currently and through history, how many religious 'leaders' have been/are in bed with politicians....and why?

The best advice I can give you, is to follow your own heart, your own ability to reason, your own logic - and your own ability to do some research.

That plus, there's ample scientific and medical studies, evidence and research proving the reality of reincarnation...the very thing many of these religions do NOT want you to know about, understand, or believe in, because it would mean losing control over you (and your wallet).

I wish you peace of mind, and the strength and courage to blaze your own trail of understanding.

Hugs
MorningMist

If you're willing to share, what made you doubt the existance of a good and merciful God?

It was a close bereavement of someone who went before their time . A Personal tragedy, The Woman was 32 years old and something of a Christian and I was 9 years old. I prayed really hard for my Mum to recover but she died anyway. So My early religion along with pretty much the rest of my life was de railed. So me and the Christian God experienced something of a falling out after that.

I have gotten used to it now though, I am 40 years older and time is , as best it can be a healer so now there is a flimsy scar over that particular wound, however there is no doubt in my mind that one cataclysmic event in my formative years impacted upon my life and everything about it, for good and ill.

[CSEe]

Originally Posted by donnnn1

Fundamentalist Christians have really messed my head up big time. Im am worried about going to hell and have a sickening fear of death.

They have also told me that Jesus will come and send all other religions to Hell.

I hate this fear, is Christianity and the bible the only real truth?

Is human nature of eager to teach rather to learn and this had lead to so many traditions , lifelihood , beliefs , culture , faiths & religions. If GOD treaten human, should we respect him? I will not bow to a GOD that treaten me , force me to believe in him .

Buddhism is NOT a religion , no GOD here . Buddhism is a process of searching , experiencing , discovering ownself by being awake by own realization .
You are everything , your own realization is everything above anything or anyone .
Thks
CSEe

Jesus never said, "Repent, for the fires of hell are approaching!" He instead said this: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Perfect love cast out fear. Faith in God and his teachings allows you to know that you will go to heaven if you have chosen to follow Christ. Live a life of repentance by faith with love and hate sin and the doors to sin which are the negative parts of our human nature. Be a servant of the world. Pray. Ask. Praise. Learn. Do these things and there will be no fear. There will be understanding and happiness. I'm not saying this because it's what I believe, but because I've experienced this among other things.