I am Lost

Mair · 02-14-2008, 01:51 PM

Ok, I really don't know where to begin. I am 41 years old and all my life up until about 4 years ago I truly believed in God and heaven and the bible. One of my bosses is a Pastor and I truly believe he is a big part of what I am going through. This man is a liar and a cheat. I am not sure about cheat as in cheating on his wife but as far as money and paying his bills and such. I have listened to him and have had to take his collection calls for 9 years now and I truly don't believe a man of God should act the way he is. I know, he is one person but I have to be around him daily. I truly don't believe in the bible anymore, I know that for sure. I am hoping there is a god or higher power but I just don't know where to look anymore.

jedswife · 02-14-2008, 02:22 PM

i hate to say it but i have worked around a lot of people who were pastors and ministers...and all i can say that the only time we were ever ripped off - had stuff stolen from the office was from pastors and ministers.....its pretty disheartening but we have to remember that they are human too...though we tend to hold them to a higher standard because they are pastors and ministers.

yoshi · 02-15-2008, 12:38 AM

Hi, Mair. I've been where you are. One thing I've learned is that my faith and belief in God are not dependent on other people or what people do. Too many times, we place pastors (and ministers) on pedestals and expect them to be perfect. We end up worshipping the pastor rather than God and feel betrayed and let down when the pastor does something wrong. The minister you've referred to will have to answer to God for his actions. Don't let his actions control your feelings toward God or destroy your relationship with Him. Tell God how you feel. He'll listen. Jesus is the only human who never lied or cheated or stole anything. You are not going to find another human being like that, so don't try to base your salvation on this minister or another person other than Jesus. Lord knows, I'm not trying to preach to you. I have plenty of days when I'm wallowing in darkness, when I know the Light is there but just can't see or feel it. During those times, I have to hang onto the faith that God is still there helping me through it all, and I have to fight the feeling that God has abandoned me or doesn't care what happens to me. God has brought people into my life to guide me and help me. He's also brought people into my life to test my faith and belief in Him. Satan has also brought people and circumstances into my life to trip me and lessen my faith in God. Satan is the father of doubt and lies. God is more powerful and will give you peace and truth and light, if you'll let Him.

Hugs and prayers.

Determinedtolose · 02-17-2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yoshi

Hi, Mair. I've been where you are. One thing I've learned is that my faith and belief in God are not dependent on other people or what people do. Too many times, we place pastors (and ministers) on pedestals and expect them to be perfect. We end up worshipping the pastor rather than God and feel betrayed and let down when the pastor does something wrong. The minister you've referred to will have to answer to God for his actions. Don't let his actions control your feelings toward God or destroy your relationship with Him. Tell God how you feel. He'll listen. Jesus is the only human who never lied or cheated or stole anything. You are not going to find another human being like that, so don't try to base your salvation on this minister or another person other than Jesus. Lord knows, I'm not trying to preach to you. I have plenty of days when I'm wallowing in darkness, when I know the Light is there but just can't see or feel it. During those times, I have to hang onto the faith that God is still there helping me through it all, and I have to fight the feeling that God has abandoned me or doesn't care what happens to me. God has brought people into my life to guide me and help me. He's also brought people into my life to test my faith and belief in Him. Satan has also brought people and circumstances into my life to trip me and lessen my faith in God. Satan is the father of doubt and lies. God is more powerful and will give you peace and truth and light, if you'll let Him.

Hugs and prayers.

Yoshi, I couldn't have said that any better!

This is so true. We cannot put our trust in Pastors, Priests, our trust should be in God and in Him alone.

Like Yoshi said, they will have to answer for the things they have done if they do not repent and turn away from their lies.

But in the meantime, keep your eyes on the Lord, he will direct your path and footsteps. He will show you there are Believers who do not act like this Pastor and He will bring them in your life!

He loves you so much and He knows what you are going through. He will bring you out of this! All He asks us to do is believe!!!

God Bless you!!!

JanMarie3 · 02-17-2008, 04:31 PM

Absolutely, what these lovely ladies above me said so well!

Your relationship is with Jesus, not this pastor who seems to have fallen from grace.

Pray about this issue and ask God to guide you and help you, He will.

ixtapacheryl · 02-18-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JanMarie3

Absolutely, what these lovely ladies above me said so well!

Your relationship is with Jesus, not this pastor who seems to have fallen from grace.

Pray about this issue and ask God to guide you and help you, He will.

I agree 100%..... If need be - change jobs. Get out of there - but not before you tell him exactly what you feel.

This has nothing to do about pastors - but does have to do with an old boss. I worked for a plastic/cosmetic surgeon in sales. He was always acting so religious, etc. Saying prayers before a surgery, etc. Well anyway - he was getting up there in age and was not doing the best when it came to surgeries.

Like I said - I was in Sales so a potential surgery patient would come in - it was up to me to explain the surgery, pre/post op, fees, etc. Some of these people would come in and I knew the fees they were paying did not fit in their budget and in the end they would not be happy with the outcome of their surgery. I went to talk to our Priest (Catholic) and explained that in good conscious I could not keep selling surgeries knowing what I knew. He told me to find another job - and it was not very christian to continue what I was doing.

Gosh he was so right. I immediately found another job and the next set of surgeons did excellent work and in good faith I could sell people on having them do the procedures.

So if it bothers you God is trying to tell you something.

Mair · 02-19-2008, 08:19 AM

I don't want another job. He is not my only boss and the other one is great. He is nearing retirement age and I just hope he goes soon. He is just part of the reason I feel lost, not the complete reason.

Determinedtolose · 02-19-2008, 08:52 AM

Well, what is your relationship with God? If I may ask.

Mair · 02-19-2008, 10:57 AM

thats the thing. I don't really have a relationship. I grew up believing in him and we went to church some but not an every Sunday family. I have always believed and prayed to God but just in the last few years I have some major doubt. I come to believe that I do not believe in the bible at all because to me it was man made. It just has me questioning if there is a God!

Tea Cozy · 02-19-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mair

thats the thing. I don't really have a relationship. I grew up believing in him and we went to church some but not an every Sunday family. I have always believed and prayed to God but just in the last few years I have some major doubt. I come to believe that I do not believe in the bible at all because to me it was man made. It just has me questioning if there is a God!

For a second, please stop to consider that "Faith" and "Religion" are two different things. It IS possible to believe in a higher power than yourself, and live in a way that teaches good will and humanity, and not be religious.

Ultimately, you have to be true to yourself.

To me, the bible is a powerful tool, because it tells us the stories of what was or may have been, and this helps us learn - ANY holy book can provide instruction and clarity.

There is much that can be taken from all paths, from christian, to hebrew, to shamanistic.

What you do with it, and how you live it in your life is what matters, I think, not necessarily what label you slap on yourself, you know?

Determinedtolose · 02-19-2008, 01:51 PM

I have to mention this. It's "relationship" and "religion" that are two different things.

It's really hard to comprehend the love that God has towards us, it really is, because we can't imagine that someone could love us that much! But He does and even when we have trials and troubles that doesn't mean that He is not with us, it's just that He wants us to know He is still with us, and He wants us to really trust in Him.

But first of all, having a relationship with God is like having a relationship with a good friend. It takes getting to know Him, talking and praying and reading His word spending time with the Him.

But know that He does not want us to be in confusion or uncertainty, He wants us trust that He is who He is. You cannot do that with any religion, "faith" or deity.

I know what it's like to be disillusioned by someone in authority like that, but really, when realize that this one boss of yours does not represent who God is in any way shape or form, then you can move forward with your situation.

What your trust and belief should stand is this, that Christ died for you, and He rose 3 days later by the resurrection power of God and that He promises us eternal life if we only believe in Him, not a Priest, Pastor or any other person.

God Bless!!

CarolynF · 02-22-2008, 05:16 PM

I think you have to ask God to show you himself. That you have doubts, etc., and he needs to show you the way. He will..if you are sincere..

The Bible was a book written by men, but inspired by the Holy Spirit. Ask God to show his truth and start reading the book of John.

I'm betting he will!!

newfocus · 02-22-2008, 05:39 PM

I have lived a life with God in my heart AND lived a life without God . . . . I came to the conclusion many years ago that there is "no life" without God. He is alway there for me. I just have to be still and seek him

Pcola Girl · 02-27-2008, 12:17 PM

Just trust in the Lord and Pray. When sin is around us like that especially with someone who we all look up to and trust it can hurt us bad, but never turn away from God because of someone else 's sin.
God knows what they are doing, He see's everything, so this person will answer to God one day. Its his sin not your's and God does not want you to be angry with Him because of someone else's sin.
Just keep praying for this person that he will turn away from the sin he is committing and ask God to forgive him.

So trust in God and His Bible, don't let this sin of another turn you from God. Thats just what the old devil wants you to do so don't give in to him.
The devil will do all he can to turn you from God, stay strong and tell satan to get lost you belong to God.

---------------------------------------------
Psalms.37
[1] Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
[2] For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
[3] Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
[4] Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
[5] Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
[6] And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
[7] Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
[8] Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
[9] For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

I_Write · 03-06-2008, 11:20 AM

Just want to give you a ((((HUG)))) and say that I agree with the others. Faith and religion are two extremely different things.

If God exists (and I believe God does exist), he/she is certainly not dependent upon a pastor or a church or a diocese or a book that was written over a thousand years ago. If God exists, we each have a personal connection to them... an internal phone line to God.

Pastors, churches, etc... they are all man-made. God didn't make any of it. And too many pastors and religious entities work hard to make their followers believe that the path to God is through them. Church appeals to the best and the worst in humanity. The best show up to praise the God they love. The worst show up to manipulate the faithful. I'm sure they will have to answer to God when they pass on.

God knows you and loves you. Your best and most reliable connection to God is through your own thought and prayer. Don't let the evil of the world build a wall between you and God, no matter what they are calling themselves.

(((((Hugs)))))

~~Kate

Determinedtolose · 03-06-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I_Write

Just want to give you a ((((HUG)))) and say that I agree with the others. Faith and religion are two extremely different things.

If God exists (and I believe God does exist), he/she is certainly not dependent upon a pastor or a church or a diocese or a book that was written over a thousand years ago. If God exists, we each have a personal connection to them... an internal phone line to God.

Pastors, churches, etc... they are all man-made. God didn't make any of it. And too many pastors and religious entities work hard to make their followers believe that the path to God is through them. Church appeals to the best and the worst in humanity. The best show up to praise the God they love. The worst show up to manipulate the faithful. I'm sure they will have to answer to God when they pass on.

God knows you and loves you. Your best and most reliable connection to God is through your own thought and prayer. Don't let the evil of the world build a wall between you and God, no matter what they are calling themselves.

(((((Hugs)))))

~~Kate

God came in the form of man, not a she but as Jesus Christ the Son of God.
And the Bible is that book you may be referring too. Written by holy men as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Who is another part of the Holy Trinity.
God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are all One.

Just wanted to let you know.

I_Write · 03-06-2008, 06:24 PM

Diana~

Thanks for the clarification. And you know this how? Because someone told you? Because you read it in the book that you refer to? You know that book may or may not have been written by holy people (not arguing that point), but it was in the exclusive posession of governments and royalty until it was translated into common language (only a few hundred years ago). The people who had sole possession of the bible also had a massive agenda (to maintain and grow wealth while keeping the masses quiet). That is fact. There's no telling what was added or removed between the time it was written and the time it was shared with average people.

I will not argue over the gender of God or the holiness of the bible. To be quite honest, you and I have an equal likelihood of being correct. I'm not telling you that you are wrong about your image of God. I would appreciate it if, in the absence of scientific proof, you would extend to me the same courtesy.

It is important to seperate the machinations of man from what is truly divine. What really matters is not what God may or may not have said to people we never met thousands of years ago. God is speaking now. Today. To everyone. What matters is what God says directly to each of us. If you feel God leading you TODAY, the direction God gives you is the highest authority... much higher than a religious organization... even more important than the bible. If you believe in God, you must accept that what God tells you directly is more important than anything anyone can tell you about God. If we don't feel God saying anything to us, we need to look for what is the barrier to that communication. God didn't go on vacation after Jesus was born. God is still speaking.

Religion and the bible are, at best, the accessories and tools of God. Confusing them for God him/her/itself is dangerous. The world is full of corrupt individuals who make corrupt religions and do not hesitate to corrupt the 'word of God' to influence people.

The most complex Christian interpretation of God is The Trinity. The trinity is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The bible is not part of the Trinity, and is therefore not God. There is nothing perfect but God. As such, the bible is not perfect. Nothing is. Not religion. Not holy men. Nothing.

Peace.

~~Kate

Lina2 · 04-01-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mair

I am hoping there is a god or higher power but I just don't know where to look anymore.

I can't even think of anything to advise you - can I just pray for you?

Father, can you hear the cry of Your daughter's heart? Have mercy, Lord, reach out to her and let her know of your great love for her, and your desire to be a close, intimate companion to her - to share every part of her life.

Even now, Lord, won't you hold her close, and let her feel your presence? Take my tears, Lord, and wash her wounds with them. Heal her wounded heart.

SummerSue · 04-04-2008, 07:17 PM

You are not alone in your doubt. Many Christians have had periods of doubt, or periods of "dryness" - where you cannot feel God's presence in your life. Mother Theresa is one commonly known one.

If you go to a good Christian bookstore, or search online at one, you will find many books and tapes that address this. Christian apologetics have spent centuries justifying the bible and the religion, and more recent ones give archeologic and historic evidence for the bible as truth. There have also been several secular writers and personalities who began researching the subject to write about how "wrong" it is, and turned into Christians.

Anyway, I'm sure if you look around, you'll find a book or two that speaks to you and your specific doubts. It sounds like you are sad to be feeling separated from your faith and/or religion - sorry you are feeling "lost." But, the path to God is always open - he is always there waiting for us to move toward him. He never moves away.

Good luck - hope you find yourself in a better place soon!

02-14-2008, 01:51 PM	#1
Mair Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 5,014 Gallery: Mair	I am Lost Ok, I really don't know where to begin. I am 41 years old and all my life up until about 4 years ago I truly believed in God and heaven and the bible. One of my bosses is a Pastor and I truly believe he is a big part of what I am going through. This man is a liar and a cheat. I am not sure about cheat as in cheating on his wife but as far as money and paying his bills and such. I have listened to him and have had to take his collection calls for 9 years now and I truly don't believe a man of God should act the way he is. I know, he is one person but I have to be around him daily. I truly don't believe in the bible anymore, I know that for sure. I am hoping there is a god or higher power but I just don't know where to look anymore.

02-27-2008, 12:17 PM	#14
Pcola Girl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 3,295 Gallery: Pcola Girl Stats: Start-325 Today-225 Goal 160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Sarted Nov. 2000---Restarted New January 2008	Just trust in the Lord and Pray. When sin is around us like that especially with someone who we all look up to and trust it can hurt us bad, but never turn away from God because of someone else 's sin. God knows what they are doing, He see's everything, so this person will answer to God one day. Its his sin not your's and God does not want you to be angry with Him because of someone else's sin. Just keep praying for this person that he will turn away from the sin he is committing and ask God to forgive him. So trust in God and His Bible, don't let this sin of another turn you from God. Thats just what the old devil wants you to do so don't give in to him. The devil will do all he can to turn you from God, stay strong and tell satan to get lost you belong to God. --------------------------------------------- Psalms.37 [1] Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. [2] For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. [3] Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. [4] Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. [5] Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. [6] And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. [7] Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. [8] Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. [9] For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. __________________ Mary

03-06-2008, 11:20 AM	#15
I_Write Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Home Posts: 376 Gallery: I_Write Stats: 361/220/165 WOE: My own	Just want to give you a ((((HUG)))) and say that I agree with the others. Faith and religion are two extremely different things. If God exists (and I believe God does exist), he/she is certainly not dependent upon a pastor or a church or a diocese or a book that was written over a thousand years ago. If God exists, we each have a personal connection to them... an internal phone line to God. Pastors, churches, etc... they are all man-made. God didn't make any of it. And too many pastors and religious entities work hard to make their followers believe that the path to God is through them. Church appeals to the best and the worst in humanity. The best show up to praise the God they love. The worst show up to manipulate the faithful. I'm sure they will have to answer to God when they pass on. God knows you and loves you. Your best and most reliable connection to God is through your own thought and prayer. Don't let the evil of the world build a wall between you and God, no matter what they are calling themselves. (((((Hugs))))) ~~Kate __________________ My LowCarbLosers Blog

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02-14-2008, 02:22 PM	#2
jedswife MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,909 Gallery: jedswife Stats: 220/160/140 WOE: Body By Atkins	i hate to say it but i have worked around a lot of people who were pastors and ministers...and all i can say that the only time we were ever ripped off - had stuff stolen from the office was from pastors and ministers.....its pretty disheartening but we have to remember that they are human too...though we tend to hold them to a higher standard because they are pastors and ministers.

02-15-2008, 12:38 AM	#3
yoshi Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 65 Gallery: yoshi WOE: whatever works Start Date: November 2004	Hi, Mair. I've been where you are. One thing I've learned is that my faith and belief in God are not dependent on other people or what people do. Too many times, we place pastors (and ministers) on pedestals and expect them to be perfect. We end up worshipping the pastor rather than God and feel betrayed and let down when the pastor does something wrong. The minister you've referred to will have to answer to God for his actions. Don't let his actions control your feelings toward God or destroy your relationship with Him. Tell God how you feel. He'll listen. Jesus is the only human who never lied or cheated or stole anything. You are not going to find another human being like that, so don't try to base your salvation on this minister or another person other than Jesus. Lord knows, I'm not trying to preach to you. I have plenty of days when I'm wallowing in darkness, when I know the Light is there but just can't see or feel it. During those times, I have to hang onto the faith that God is still there helping me through it all, and I have to fight the feeling that God has abandoned me or doesn't care what happens to me. God has brought people into my life to guide me and help me. He's also brought people into my life to test my faith and belief in Him. Satan has also brought people and circumstances into my life to trip me and lessen my faith in God. Satan is the father of doubt and lies. God is more powerful and will give you peace and truth and light, if you'll let Him. Hugs and prayers.

02-17-2008, 04:31 PM	#5
JanMarie3 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Under the Gateway Arch Posts: 3,586 Gallery: JanMarie3 Stats: 140/134/125 5'3" WOE: Atkins Start Date: Registered: August 2000	Absolutely, what these lovely ladies above me said so well! Your relationship is with Jesus, not this pastor who seems to have fallen from grace. Pray about this issue and ask God to guide you and help you, He will.

02-19-2008, 08:19 AM	#7
Mair Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 5,014 Gallery: Mair	I don't want another job. He is not my only boss and the other one is great. He is nearing retirement age and I just hope he goes soon. He is just part of the reason I feel lost, not the complete reason.

02-19-2008, 08:52 AM	#8
Determinedtolose Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 10,104 Gallery: Determinedtolose Stats: 243/197/160 or 150 WOE: Atkins/ mod Fat, mod pro, low carb/Stillmans Start Date: Start: 4/07. 5lbs by 12/2008, 150/160 by 4/09	Well, what is your relationship with God? If I may ask.

02-19-2008, 10:57 AM	#9
Mair Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 5,014 Gallery: Mair	thats the thing. I don't really have a relationship. I grew up believing in him and we went to church some but not an every Sunday family. I have always believed and prayed to God but just in the last few years I have some major doubt. I come to believe that I do not believe in the bible at all because to me it was man made. It just has me questioning if there is a God!

02-19-2008, 01:51 PM	#11
Determinedtolose Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 10,104 Gallery: Determinedtolose Stats: 243/197/160 or 150 WOE: Atkins/ mod Fat, mod pro, low carb/Stillmans Start Date: Start: 4/07. 5lbs by 12/2008, 150/160 by 4/09	I have to mention this. It's "relationship" and "religion" that are two different things. It's really hard to comprehend the love that God has towards us, it really is, because we can't imagine that someone could love us that much! But He does and even when we have trials and troubles that doesn't mean that He is not with us, it's just that He wants us to know He is still with us, and He wants us to really trust in Him. But first of all, having a relationship with God is like having a relationship with a good friend. It takes getting to know Him, talking and praying and reading His word spending time with the Him. But know that He does not want us to be in confusion or uncertainty, He wants us trust that He is who He is. You cannot do that with any religion, "faith" or deity. I know what it's like to be disillusioned by someone in authority like that, but really, when realize that this one boss of yours does not represent who God is in any way shape or form, then you can move forward with your situation. What your trust and belief should stand is this, that Christ died for you, and He rose 3 days later by the resurrection power of God and that He promises us eternal life if we only believe in Him, not a Priest, Pastor or any other person. God Bless!!

02-22-2008, 05:16 PM	#12
CarolynF Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 20,522 Gallery: CarolynF Stats: 195/150/139 WOE: Eat Fat, Get Thin/I Can Make You Thin Start Date: January 2001	I think you have to ask God to show you himself. That you have doubts, etc., and he needs to show you the way. He will..if you are sincere.. The Bible was a book written by men, but inspired by the Holy Spirit. Ask God to show his truth and start reading the book of John. I'm betting he will!!

02-22-2008, 05:39 PM	#13
newfocus Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 105 Gallery: newfocus Stats: 197/163/155 WOE: Portion Control/Trying To Eat More Natural Foods Start Date: February 2007	I have lived a life with God in my heart AND lived a life without God . . . . I came to the conclusion many years ago that there is "no life" without God. He is alway there for me. I just have to be still and seek him

03-06-2008, 06:24 PM	#17
I_Write Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Home Posts: 376 Gallery: I_Write Stats: 361/220/165 WOE: My own	Diana~ Thanks for the clarification. And you know this how? Because someone told you? Because you read it in the book that you refer to? You know that book may or may not have been written by holy people (not arguing that point), but it was in the exclusive posession of governments and royalty until it was translated into common language (only a few hundred years ago). The people who had sole possession of the bible also had a massive agenda (to maintain and grow wealth while keeping the masses quiet). That is fact. There's no telling what was added or removed between the time it was written and the time it was shared with average people. I will not argue over the gender of God or the holiness of the bible. To be quite honest, you and I have an equal likelihood of being correct. I'm not telling you that you are wrong about your image of God. I would appreciate it if, in the absence of scientific proof, you would extend to me the same courtesy. It is important to seperate the machinations of man from what is truly divine. What really matters is not what God may or may not have said to people we never met thousands of years ago. God is speaking now. Today. To everyone. What matters is what God says directly to each of us. If you feel God leading you TODAY, the direction God gives you is the highest authority... much higher than a religious organization... even more important than the bible. If you believe in God, you must accept that what God tells you directly is more important than anything anyone can tell you about God. If we don't feel God saying anything to us, we need to look for what is the barrier to that communication. God didn't go on vacation after Jesus was born. God is still speaking. Religion and the bible are, at best, the accessories and tools of God. Confusing them for God him/her/itself is dangerous. The world is full of corrupt individuals who make corrupt religions and do not hesitate to corrupt the 'word of God' to influence people. The most complex Christian interpretation of God is The Trinity. The trinity is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The bible is not part of the Trinity, and is therefore not God. There is nothing perfect but God. As such, the bible is not perfect. Nothing is. Not religion. Not holy men. Nothing. Peace. ~~Kate

04-04-2008, 07:17 PM	#19
SummerSue Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: In my head Posts: 192 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: SummerSue Stats: Back to Square One :( WOE: Healthy Low Carb Start Date: 5 yrs off/on - March 2008 re-inducting	You are not alone in your doubt. Many Christians have had periods of doubt, or periods of "dryness" - where you cannot feel God's presence in your life. Mother Theresa is one commonly known one. If you go to a good Christian bookstore, or search online at one, you will find many books and tapes that address this. Christian apologetics have spent centuries justifying the bible and the religion, and more recent ones give archeologic and historic evidence for the bible as truth. There have also been several secular writers and personalities who began researching the subject to write about how "wrong" it is, and turned into Christians. Anyway, I'm sure if you look around, you'll find a book or two that speaks to you and your specific doubts. It sounds like you are sad to be feeling separated from your faith and/or religion - sorry you are feeling "lost." But, the path to God is always open - he is always there waiting for us to move toward him. He never moves away. Good luck - hope you find yourself in a better place soon!