I was a committed Christian for 20 years, have my seminary degree and spent 15 years in ministry. And when I left it all...my life got SO much better.
I think there are two basic reasons why 99% of people are religious.
#1: Religion is a part of their culture/family's identity. If they were to leave their religion, the tension or loss of connection to loved ones would be too great. So even though deep down they have doubts, they'll never act on them because it would upset their lives in many deep ways. Even if they think their religion has some majorly wrong beliefs, they'll identify themselves with it, because so does their family or community!
In seminary we learned 85% of people become Christians before they're 18 years old. We were taught if we don't convert them before graduating from high school, it's extremely unlikely they'll ever be a committed Christian. Hmmm...I wonder why?
#2: Because they are people who cannot believe in themselves. People with deep insecurity (often stemming from some type of emotional abuse as kids) who cannot find peace, confidence or strength within themselves MUST have an outside crutch. This is why, for example, many addicts turn from a substance to fundamental Christianity. They need something outside of themselves...a pr...
I think there are two basic reasons why 99% of people are religious.
#1: Religion is a part of their culture/family's identity. If they were to leave their religion, the tension or loss of connection to loved ones would be too great. So even though deep down they have doubts, they'll never act on them because it would upset their lives in many deep ways. Even if they think their religion has some majorly wrong beliefs, they'll identify themselves with it, because so does their family or community!
In seminary we learned 85% of people become Christians before they're 18 years old. We were taught if we don't convert them before graduating from high school, it's extremely unlikely they'll ever be a committed Christian. Hmmm...I wonder why?
#2: Because they are people who cannot believe in themselves. People with deep insecurity (often stemming from some type of emotional abuse as kids) who cannot find peace, confidence or strength within themselves MUST have an outside crutch. This is why, for example, many addicts turn from a substance to fundamental Christianity. They need something outside of themselves...a pr...
I was a committed Christian for 20 years, have my seminary degree and spent 15 years in ministry. And when I left it all...my life got SO much better.
I think there are two basic reasons why 99% of people are religious.
#1: Religion is a part of their culture/family's identity. If they were to leave their religion, the tension or loss of connection to loved ones would be too great. So even though deep down they have doubts, they'll never act on them because it would upset their lives in many deep ways. Even if they think their religion has some majorly wrong beliefs, they'll identify themselves with it, because so does their family or community!
In seminary we learned 85% of people become Christians before they're 18 years old. We were taught if we don't convert them before graduating from high school, it's extremely unlikely they'll ever be a committed Christian. Hmmm...I wonder why?
#2: Because they are people who cannot believe in themselves. People with deep insecurity (often stemming from some type of emotional abuse as kids) who cannot find peace, confidence or strength within themselves MUST have an outside crutch. This is why, for example, many addicts turn from a substance to fundamental Christianity. They need something outside of themselves...a program...to give them worth.
I had both of these factors to deal with when I left religion. It was incredibly hard and lonely. BUT to develop my own strength, inner peace, self-love and confidence (which I believe God has given us all) has been fantastic. Cutting out the unnecessary guilt, conviction and negative perspective that people can't be self-empowered has been freeing. Life has become so much more peaceful and easier for me.
And the relationships I've developed with other non-religious people has been wonderful. They have been the most grounded, positive, peaceful, healthy and successful people. I feel very fortunate to have left Christianity.
(more)I think there are two basic reasons why 99% of people are religious.
#1: Religion is a part of their culture/family's identity. If they were to leave their religion, the tension or loss of connection to loved ones would be too great. So even though deep down they have doubts, they'll never act on them because it would upset their lives in many deep ways. Even if they think their religion has some majorly wrong beliefs, they'll identify themselves with it, because so does their family or community!
In seminary we learned 85% of people become Christians before they're 18 years old. We were taught if we don't convert them before graduating from high school, it's extremely unlikely they'll ever be a committed Christian. Hmmm...I wonder why?
#2: Because they are people who cannot believe in themselves. People with deep insecurity (often stemming from some type of emotional abuse as kids) who cannot find peace, confidence or strength within themselves MUST have an outside crutch. This is why, for example, many addicts turn from a substance to fundamental Christianity. They need something outside of themselves...a program...to give them worth.
I had both of these factors to deal with when I left religion. It was incredibly hard and lonely. BUT to develop my own strength, inner peace, self-love and confidence (which I believe God has given us all) has been fantastic. Cutting out the unnecessary guilt, conviction and negative perspective that people can't be self-empowered has been freeing. Life has become so much more peaceful and easier for me.
And the relationships I've developed with other non-religious people has been wonderful. They have been the most grounded, positive, peaceful, healthy and successful people. I feel very fortunate to have left Christianity.
I think there are two basic reasons why 99% of people are religious.
#1: Religion is a part of their culture/family's identity. If they were to leave their religion, the tension or loss of connection to loved ones would be too great. So even though deep down they have doubts, they'll never act on them because it would upset their lives in many deep ways. Even if they think their religion has some majorly wrong beliefs, they'll identify themselves with it, because so does their family or community!
In seminary we learned 85% of people become Christians before they're 18 years old. We were taught if we don't convert them before graduating from high school, it's extremely unlikely they'll ever be a committed Christian. Hmmm...I wonder why?
#2: Because they are people who cannot believe in themselves. People with deep insecurity (often stemming from some type of emotional abuse as kids) who cannot find peace, confidence or strength within themselves MUST have an outside crutch. This is why, for example, many addicts turn from a substance to fundamental Christianity. They need something outside of themselves...a pr...
I think there are two basic reasons why 99% of people are religious.
#1: Religion is a part of their culture/family's identity. If they were to leave their religion, the tension or loss of connection to loved ones would be too great. So even though deep down they have doubts, they'll never act on them because it would upset their lives in many deep ways. Even if they think their religion has some majorly wrong beliefs, they'll identify themselves with it, because so does their family or community!
In seminary we learned 85% of people become Christians before they're 18 years old. We were taught if we don't convert them before graduating from high school, it's extremely unlikely they'll ever be a committed Christian. Hmmm...I wonder why?
#2: Because they are people who cannot believe in themselves. People with deep insecurity (often stemming from some type of emotional abuse as kids) who cannot find peace, confidence or strength within themselves MUST have an outside crutch. This is why, for example, many addicts turn from a substance to fundamental Christianity. They need something outside of themselves...a program...to give them worth.
I had both of these factors to deal with when I left religion. It was incredibly hard and lonely. BUT to develop my own strength, inner peace, self-love and confidence (which I believe God has given us all) has been fantastic. Cutting out the unnecessary guilt, conviction and negative perspective that people can't be self-empowered has been freeing. Life has become so much more peaceful and easier for me.
And the relationships I've developed with other non-religious people has been wonderful. They have been the most grounded, positive, peaceful, healthy and successful people. I feel very fortunate to have left Christianity.
I have done very little different except I attend services and pray for those that are sick and need encouragement. I am not saying that I have power but I ask God to use me for His service.
I hope this makes sense.
You do indeed have no power the only power you have is how you handle your life and what it dishes up and throws your way.