The Hopefuls discussion

Hi there! I'm was raised a Christian (Presbyterian, but I'm pretty non-denominational) and I still hold to that faith. I have gone through periods of questioning or feeling distant from God, I'm actually working through one of those periods right now. However, even during this I do still have complete faith in God, and know that He will stay with me during this time. In the meantime, I'm trying to get my questions answered and stay close to him. In my opinion and what I've heard from the Bible, God doesn't want us to run away from him just because we have doubts. We're supposed to ask him about them! Ask him to show you answers in your life. My Sunday school just recently started going through a list of questions students have asked, and a lot of my questions were on there (even though I didn't write them) so I feel like that was an answer to prayer. I guess my point is, just because you find yourself doubting or having questions, don't turn your back on Him. Instead, stay close and dig deeper! And also, remember that faith isn't based on feelings. I've had to learn this. I'll go through periods where I feel like God isn't listening to me, or whatever, but if I stay rooted in my faith I will get past it. Long story short, try to do research and read the Bible, keep praying even if it seems like He's not as close as He usually is, and He will bring you through it. My faith has brought me through some very, very challenging times recently, and I don't know where I would be if I didn't have my Heavenly Father with me. Xxx

Also, if you attend church, I would recommend finding someone a few years older than you to have some talks with. It can really help to get the opinion of someone who has likely gone through the same tests and trials as you. I'll keep you and your faith in my prayers :)

I went to church for a while as a kid because I thought I was required to. My heart was never really in it though. And then on the bus I overheard this kid being bullied for not believing in God, and I was completely shocked. I remember actually thinking "you don't have to believe on God?!" I've been a changed girl ever since.
I'm not anti religion at all, but religion just not for me. I'm cool with you if you're cool with me. I've had people get up in my face about it, and be exceptionally rude and hateful about my life choices. One thing I've learned through all of this is "being a part of a religion doesn't automatically make you nicer, kinder, or more generous than those of us who don't." I can't count how many people have bullied me savagely in the name of Christianity because I'm an Atheist so I deserve it. Don't worry I know not all people are like that :)

Hi all! I was raised a Catholic Christian. I've been baptised and I've received Communion. I used to go to a Catholic kindergarten, then I moved to a secular primary school, but I used to stay in catechism after school. However, I don't think that me or my family are very religious, especially nowadays. We pray from time to time but we hardly ever go to church. Some of my friends are getting confirmed soon or have gotten confirmed not long ago, and I think I want to do that too.
Also, I respect all religions and I'm very interested in them as well! I have a friend who comes from India and she was telling me about Hinduism the other day, it was fascinating! :)

My family isn't religious so I've never been to church on a Sunday, my nan is religious and so are her generation of relatives (if you know what I mean) and my religious questions were always directed towards them.

My main 'contact' with religion when I was younger was primary school, I went to a C of E. I was always really curious about religion and even wanted to be christened at on point, I'm older now and have made the decision (with no outside influences)that I'm atheist, there are bits of religions that just make absolutely no sense to me.

I also I hate the conflict that goes on within religion and the things people do in the name of God (im really sory to here your experience Darcy, it's realy sad when people are persecuted or treated wrongly because of there opinions) , or on the flipside, don't do because of religion (its not enough to just pray for things, sometimes you have to actually do something).

I feel there isn't any benefits of religion to me, no like I'm not going to get rewards from it, I just don't think it will enhance my life in anyway.

Never the less religion in some ways is still part of my life, I go to a church youth group so I still have a bit of contact with religion I just prefer not to partake in it, I prefer to appreciate bits of it from the outside :)

It's very interesting to hear all your different stories! To those of you who have been bullied and/or harassed on account of not being a Christian/religious, I'm so sorry. As I said above, I am a devout Christian. However, while I do like to talk about my faith, and if you asked me questions I would happily answer them, I would never beat someone up for not agreeing with me. I know a lot of "Christians" and or religious people just use their faith as an excuse to judge people and act like they're so much better than the rest of the world. But we're not all like that. :)

I'm not religious and I'm happy I'm not. I just don't like religions. Don't get me wrong, I think it's perfectly fine that people are religious and are happy because of it and everything that goes with it, but I'm just happy I am not. Because (and this depends on how religious you are) I think that my view on the world would be different if I grew up religiously, in a bad way. Of course I don't know that for sure, but that's what I think. Also, all the shit in the world were causeed by religons. And yes, it's what some people make of it, the majority of religious people doesn't have anything to do with this, but religions caused it in some way at least. And I'm just not interested in a religion itself, I may like some ideas and some not, but I wouldn't want to be obliged to believe everything and have to follow every rule (that in the worst case).
And I don't know if I sound harsh or if I offended people who are religious (if I did, I really didn't mean to), but experiences just made me not like religion (even though it's different for everybody).

Atheist here too! I was bought up as one though I did go to CoE based school so was exposed to Christianity. I practiced Wicca for a bit when I was a teenager as I wanted to believe in magic but then I went to university and majored in biology and I kind of grew out of it. I just see so much hatred and fear from certain extreme religious groups I can't help but feel it has held us back as a species. I guess the nicest thing about having belief is the afterlife part, I just like to remember we are all made of stardust and will one day return to the stars. The universe is so beautifully amazing and I'm lucky to be alive in this moment and in this time where we are able to see so much of it. :-)

I'm a Christian, but sadly I don't go to Church. But I do go to a Christian summer camp which is the highlight of the summer. I've felt the impact of God a few times, but recently I had an expirience that really amazing. I was skiing and had a very bad crash and cut my neck open with my ski. I was less than half a cm away from cutting my major vein/artery. If I had, I would've died. I didn't cut my motor nerves. I only had sensory nerve damage (which will grow back), and muscle damage. God saved me that day. He could've chosen to end my life, but I'm still here. What I'm trying to say is I'm Christian and God has saved me, and I will always believe :). If you're Christian and feel yourself doubting God, just keep your faith, God really does love you :)

I went to a catholic primary school and I am now going into my fifth year at a catholic secondary school. My dad has never believed and neither has my mum really, but last year I made my own choice to become catholic and in April this year I was confirmed in my church. I've got to say it was one of the best moments and feelings in my life...

I think it's really nice to have a thread like this! There's a lot of times where we want to talk about our beliefs but don't know how to go about it.
I've never been baptised, had my first communion, or been confirmed. My family has never been to church and that's just how it's been.
For a while I did consider taking classes for communion or confirmation, but I never did. I have gone to church with one of my friends before and one specific time kind of changed my outlook on religion.
My friend had pre-confirmation classes or something like that and I decided to go with her. That day they were learning about confession and when I went in I told the priest that I felt out of place, like I shouldn't be there because I don't go to church. He told me that I shouldn't worry about that and that you don't have to attend church or have communion in order to follow God. That made me realize it's okay to not go to church and you can believe whatever you want. The Lord will still love you even from the comfort of your own home as long as you follow His word. He accepts you no matter where you are.
I don't identify with any religion or denomination, but I definitely believe in a higher power. Plus I think religions are really interesting because it's a huge part of culture and culture is one of my favorite things!

I'm my own kind of Christian, I would say. I believe in both God and Evolution :)
I believe that God is a creature of pure love who gave us Big Bang :) He just let us evolve by ourselves from there, because he knew we could handle it by ourselves :) Something like that :P I find it hard to explain, but I know that God loves me and everybody else :) And if you want his love, forgiveness etc., then you have it :) Because he is love! :D
It's really interesting to read about everybody else's religions/ non-religions :) If only we could all respect each others beliefs in the world, just like we do in this group, our society would be wonderful :) Sadly that isn't always the case :(

I was brought up a Christian, and I really thought I believed it until I ended up taking a massive step away from it during uni. I've recently come back to it, and even if you take away the God aspect I find that it has helped me to act as a more tolerant and patient person. I find it really difficult to grasp how so many people take it the other way and become less tolerant and often very hateful. That's never what religion has been about for me, and this conversation if really nice to read through as everyone is so understanding of each other! I find myself questioning a lot, but when I talk to my Mum about it she says that she is glad because it is better to really think about your faith, instead of just blindly accepting it. :)

Tania: if I could like a comment I totally would like this! I agree with everything you said. Couldn't have said it any better myself :)

Erica wrote: "Tania: if I could like a comment I totally would like this! I agree with everything you said. Couldn't have said it any better myself :)"

I didn't realise we couldn't like things! That is distressing, but thank you! :D

This is a really interesting thread and I'm the first Muslim to comment :)My religion has always helped me. I don't ever feel truly alone and I understand where those who don't have a religious background come from and I completely respect that :) I have found difficulty because Islam is seen as an extremist religion and that I know to be untrue however, I just get used to that stereotype. I personally find it peaceful and I love it. Regarding stuff like its all terrorism and stuff, it isn't but there are members of the religion who claim it is Islam that do drive their really stupidly extreme actions. Some people don't understand why I wear a scarf or why I choose to dress a certain way and there's this stigma that women are mistreated. It isn't Islam that does this, its traditions and cultures that degrade them not the religion. I know that a long time ago Arabs used to bury daughters alive in when they were born because they wanted sons. But Islam says not to kill your child regardless of gender and in fact, you are rewarded for bringing up daughters. I think thats enough writing but yeah, thanks for bringing this up :)

Hey there! I have just set up a project called Letters of strength. I'm having some problems getting the word out there about it and am wondering can the hopefuls help me. Carrie inspired this project and I am hoping that the rest of the hopefuls out there can help me get it started. Letters of strength, is a project where I want to write to people. I'm offering people to write to me if they need a helping hand or encouragement. I have set a facebook page and am asking ye to go onto it and read the description and see what it's all about. If ye would share the page I would be so grateful. The Facebook page is called "Letters of strength". For some reason I can't link it to ye here but please search it and like it for me. I really want this project to work out so I figured the hopefuls would be the best way to get it out there. Thank you so much! :) xox

Hello all! I hope you're having a lovely day! I am a Christian, I have been to my local church all of my life and I love it. I am also a part of my Scripture Union at my school which I attend with my two currently non religious best friends. I have always had my faith but I have been challenged, particularly in school in our Religious Education classes many people were quick to put it down and challenge me but I am thankful for the questions as it made my faith stronger even when others were rude or insensitive.
I go to youth activities to do with church, I take my two non religious friends with me and although they don't believe it (currently, one is questioning) they enjoy the company and agree that the events are great.
I hope all of you have a great day!!
Elizabeth xxx

Oh I forgot to mention, there have been times when I've doubted but often then somebody will inspire me or I'll read a verse that just either answers my queries or sums up why I believe in what I do. Recently I was in a tough spot due to exams and stress but I attended a youth christian concert thingy in which during the sermon answered tons of my questions (there goes God answering prayers again) and it really helped me and I don't think I could hve got through exams or life without god helping me and guiding me. Anyway I really need to work, I'm crashing Business Management Higher and I need to study :-)

Going off of what Rikki said, there are extremists in every religion when you really think about it. There are some crazy Christians who say their religion drives their actions too. It may not be a terrorist attack, but they still attack other people, not necessarily physically either.

Also, Rikki's post reminded me of a fantastic book I just read! It's kind of a mix of religion and politics of the Middle East, but I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their cultural horizons! It's called The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson.

Helen wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Hey there! I have just set up a project called Letters of strength. I'm having some problems getting the word out there about it and am wondering can the hopefuls help me. Carrie in..."
I thought the same! Sounds really cool

Erica wrote: "Going off of what Rikki said, there are extremists in every religion when you really think about it. There are some crazy Christians who say their religion drives their actions too. It may not be a..." Yep, true and I shall add to my reading list. A good cultural choice I recommend is A Thousand Splendid Suns, its very insightful and covers the issues very in depth

Hey guys, I have yet to figure how to reply on this so il just write here. I know my project is very similar to one million lovely letters, but it is slightly different. I started mine about a year ago but it never took off so after seeing carries video about jodi I figured I should try start it up again and so how it goes this time :) thanks xox

Rebecca wrote: "Hey guys, I have yet to figure how to reply on this so il just write here. I know my project is very similar to one million lovely letters, but it is slightly different. I started mine about a year..."
Its a great idea and I'm glad you want to do it again :)

Hey hopefuls! I just want to say thank you for supporting my Letters of Strength project. Because of ye today I began to write my first letter to this incredible young girl. I just wanted to say thank you and let ye know how much it means to me :) if you haven't heard about my project yet please find the project on Facebook or email me at lettersofstrength@hotmail.com
Thank you so much guys! Have an amazing day!
Love Rebecca :) xo

I am Roman Catholic, have been since I was born. I have had some unique experiences in my faith journey. I was born at 25 weeks, 3 months early. As a result, I was in the hospital for 100 days and on ventilation for many days as well. One night, one of my lungs collapsed and the other one was quickly deflating as well. The people at the hospital were very rude to my parents and said I would not make it through the night so don't bother to come in. My parents came obviously, and sat and prayed. And I was able to survive through the night. Now I will be entering my senior year of high school and I am perfectly healthy. I continue to share my faith, even though I got confirmation almost 4 years ago. I assistant teach second grade students with the woman who was my second grade teacher 10 years ago :P Together we teach the children about their faith and prepare them to receive Jesus in First Holy Communion. I believe faith in Jesus is so unique because the Christian faith has no limits. No matter if you're from Africa, America, black, white, etc., we can all worship and share in the love of our God :)

I've been brought up a Christian and my dad is a vicar so I've never really known anything else. I've lived overseas a lot so moving back four years ago to start GCSE's was wierd. I am still not really sure where I stand in my faith and doubt a lot. I did go to New Wine which is held in Shepton Mallet this year which really helped but when I leave it's like I forget everything.

I was raised Catholic, but am not particularly religious, but I do understand *why* people are: there's comfort in it.

Though I don't practice, I do find religion fascinating, particularly from a historical perspective. Reza Aslan's books, for instance, are great.

Elizabeth wrote: "Hello all!

Hi! I have a question; which denomination of church are you part of?

I am a Christian. My whole family is religious so I guess that's how I got into it. I used to just believe in God because I was supposed to but now I've chosen it for myself and I love it. God, to me, is my motivation for life and my support for when times are tough. He's the one that keeps me positive and thankful for everything I've been given.

Sometimes I do doubt and I think most religious people do at some point in their lives. But, in the end, I don't think anything could separate me from God, no matter how much I doubt or how much people think I'm stupid for believing (because I've known a few people who think of all religious people as idiots). I'll always find my way back to him because it's a part of me.

I'm a Jew, but I'm very doubtful of my religion. I would consider myself an atheist, but I do believe that there is Something (with a capital S) that controls the world. I do believe that we all have free will.

I'm a Jew, but I'm very doubtful of my religion. I would consider myself an atheist, but I do believe that there is Something (with a capital S) that controls the world. I do believe that we all have free will.

I grew up going to church most of my life, I even went on a missionary trip to Romania in 2006, I spent a month there. That was a bad year for me for many different reasons, and with out giving my life story... I kind of realized, that for me, church was just kind of a waste of time. I wholeheartedly believe that there is a God, and heaven, but I just really hate churches and the mentality of them. I've never had a good experience at any church I've ever been to, or with the people that go to them. That might have more to do with the area that I grew up in more than anything else, either way I don't think a person has to go to church to be a good person or a good Christian.

So I guess I am more Agnostic than anything else.

I was born and raised as a Muslim and I've never been more grateful for anything more than that. Islam holds all answers to every question you could ever ask. Despite the reputation the media is showing and those who are acting wrongly in the name of Islam, I do believe that it's a very peaceful and beautiful religion. I have never doubted it and I hop I'll never will.

Im Christian but I dont belive that everything in Christianity is true. especially since doing ancient history and learning about how some norse myths are part of the Christian beliefs. I believe that science is the reason behind whatever god did but if there is truely a god and it is proved to me then I will believe it truely

Hello! I am a Protestant Christian. I was christened when I was about 1 into the church of Scotland, even though I was living in Germany at the time (Long Story!) I decided to be confirmed in March and it was a brilliant feeling.
I spent a solid 5 years not going to church and not praying or anything of the sort I just believed in God and Jesus and though nothing of it.
I then changed school where I went to Chapel and I started really thinking about my faith and decided to be confirmed. My religion had always baffled me a bit and I didn't really think much about it and did not get any of the Jesus saved us stuff.
Then one of my teachers told me about how Jesus died to take away our sins and died for us.
I then went to a Christian Summer Camp and it was the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. I felt so close to something and part of a massive community. Meeting people like me and people who live with god and where 'normal' as in not nuns who were strict or had crosses and wouldn't let you have fun, all the leaders where twenty thirty somethings with families and where downright cool.
I do believe most things in the Bible, except that to be Gay is a crime, but I believe that the theory of Evolution and scientific discoveries fit together and can work hand in hand.
I still struggle with my faith and to be honest I don't pray as often and i feel guilty and I now don't go to chapel because i have saying which takes me out Wednesday lunch so I miss it. I also get a lot of funny looks when I say Im a Christian and Im sticking to my gut and not changing because of ca few snide comments.
However I agree with a lot of the previous comments about the way Christians apparently view Gay people.
I agree there are horrible people who think that being gay is a crime and is a choice and that is you are gay you are sick and need to be cured but this is stupid, ridiculous and sad and what upsets me is that my faith is associated with the killing and prosecution of Gay people. This is what sometimes makes me ashamed to call myself a Christian.
But in my opinion Love One Another and Treat each other as Jesus treated you is far more important
M x

P.S.
Thank you for making this feed it is really helpful and reading other peoples comments has helped me.
Also if you are struggling with your faith as a Christian and are female read

True by Sarah Bradley

It is wonderful.

Anni wrote: "I'm my own kind of Christian, I would say. I believe in both God and Evolution :)
I believe that God is a creature of pure love who gave us Big Bang :) He just let us evolve by ourselves from ther..."

I agree with what you said about God and Evolution
I think that god sort of drafted and planned everything and kind of guided us in the beginning
If you ask me Evolution, Big Bang etc seem to work perfectly and i don't see how they couldn't work hand in hand with what the Bible says. (The seven days, doesn't specify how long a day is, or what specific king of animals where in the garden, could be dinosaurs, also there was nothing then everything sound familiar?)

M x

I think it shouldn't matter what someone believes, as long as their faith doesn't promote the persecution or hate of anyone. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Atheist, Agnostic; no matter how you view the world, as long as you're happy and kind to others that's all that matters.

Of course, there's extremists in every group, as well as those who try to use religion as an excuse to mistreat people; but I think they're all just loud minorities. For the most part, everyone just needs to accept that not everyone thinks the same way they do. It's the beauty about being an intelligent human being: that you can think for yourself.

If everyone thinks the same way, we're all just a hive mind. I'll take diversity over that any day of the week.

Hey, I'm Russian orthodox and most people when I tell them that don't really know what orthodoxy is because such few people in America practice it but if there's anyone else on here who is also russian orthodox (or just Eastern Orthodox in general) let be know I would love to get to know more orthodox people

Hey I'm a Christian, I've grown up in a Christian family and I've been to a Evangelical baptist church my whole life. I became a Christian and got baptised when I was 13. I've been through a lot over the past few years, I spent six months being sick 24/7, I lost almost 2 stone and the hospital couldn't find out what was wrong with me (they now know I have PCOS and have helped me feel better), during that time I was really lonely and didn't feel that God was with me or that he was helping me, I relied on my best friend more than on him but since then I've realised that he sent me my best friend to help me through that period of time and looking back he was helping me all the way. I couldn't cope but my Heavenly Father got me through and he's shown me that I'm strong enough to fight through whatever he gives me next! Jesus is the reason I'm alive without his love I'd have given up long ago! I love my Saviour and he loves me and all of you!

P.S. I think this topic was a great idea and I love reading through all the comments and hearing people's stories. I hope you all come to know Christ as your one true Saviour.