My Life as a Christian and How I Got Over It
sent in by twincats
I was born into a Lutheran family, an only child. I grew up in a Southern California congregation with Midwestern values. My first memory of church is probably around age four, sitting in the pew in awe and wonder because God was up there, speaking to us. I believed that the pastor was actually God who’d come down from heaven. My mother didn’t work and since I was the only child, she had plenty of time to coach me about sitting quietly in church and listening to the word of God and who else but God is going to give His word? Time went on, I started going to Sunday school and learned about God and Jesus and the pastor, who really did the preaching. It was a letdown, sure, but everyone else seemed okay with it, so I went with the flow.
My first problem with the faith was around age 6 when they wanted us to bring our friends to Sunday school and church with us. We lived in a neighborhood where we, the Lutherans, were the only Protestants on the block. All of my little friends were Jewish or Catholic and they seemed happy with what they had and I saw no reason why I should try to change their minds! But they offered us a gold fishhook pin if we did and I really wanted one of those, but I still couldn’t bring myself to drag my friends to my church. I really didn’t believe in my heart that mine was better than theirs! I never lost that feeling and always inwardly rolled my eyes every year on Evangelism Sunday.
My next crisis started just before confirmation. I was filled with anxiety that I would not be worthy to take my first communion at age 14. I prayed for guidance and got none, so I talked to the pastor who managed to assuage my fears in time for confirmation.
The next four years were happy ones; I loved singing praises to God in the church choir, I was active in Youth Group and even taught Vacation Bible School. I felt safe and secure in the love of God and my congregation.
Like many, I fell away as a young adult; 10 years in the military, then another four away from home for college. I went to church only sporadically, but never lost my faith. In college, I took Western Civilization and learned about how religion (as in, Catholicism) was used to control the masses and how Luther’s Reformation only succeeded because he had the backing of the German nobility (who were tired of tithing to Rome and seeing no local benefit) and was far enough away from Rome to pull it off. This was the beginning of my long split from faith; Reformation Day (a biggie for Lutherans!) was never the same for me after that.
The biggest blow, however, came when I finally returned home to my childhood congregation. A new pastor had just been installed and he wanted to ‘shake things up’ as it were. He clashed with my beloved music director and she quit. Officially, she retired, but word in the pews was she got tired of his micro-managing the music after having had nearly complete autonomy for over 20 years. It was the first time I had witnessed such politicking in church and I was shocked and devastated! The next music director they hired was a joke, so I made sure that I wasn’t available for choir anymore.
Not long after that, I started seeing a man who was a Pagan. After he proposed, I began learning about Pagan religions and found that (lo and behold!) they have nothing at all to do with devil worship as I had been taught in the church. They had either lied to me outright or not bothered themselves with finding and telling the truth (and they’re supposedly all about the truth, right?) Either way, I had been grievously misled by my faith! That was the last straw! Like Saul, the scales had fallen from my eyes, only in reverse, and I saw Christianity for what it is; a lying, scheming, political and entirely human enterprise much like any other on this earth.
I am happy and at peace now. I have a lovely home and a loving husband. When we lost my husband’s oldest brother last week, the family comforted each other and I did not feel the absence of Jesus’ comfort one bit. I’ve found that all we have in this life is each other, but if you play your cards right, that’s more than enough!
CA
USA
How old were you when you became a christian? from birth
How old were you when you ceased being a christian? 37
What churches or organizations or labels have applied to you? Lutheran
What labels, if any, would you apply to yourself now? Pagan
Why did you become a christian? my parents were (no choice)
Why did you de-convert? Christianity stopped making sense
I was born into a Lutheran family, an only child. I grew up in a Southern California congregation with Midwestern values. My first memory of church is probably around age four, sitting in the pew in awe and wonder because God was up there, speaking to us. I believed that the pastor was actually God who’d come down from heaven. My mother didn’t work and since I was the only child, she had plenty of time to coach me about sitting quietly in church and listening to the word of God and who else but God is going to give His word? Time went on, I started going to Sunday school and learned about God and Jesus and the pastor, who really did the preaching. It was a letdown, sure, but everyone else seemed okay with it, so I went with the flow.
My first problem with the faith was around age 6 when they wanted us to bring our friends to Sunday school and church with us. We lived in a neighborhood where we, the Lutherans, were the only Protestants on the block. All of my little friends were Jewish or Catholic and they seemed happy with what they had and I saw no reason why I should try to change their minds! But they offered us a gold fishhook pin if we did and I really wanted one of those, but I still couldn’t bring myself to drag my friends to my church. I really didn’t believe in my heart that mine was better than theirs! I never lost that feeling and always inwardly rolled my eyes every year on Evangelism Sunday.
My next crisis started just before confirmation. I was filled with anxiety that I would not be worthy to take my first communion at age 14. I prayed for guidance and got none, so I talked to the pastor who managed to assuage my fears in time for confirmation.
The next four years were happy ones; I loved singing praises to God in the church choir, I was active in Youth Group and even taught Vacation Bible School. I felt safe and secure in the love of God and my congregation.
Like many, I fell away as a young adult; 10 years in the military, then another four away from home for college. I went to church only sporadically, but never lost my faith. In college, I took Western Civilization and learned about how religion (as in, Catholicism) was used to control the masses and how Luther’s Reformation only succeeded because he had the backing of the German nobility (who were tired of tithing to Rome and seeing no local benefit) and was far enough away from Rome to pull it off. This was the beginning of my long split from faith; Reformation Day (a biggie for Lutherans!) was never the same for me after that.
The biggest blow, however, came when I finally returned home to my childhood congregation. A new pastor had just been installed and he wanted to ‘shake things up’ as it were. He clashed with my beloved music director and she quit. Officially, she retired, but word in the pews was she got tired of his micro-managing the music after having had nearly complete autonomy for over 20 years. It was the first time I had witnessed such politicking in church and I was shocked and devastated! The next music director they hired was a joke, so I made sure that I wasn’t available for choir anymore.
Not long after that, I started seeing a man who was a Pagan. After he proposed, I began learning about Pagan religions and found that (lo and behold!) they have nothing at all to do with devil worship as I had been taught in the church. They had either lied to me outright or not bothered themselves with finding and telling the truth (and they’re supposedly all about the truth, right?) Either way, I had been grievously misled by my faith! That was the last straw! Like Saul, the scales had fallen from my eyes, only in reverse, and I saw Christianity for what it is; a lying, scheming, political and entirely human enterprise much like any other on this earth.
I am happy and at peace now. I have a lovely home and a loving husband. When we lost my husband’s oldest brother last week, the family comforted each other and I did not feel the absence of Jesus’ comfort one bit. I’ve found that all we have in this life is each other, but if you play your cards right, that’s more than enough!
CA
USA
How old were you when you became a christian? from birth
How old were you when you ceased being a christian? 37
What churches or organizations or labels have applied to you? Lutheran
What labels, if any, would you apply to yourself now? Pagan
Why did you become a christian? my parents were (no choice)
Why did you de-convert? Christianity stopped making sense
Comments
A well told and familiar story, and I thought it was cute how you thought the pastor was god.
"I began learning about Pagan religions and found that (lo and behold!) they have nothing at all to do with devil worship as I had been taught in the church."
That's something that struck me aswell.
Huh? the word 'occult' simply means 'hidden'? hmm.
When you look at what's actually part of it you start to realise why it's so forbidden to christians.
Astrology is the backbone of christiantity. Can't let any christian find that out...
P.S. your name reminds me of the two cats our family used to own. Little black Orientals, they were so beautiful.
It's odd that so many preachers (and their "flocks") identify so strongly with their diety that THEY get the inkling that they're actually this entity, or at the very least its viceroy entitled to all the perks, respect and punctilio that they can get. Or maybe not odd at all.
Trust me, Twincats, you were only exposed to the evil in the Catholic Church's past because the Catholic Church has a mostly-white hierarchy and the most money among Christians, as well as some annoying political positions in the minds of liberal college professors. They wouldn't dare show their students what horrible things that non-white non-Christians have done to other people, because that would be RACIST. Oh, dear, that word makes me shudder. Besides, they want tenure, and no one gets tenure by offending Wiccans, atheists, Jews, Muslims, and Hindus by telling uncomfortable truths about them.
Thanks for making point, John.
Webmaster: Paganism is not so much about worship or servitude as using our own energy to accomplish our goals rather than being dependent on any particular deity. Sure, some folks use Pagan polytheism as a substitute for structured religion, but lots of us are solitaries and take what we like out of it. My involvement is mainly observing the cycles of the earth (very grounding) and herbalism for health. BTW, you are a true HERO for providing this forum and I have been enjoying the heck (cuz there is no hell) out of it since I discovered it last month, so thanks a million! I hope you get the recognition you deserve in the future once we have lost our need to subject ourselves to imaginary deities.
Does that sound contradictory? I suppose it does, but I believe that a lot of what Pagans are about (the supernatural, spiritual, psi stuff) will be adequately explained by science one day and everyone will be able to avail themselves of the benefits.
Rock on exes, I'll be reading you!
Jesus gave us the Great Commission: 'go therefore and make disciples of all nations'. This should be sufficient, without churches adding extra pressure.
I realize Paganism is not a religion in the traditional sense; I just went along with John's stereotype for the sake of discussion in order to emphasize that Christianity is just a religion and essentially no different than any other religion on the planet.
Really? How do you know this? Please quote the Bible verse or verses that use the phrase you just typed. I want to see where it says "God wants to have a personal relationship with you" in the Bible.
Thanks.
I used to be just as shocked and appalled at the concept of "I am God" as you no doubt are, but I got over it. We are all, in our own way, divine; no matter what we believe, so bless yourself!
Matthew 11:28-30. "Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light".
Matthew 14:27. "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid".
Matthew 28:20. "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age".
Luke 12:22-23. "Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing".
The vengeful and proscriptive God of the Old Testament is replaced:
Romans 6:6. "Now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit".
Romans 8:38-39. "Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord".
2 Corinthians 1:3-4. "Blessed be God ... who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God".
"The vengeful and proscriptive God of the Old Testament is replaced:"
Odd choice of words. Could we have a follower of the teachings of Marcion? And I thought the holy heresy hunters had wiped them out centuries ago.
Hmm.
jeff the ubergreek: you are also right. Jesus wants the Old Law entirely 'fulfilled'. But check out what Jesus means by 'fulfilled', because he doesn't mean 'come to pass'. He gives lots of examples of what fulfilled means. Here's one (Matthew 5:43-44): "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you".
So that's the definition of "fulfilled", is it? 'Sounds more to me like someone with selective memory simply changing their mind:
"Stone all rebellious teenagers to death!! ; "No WAIT!!.....what are you doing?!?!?!.....do NOT stone rebellious teenagers to death, who told you to do that?" LMAO!!!!!!!
Second, I apologise for my persistant posts that are not all in the spirit of the site's aims. I only do it because I think that for anyone who is exploring serious questions about existence, it is just as helpful to have someone facing you to bounce ideas off as it is to have someone by your side encouraging you. It is good for me to have my beliefs challenged too. There is a lot in them that deserves to be challenged.
Lastly, a little bit of background. I have only been a Christian since last December. I have 21 solid years of atheism behind me and have frequently argued against Christians in its defence. There is lots about atheism that is very admirable. It is rationally much more defensible than Christianity, for example. Also, its not as bad as a lot of us Christians make out. There's plenty of coping mechanisms for living without a God that are pretty effective: secular humanism, existentialism, even nihilism, defend human dignity with pleasing results.
For me, Christianity was never (and still isn't) something that could be proven, and I never thought it likely that I would be persuaded by it. In the end, though, the proof was in the pudding. I just tried (just to see) bowing down and accepting Christ and living according to his word (distinct from the word of the Church, of course), and my life has become infinitely better. It wasn't that bad a life to begin with (I still recognise that), but with Christ it genuinely is (for me) infinitely better. Jesus is the one true revolutionary because his ideas (endlessly forgive; give up your life for me; love everybody recklessly) still shock, and always will do.
I would never attempt to persuade you (or anyone else) into giving up what you've found because I've never understood the benefit of prosletyzing, which to me is nothing more than telling others they are wrong when no one really knows for sure.
I spent a year in Turkey and always thought that they were very sensible because prosletyzing is illegal there. Practice any religion you like, but don't advertise, or you'll go to Turkish prison!
Whaaa? What bible have you been reading? If roasting away in hellfire is to "endlessly forgive", boy, I'd hate to see your God with a chip on his shoulder. And who's giving up whose life? Certainly Jesus did no such thing, or he'd still be DEAD. But "JESUS LIVES!!"....right? So "He" gave up NOTHING. Oh boy, he's "reckless" alright.
Welp, you've been diplomatic, so take care and enjoy your new coersive "relationship" with your dysfunctional deity. Cheers.
For me, the "proof" is in the love I give and the love I receive. And whenever I read the words of the gospel I want nothing more. As St Paul says, "If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God." (1 Cor 8:2-3).
I'm sure I will be tempted by non-Christian philosophies many times in the future. But Christ has prepared me for that: "False christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand." (Mark 13:22-23).
All the best,
chopton
As for Christ, I never said I found happiness in him. I don't go to God for happiness - I go for fulfilment. Happiness is something that comes and goes; fulfilment is forever.
What is fulfillment? Please, don't quote me any definitions, I am aware of the definition; but tell me, what is it I am supposed to feel? I couldn't tell you.
What I can tell you is that I don't feel unfulfilled; I don't feel my life is lacking anything, nor do I feel the need to seek any certain, undefinable something that I don't have.
I am content with my life and beliefs and so, therefore, pronounce myself fulfilled.
At the end of the day, I can't tell you what you're "supposed to feel". After all, I'm only a human, the same as you. All I can tell you is what I feel. But I imagine you would only tell me you feel just as good with your own beliefs, so that would be a pointless discussion too.
What I'd be more interested to know was how you felt when you were, nominally, a "Christian". In particular, how did you feel when you prayed in private? Was it comforting? empty? engaging? fruitless? Prayer is my favourite part of being a Christian, so I'd love to have your perspective on it.
By the same token, how do your new beliefs play out in your day-to-day life? Are they simply a position of belief ("that's how the world works"), or do they have a more direct impact on your actions and everyday thoughts ("this is what I believe, so this is how I should act")?
Whatever your beliefs,
peace be with you (I think that can still be a universal greeting!)
Prayer was only nominally fulfilling for me; more like an insurance policy than anything else. I got a lot more out of singing and liturgy. I still catch myself humming hymns and bits of Matins; I just like the tunes. I've also always been into the ritual of church. I'd likely have remained a Lutheran a lot longer if they hadn't gone and modernized the liturgy!
The way my Wiccan/Pagan beliefs play out in my day-to-day life is that I try to follow the Rede ("An it harm none, do as you will" especially the "harm none" part; lots of people would be surprised at how broadly pagans actually interpret 'harm') and keep in mind the law of three: Whatever energy you put out into the universe, it comes back to you threefold (a great incentive to be positive!)
Pagans believe that humans can tap into the energies of the universe without a divine intermediary and I am a pagan that believes that calling upon gods/goddesses/elementals & etc. is simply a way to focus the mind in order to do that.
I am also included in the group of pagans that believe that there is an afterlife (sorry, atheists, but I still support you!) and we all go to the same afterlife, therefore, all ways of life, philosophies, religions and such are paths to the same truth. Evil is still bad, of course, but we have to deal with it here on this plane of existence.
A lot of what you have said is very similar to Christianity, and a lot is very different. It's important to remember that the Bible is only a MODEL of how the Universe works (but Christians believe it's the most effective model). So when we call God "He", we know God's not really an old man in the sky. Really God is a catch-call term for the whole Universe and how it works. But it is a helpful model to imagine God as a "He" when it comes to praying to him and living according to his word. So God is actually very similar to the pagan universe. He's not a "divine intermediary" to it, he IS the "energies of the universe". Similarly, the Holy Spirit is a way to "focus the mind" to "tap into" God.
So what about the "Rede"? I find this very interesting. It is a tantalising philosophy. It seems to make so much sense. Do as you want, as long as it doesn't harm others. There is a story about a man who was swinging a stick around his head, near to a second man. He said, "I am free to swing this stick as much as you want". The second man said, "no you aren't". "Where does my freedom end?" says the first man. "At the tip of my nose". It makes a lot of sense. It's what most of modern secular law is based on. In part, it even agrees with the gospels. So why don't I agree with it?
I think sins can be loosely classified into two types: those that harm others, and those that only harm ourselves. The first group are easy to justify: don't murder, don't steal, and (very importantly) don't judge others. The second is a bit more tricky. This involves things like having multiple sexual partners, being excessively ambitious, not having a day of rest. It’s tricky because it’s not always obvious why they are bad. “Why shouldn’t I have sex with who I want? What business is it of yours?” Well, of course you should be allowed to, but that isn’t the point. St Paul puts it like this: “all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful”.
Sin is a tricky business, because it always seems good at the time, but you suffer for it later. To give a simple but common example, I might avoid talking to a colleague I find annoying. In the short term, I get relief, but over time it causes division, anxiety and pain. This is a really common situation. That’s why “An it harm none, do as you will” is insufficient for me. Why should I talk to someone I don’t like? It’s not my responsibility. He started it. It’s easy to come up with justifications like that. But living under God, I feel compelled to act differently. I am told to forgive, and forgive and forgive and forgive. I am told to pray for those who persecute me. In the short term, it’s hard work, but in the long term I’m the one who benefits. At root, Christianity is very selfish!
Thanks for discussing with me!
Please now persuade with that I'm wrong :)
Chopton.
Thanks for discussing with me!
Please now persuade with that I'm wrong :)"
So true, you're selfish for thinking that your interpretation of "God" is NOT wrong, and all other's religions are wrong. But that's what religion's all about.... one's subjective beliefs. So why don't you persuade US that you're right?
But I would put it differently. I don't think it's a question of one belief being wrong and another right. I think all sorts of people have all sorts of different glimpses of the truth. I would say that I think Christianity is the MOST EFFECTIVE way of thinking about the universe.
Obviously it has it's drawbacks. I mean, obviously the human race didn't start with Adam and Eve, for example. The evidence for evolution is overwhelming. I'm British and I'm very proud of Charles Darwin! But the story of Genesis isn't about explaining creation, it's about explaining the interactions of men and women. Like I said, it's not the "right" answer, it's the "most effective" one.
Most comfortable, makes the most sense, makes people live in harmony better than those espousing other worldviews, best way to feed the hungry, gives the most freedom of expression, promises happiness, is best at curing disease... what?
What does MOST EFFECTIVE mean to you?
According to the "Ro3" if you're doing harmful things (whether to yourself or someone else) you are only bringing yourself more harm. Three times more harm!
Also, most of the examples that you cite as not being harmful to others actually are harmful to others because they affect people who care about the self! If your behavior is self-destructive, won't your loved ones be concerned?
Of course, we are all only human. If we stop to examine the far-flung effects of every move we make, we'd never get much done, would we? But by keeping both the Rede and Lo3 in mind, I try to do the best I can.
I still get frustrated, angry, sad and afraid, but it's easier for me to let go of those negative emotions (especially if they don't result in any positive action!) because I'd rather have happiness, contentment, joy and purpose multiplied by three!
I don't have any interest in convincing anyone that they're wrong. What you believe is what you believe. Besides, I don't know that you or anyone else is wrong, I just know what works for me. I wouldn't even have bothered to tell you about what I believe if you hadn't asked!
I don't want to convert anybody because my self-worth is not tied up in that. I really, truly dislike and distrust evangalism and prosletyzing because I believe it's ultimately self-serving too much of the time. And, no I don't think you're trying to convert me back, Chops ;)