Imo religion at it's core is pure but there are too many hypocrites polluting the minds of the gullible with their hatred of others for me to respect most religions outside of a select few. In christianity for example Jesus was killed and still loved those responsible. How could you stone someone for being homosexual when you worship someone who forgave his murderers?
Alice I don't believe it's at all to question your faith even I have done it at times. Most recent was when I lost my mom. It's not wrong to ask questions at all. You need to do what you believe in your heart is right and don't listen to anyone else.
I was religious when I was little. Went to church, all that jazz. Something personal happened that made me change my mind. I was an atheist for years, and then I tried out Wicca for a year or so. Ultimately I came back to Christianity, Protestantism to be more precise. But I don't like religion. I love God, have full faith in him, but I do not like the religion itself. And there is a big difference between God and Religion. Famous spoken word artist Jeff Bethke said this best, if you guys are confused on what I mean when I say I don't like religion but love God, you should look him up. But I digress. I don't force my opinions on other people. Being religious is fine, so is being non-religious. Believing in God is fine, so is not believing in him. I don't tend to discuss my religious beliefs (for lack of a better term) with people, so if someone tries to debunk what I believe in, I'm just like "you dot believe in God? That's cool too" and move on with the conversation because I'm not in the business of arguing with people over things like religion or faith.
But Anya is right, questioning your faith is fine, it's normal. Asking questions is a part of life. You believe what you believe when you come to a decision and anyone who tries to tell you otherwise you shouldn't listen to.
Anya and Spitfire also have excellent points. But that brings me back to my original problem... I always feel like religion and worldview should be talked about. Discussed and hashed out. But what bothers me is when gives me all these why or how questions that I'm unable to answer. And I'm ok with just living on faith but that person wants answers.... Is there something wrong when I can't answer those questions?
There has to be a higher power. Regardless of what god you believe in, you've got to have faith. Yes, you have science. Science has an answer to everything, sure. But does it really? Forget the Big Bang Theory. Lets go way back. Who created the world? Where did a galaxy ever even come from? So a fireball of radiation at a high temperature and density may have been the cause of the galaxy. But whoa, where did that ball come from? You can't tell me it just formed. I feel as if a higher power definitely exists. I'm Christian, and even if you believe in the Big Bang Theory yet have a religion, I feel like it is nonsensical. This couldn't have happened without a higher power. That's just my stand. Also, I feel like without faith you're lost.
Im a catholic. I was always told to trust in God. That God will provide for you. He will light the way for you. He is always by your side. Every step of the way. But where was God when i lost my friend? Where was he when i needed a shoulder to cry on? Where was he when my gran told me im sly and deceitful? Why didnt he stop me when i cut myself. I believe there is a God. I just question our purpose here on earth. Is that all i wad put here for??