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My family goes to The Church Of Christ Church, but I don't know that I believe in everything the teach/practice. I'm trying to find a religion that I believe in and can be active in. Does anyone have any tips on how to find out what religion you are? PS. I feel really guilty that I don't believe what my parents believe in, should I feel bad that I am trying to find my own path in life?
"You are aware that you will have to keep the complete law of moses? Plus you have to be Jewish."
I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but no, Judaism is a religion that accepts converts. And the law of Moses, the Torah, is a foundation of Judaism but no modern Jew follows its practices exactly, or there would be a tabernacle still in existence and animal sacrifices performed, as well as stonings.
xplastic, if you want to convert to Judaism, you must realize it is a big commitment. Judaism is, by nature, a communitarian faith, one that asks a lot of its members. I would ask you not to convert simply to be different from your parents. You need to familiarize yourself with the basic Jewish practies like the Sabbath and prayer services, as well as holy days like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Pesach. You need to make sure that you believe in only one God.
Perhaps the biggest difference from your parents' faith is that Jews believe the Messiah referred to in the book of Isaiah is yet to come...in other words, Jesus was NOT the Messiah. This is a major point of contention which will likely cause tension between you and your folks. But if you honestly believe it, then convert.
"You should study up on modern Judism before you make yourself an authority"
Your original statement was that converting to Judaism involves keeping the complete law of Moses and you have to "be Jewish". Most modern Jews do not do the former in its entirety, and since non-Jews convert all the time, the latter is also incorrect unless you meant something else, in which case you need to clarify.
As far as animal sacrifice, no Jewish group has been performing it since the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in the 1st century CE. Many Jews would (and have) said that sacrifices are no longer necessary since the temple isn't around, and God would not want sacrifices to be offered in a way other than spelled out in the Torah. To my knowledge, only a few orthodox sects in Israel even still teach it, so the knowledge is not lost in case the practice is formally resumed. I seriously doubt your neighbors do it :)
My mother is Jewish and was raised Conservative; she converted to Christianity when she married my father. The relationship between her and my grandparents is another story.
when I attended religious school, my temple had a wonderful comparative religions course. it really taught us about other religions, not just the differences and it never told you that others were wrong, or that one religion was the best. I discussed much that I learned with my rabbi and he was always very supportive and encouraging. once I asked him why we were learning about all these other religions and he stated that by learning I would be able to make the correct decision about the path I decided to follow. that when and if I decided to go through confirmation at 16, it would be what I really wanted to do, not something that my parents made me do. he was a wise man. through knowledge we are able to decide our path. learn everything you can. keep an open mind. embrace the differences. respect other's faith or lack of it. but most of all do what you really want to do but only after you research the options.
I think you have to examine what you believe about god(s) and mankind's role in the world. Consider what you believe and why. What defines your morality? Once you know the answers to these questions, you can find a religion that best suits you.
It's natural to feel guilty for not believing what you're taught by your family. It can also hard to leave the religion of your family and friends. However, if you want to be honest with yourself and live a full life, you must follow your own path. That is part of growing up. Whatever you decide, make sure you are doing the right thing for the right reasons and not out of rebellion or fear. Good luck!
I found my religion before the advent of the Internet. I visited dozens of churches, temples and synagogues. I didn't have access to any mosques. I then spent a few years being very confused, did a great deal of reading and decided that I'm a cross between a Jew and a Christian. There isn't always a clear answer on what you believe in and sometimes you believe in more than one religion. Do some research and go to services in many different places to see how you feel. Here are some sites to get you started:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/relcomp.htm http://www.onedialog.com/ http://www.interfaithforums.com/
If you study the History of Judism you will find it has gone thru several changes over time such as the priest hood was no longer Levites at the time of Christ along with a number of other changes. . . And as for Animal Sacrifice. . . Actually it is legal for a Religious group recognized by the U.S. government . . . You should study up on modern Judism before you make yourself an authority. . . And many think the Messiah referes to an Age not a person. So tell me are YOU Jewish?
Like I mentioned in the original post, not every law laid down in the Torah is legal in the United States. Animal sacrifices, stonings, etc.
Also, the traditional keeping of the tabernacle is something that's no longer done.
I'm not trying to question the legitimacy of your neighbors, I'm just saying that Jewish practices have changed substantially since the first versions of the Torah were written, even though the spirit of the law is still adhered to.
Do you mean the Church of Christ? I'm a member of the Church of Christ. I suggest you speak with your church Eldars and or your Minister. . . online we can give you hundreds of confusing reasons some biblical and some not. . . One thing I learned in live was some questions should be handled with in the Church. Good luck Romans 16:16
You know, there's no law that says you have to have a religion. If you don't find Church of Christ compelling, why bother with religion at all? You shouldn't feel any guilt for demanding that a belief system justify itself before you commit to it!
Religion has nothing to do with finding your own path. Maybe you feel guilty because deep down you know the words of god are true? Before you start trying to find another religion why dont you ask god to show him self to you and trully mean it.
I would say look for a church that preaches the Bible, but more importantly makes Jesus Christ the centerpiece of their worship in song, instruction, and Praise - ask your parents why they believe what they believe...Hope this helps !!
Cool...but I serously doubt your nextdoor neighbo follows the Torah to the letter. In fact, I'm pretty sure they couldn't do so and legally live in the US.
Sorry, but it's true...
I think I'm going to convert to Judaism. I've been researching it for a little while, and I think thats what I'm going to commit to. So does anyone have any advice on that specifically?
*** I'm not sure where you're getting your information, *** Form my next door neighber Who just happens to be Jewish. . .
they hit the synigoge every saturday. . . . It's true. And I'm curious. . . Why couldn't they live in the U.S.?
You are aware that you will have to keep the complete law of moses? Plus you have to be Jewish.
Hmmm... I guess just go with what your heart says. What do you believe in?
That is so neat. I've been raised in the Church of Christ all my life. :)
