Christian needs help on her journey

[SacredWithin]

My friend, who is a Christian is having problems with her faith. She is a very sweet person and I forget sometimes that she is Christian b/c she isn't the fundamanetalist type and she is very open-minded and isn't always lecturing on Jesus. The reason why she is having trouble is because she feels that there are too many fundamentalists out there doing bad things and it isn't something she wants to be apart of. She believes Christianity is about good works and love, not hatred and condemnation and control. She's very confused b/c some parts of the bible may seem to promote hatred.

Basially in this post, I'm looking for advice. I told her that this is something that would perhaps strengthen her faith and make her a better Christian by leading and being an example whenever she can, yet expressing or making it known somehow that she is a Christian (either through the wearing of a symbol or something). She is a very wise person and I think this has been happening to many Christians that have pure intentions to be true to their faith instead of true to their hate.

I personally wish to send her energy of clarity in mind and purity in intention and a little strength to help her keep going on her spiritual journey. And lots of hugs. :hugz:

[Teresa]

Sending energies for her.

[Shidge.]

Not sure how to "send energies" but I hope she can resolve her issues easily and end up stronger in her conviction.

Advice?

I would say this, "God has a reason for everything, even the fundamentalists. He also has a reason for you, and you should fulfill and explore that reason. Dont give up so quickly, because if you drop out, then that will only serve to increase the numbers of hateful Christians, while decreasing the number of True ones. Just be a beacon for others to follow, and realize that you are better than all that. Stay with it and be an example of how its SUPPOSED to be."

Or something to that effect.

Good luck to her though!

[Aleannah]

(((((energy sent)))))

[OriginalWacky]

I'll be happy to light a candle for her.

[Thalias_Smile]

Tell her that she is not alone. She may find comfort in the fact that even pagans have a crisis of faith...I have run the gammit of spiritual paths...even leaning towards Catholocism in my teenage years...loved the idea of monastaries and nunneries, where men and women could be with their fellow men (or women), and devote all of their time into the service of God. But they just dont stay within the safety of those walls--no, they ENGAGE the world...that is something that I am striving for in my life...though I still haven't discussed my plans THAT far with them. I know that if I did, they would make it difficult for me. Already my mom has made comments about me being a spiritual counselor "on the side". In other words: "Don't quit your day job."

This last year was a major crisis of faith, due to certain things I was picking up on from my Deity as well as my Matron. Let's just say I had visions, as well as personal tarot readings, which were pointing to a life that I had not previously imagined myself living...and the idea was terrifying. I think I was more prepared at 15 to undertake such a mission than I am at 30 (well, almost 30). But I have worked through that 1st hurdle, and am just taking them as they come.

Your friend does not have to stop being a Christian....perhaps she merely needs to re-define what being a Christian MEANS...at least to her. There are plenty of online communities (do u, uh, yahoo? :crylaugh: ), and she might want to consider browsing through the alternative spirituality magazines for prayer circles that get together. She should look around, and see what's out there.

For me, even though I would be considered a pagan, I actually love Christ AND the message he brought to the world. It's not God or Christ I have the problem with, its their so-called representatives I am not so sure about. Sounds to me like your friend is having the same problem. Heck, if she needs to bend someone's ear, tell her I am more than willing to listen.

[SacredWithin]

Thank you everyone. I think she will appreciate the strong words of advice and bundles of energies and love from you guys. :)

[magick_faerie]

sending her positive energy to help her be secure in her faith.

[ObsidianSunrise]

Sending energy for clarity of mind and strength for your friend.

[SacredWithin]

My friend thanks all of you for your help. I showed her this thread. :)

[Cadabuz]

Sending clarifying energy her way.

Faith is not an easy path no matter what faith you are. Faith is something you have to work at everyday. Well for me it is at least. Somedays it is easier than others however.

I was born and Rasied a Catholic. I am concidered Agnostic by the Christians I have talked to and Pagan by others. I think words fall way short of the reality of spiritualism as it is a very personal thing for me. Sure I do not hide my faith and am more than willing to share my beliefs but it is still something very personal to me.

As far as advise goes I would say that some of the previous posts are in the same direction I would sugest. Research and disscussion is one of the best ways I have founf to clear the clouds from my faith. I find that it is a never ending lesson for me. I never stop reading or disscussing my faith and in doing so I reshape my faith as I learn more.

I hope this helps.

(The above are just my opinions)

Blessed Be,
Cadabuz