DiscussMormonism.com

Since we're all discussing fears...


My biggest fear is being wrong about whether or not the church is true and if God exists or not. I suppose this fear has been engrained in me on purpose, but it is very powerful.

And having come to the conclusion that the church is not true, but still not 100% sure (maybe I could be wrong), the consequences of my being wrong could be eternal and disastrous.

Same with God. I really want to believe in a God, but just don't know how it could be true, and if there is a God and I don't believe anymore -- then I'm in big trouble, right?

And if I decide to believe because I'm afraid I'll be wrong, then my fear is that I'll go through the rest of my life brainwashed and being controlled by others.

These are big fears. The evidence suggests it's not true - but what if it is?

Does anyone else struggle with these fears?

Coke

If you really think you're being brainwashed and controlled by others, you should probably walk away for a time. If not, talk it over with God. If after giving it some time and effort, God does not answer, walk.

Do not expect God to answer all your concerns immediately though. Just seek verification of his existence and what he wants you to do. The answers will come later.

Ya know whats funny, I used to fear that when I was a member. Now that I am out I could not imagine second guessing myself. Its that obvious.

This did not gradually set in. I knew the answer while I was still in. It was the act of cutting the chains and standing up for what I knew that gave me the light and surety.

Mercury wrote:Ya know whats funny, I used to fear that when I was a member. Now that I am out I could not imagine second guessing myself. Its that obvious.

This did not gradually set in. I knew the answer while I was still in. It was the act of cutting the chains and standing up for what I knew that gave me the light and surety.

I hope I get to this point.

Coca Cola wrote:Since we're all discussing fears...


My biggest fear is being wrong about whether or not the church is true and if God exists or not. I suppose this fear has been engrained in me on purpose, but it is very powerful.

And having come to the conclusion that the church is not true, but still not 100% sure (maybe I could be wrong), the consequences of my being wrong could be eternal and disastrous.

Same with God. I really want to believe in a God, but just don't know how it could be true, and if there is a God and I don't believe anymore -- then I'm in big trouble, right?

And if I decide to believe because I'm afraid I'll be wrong, then my fear is that I'll go through the rest of my life brainwashed and being controlled by others.

These are big fears. The evidence suggests it's not true - but what if it is?

Does anyone else struggle with these fears?

Coke

I feel the EXACT same way. I am scared that, if the church is true and I don't believe I will go to hell and if I do believe and the church is not true I will still go to hell. It is so very difficult to know.

Imapiratewasher wrote:I feel the EXACT same way. I am scared that, if the church is true and I don't believe I will go to hell and if I do believe and the church is not true I will still go to hell. It is so very difficult to know.

If you're obeying entirely out of fear of going to hell (in the sense of suffering and not in the sense of wanting to be with God) then staying in the Church won't help you. You will probably just end up resenting the Church and God which puts you out of the running in trying to obey the first great commandment.

Imapiratewasher wrote:

I feel the EXACT same way. I am scared that, if the church is true and I don't believe I will go to hell and if I do believe and the church is not true I will still go to hell. It is so very difficult to know.

I'm glad to know there are others who are struggling with the same thing. It's been really hard for me.

Nehor, I knew God better before reactivating in 2005. Going to church has led me into confusion. I felt close to God and felt the spirit a lot, even through hard times. It was my faith in God that kept me so strong.

I will not resent the church because although I am confused about it and feel the way I do, I still respect that it has done me good. Also, one cannot control how they feel about something.

Coca cola. It is so very hard and confusing. It is tiring and I spend more time researching religion than I do on my studies. I have got to a point where I am beginning to close things up.

The Nehor wrote:Do not expect God to answer all your concerns immediately though. Just seek verification of his existence and what he wants you to do. The answers will come later.

Don't expect this, don't expect that...Of course this can be acceptable norm in CS Lewis' La La Land.
Try to run your life around these premises, suppose that you have to meet the payroll demands of your employees,
and you don't have enough money?

I'm not sorry for being such a skeptic but I want to get paid, is it too much to ask? My employees don't think so;
If I miss payroll one week I wouldn't have any of them around me.

Coca Cola wrote:Since we're all discussing fears...


My biggest fear is being wrong about whether or not the church is true and if God exists or not. I suppose this fear has been engrained in me on purpose, but it is very powerful.

And having come to the conclusion that the church is not true, but still not 100% sure (maybe I could be wrong), the consequences of my being wrong could be eternal and disastrous.

Same with God. I really want to believe in a God, but just don't know how it could be true, and if there is a God and I don't believe anymore -- then I'm in big trouble, right?

And if I decide to believe because I'm afraid I'll be wrong, then my fear is that I'll go through the rest of my life brainwashed and being controlled by others.

These are big fears. The evidence suggests it's not true - but what if it is?

Does anyone else struggle with these fears?

Coke

I think most people that have been religious in most any strong faith system that has rewards and punishments have the feelings you are having right now.