Missing Religion (some of it, anyway)

[Beatrice]

I'm having a sad moment.

I happened to end up listening to someone singing "Blessed Assurance" on YouTube, and it kind of tore me up. Unlike some ex-Christians, even though I no longer believe, I still retain a certain comfort and warmth and happy feelings when it comes to singing/listening to hymns (or any Christian music). It was a huge part of my life and meant so much to me, and now and then it depresses me that it's all been swept away.

I don't miss the negative aspects of being a Christian, and that list is VERY long; but I do miss all the good things. I think, because I've always been sensitive, insecure, and depressive from an early age, believing God would be there for me and help me, and that He loved me really helped me and was sometimes the one thing that comforted me. I no longer have that, and it still hurts sometimes.

Can anyone relate?

 

[hoddesdon]

Yes, I can relate. When social phobia began with a bang, the obvious question was why did that happen to someone with faith. There is logic behind that, but in the end it is not valid. As a result, I lost my faith. I had faith in the beginning because of experiences I had, and I have faith again because there was a second round of experiences which can not be gainsaid, and therefore can not be ignored. I can say that God exists, and that there is a spiritual realm, not as belief, but as a statement of fact.

 

[kihira]

Yeah, I was reminded briefly on a trip this week when we wandered into an unusual city church, outside was noisy & trafficky; inside was dark, calm and quiet. There is something about churches that appeals to the soul - divinity; mystery; sanctuary.

 

[MollyBeGood]

Yeah, I was reminded briefly on a trip this week when we wandered into an unusual city church, outside was noisy & trafficky; inside was dark, calm and quiet. There is something about churches that appeals to the soul - divinity; mystery; sanctuary.

Yeah I know what you mean about churches, the buildings, the old ones at least are calm places to go into when there's no service and to get away from people and sit to be quiet. I don't ascribe to any religion anymore, but sometimes I miss it. The cookies and punch after service I guess the signing was fun.

 

[lunarla]

I've never been religious or drawn to religion for comfort, but I do like some values, and hymns, etc. And I guess the main, generalized idea of it can be appealing for some.

I love this song. Well, probably more so as this version and having something to do with who's singing it. But it's so nice.
YouTube - ‪Sufjan Stevens ? Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing ?‬‏

 

[NathanielWingatePeaslee]

I'm having a sad moment.

I happened to end up listening to someone singing "Blessed Assurance" on YouTube, and it kind of tore me up. Unlike some ex-Christians, even though I no longer believe, I still retain a certain comfort and warmth and happy feelings when it comes to singing/listening to hymns (or any Christian music). It was a huge part of my life and meant so much to me, and now and then it depresses me that it's all been swept away.

I don't miss the negative aspects of being a Christian, and that list is VERY long; but I do miss all the good things. I think, because I've always been sensitive, insecure, and depressive from an early age, believing God would be there for me and help me, and that He loved me really helped me and was sometimes the one thing that comforted me. I no longer have that, and it still hurts sometimes.

Can anyone relate?

You can always try to find a church and join up. Most of them are keen on the music. It has the advantage of providing a social network for you, too.

You probably don't want to be honest about not being a believer anymore though. The pressure to return to the fold might come in subtle forms, but it will be inevitable and pervasive.

Maybe you could just find one large enough that another face won't be noticed, and hang out for the music and the atmosphere.

 

[dyingtolive]

im not a christian but i try to appreciate the unity and positive energy that can be shared in christian gatherings or singing. religion is not important, but the uplifting feeling and warmth is real. you dont need to be a catholic to feel that. u dont need to believe in god to feel or deserve that. what if u took out any judgements about what ur feeling at that moment and just feel it. u have direct access to that warmth and comfort and freedom, everyone does, but what they dont tell u is that you dont need religion. all the best

 

[Illusions]

I've never been nor will I ever be a Christian, but I can see how people would miss religion or turn to it in times of need.

As for the religion I was born with (hint: one of the Abrahamic religions), all I feel when I think or hear about it is a twinge of annoyance. I never felt comforted back when I believed.