Finding the religious path that is right for you

Dear Dr. Argo,

I was raised Baptist, but I don’t know if I believe in the Baptist beliefs about life after death (or many other things).

To me, it is romantic to think that I can do what I want on Earth and then repent and go to heaven. However, I have been reading about different cultures and I enjoy Eastern philosophies and stuff in Buddhism about the cycle of life.

I want to explore other ways of thinking but I don’t know what I am looking for. How can I figure out what fuels my soul?

Thanks, Soul Searching

Dear Searching,

Being open is a good thing. Exploring different cultures and what other people believe helps to shape our own ideas and values and can lead us on a helpful journey of self determinism.

While you seem to feel strongly regarding your Baptist upbringing, it is important to note that your upbringing is an important part of who you are as you seek more information. In seeking out value systems or spiritual models that you believe in may take some time.

There are a number of belief systems: some vastly different, some share common themes. What can help most is to keep an open mind, and as you explore different belief systems so you can gain greater insight into the things that most meaningful to you.

You may also find along your journey that you will grow just as much from seeking new and diverse thought s as you will from your final decision on a system of belief. A good place to begin your search of course is a library.

Read about different cultures, their spiritual beliefs, and how people lived with those beliefs. I encourage you to research about the Baptist/Christian faith.

As you research different belief systems, allow yourself to enjoy the information and begin to settle on what you feel comfortable knowing.

Good luck in your search, and may you find the peace that you are seeking.

Dr Argo

If you want to talk more, I invite you to contact the UWF Counseling and Wellness Services at 474-2420 to set up a meeting with a counselor. Questions for Dr. Argo can be submitted in his mailbox across from the Nautilus Market, in the University Commons, or by e-mailing DrArgo@uwf.edu.

4 comments

Anonymous

Wed Mar 3 2010 19:56

Sure sure. But what if after all the searching, no absolute truth is found? What if it's all still blurry? What if life has more grey areas than black or white (right or wrong) like the bible reads (not literally, or literally?) It's funny how three or more people can interpret one part of the bible to say three different things. Also, I see many people reading many different books, all interpret his or her own meaning and values from these common books. Perhaps, if you boil it all down to the way it originally was, when humans first started recording thier OWN (not speculative) actual history, than one might find the answer clearer. What I'm getting at is that most early faiths were based on physical observations of celestial bodies and their cycles. It makes much more sense to place your faith in something that one can observe rather than something metaphysical. Yes I said it, the idea of god is metaphysical. Don't seek a higher power. Obeserve nature and let it run its course. I'm a hippie, and I know you want to trounce me now. But I have an opinion too!

Your name

Thu Dec 3 2009 09:39

All religions of the world teach that you have to do something to get into heaven. The bible teaches all the world that God did that something for them to get into heaven. He sent his son Jesus to die on a cross to pay for our sins. We were guilty of sin and because of this we deserved death and hell. God made his son sin for us then crucified him in our place to pay the price for our sins. If you believe this you have eternal life if you choose not to and believe you have to earn it yourself then what your really saying is God I can do it myself I don't need your help. Go it alone in this life and you will go it alone in the 2nd life.

Rob H.

Thu Dec 3 2009 09:34

Funny I don't remember the bible saying anything about doing whatever you want and then repenting and going to heaven in the end. Sure salvation is offered freely as a gift from God but that does not mean mock God with your life style. If you truly follow God you will do what he wants not what you want in your life. Jesus said if anyone wishes to come after me let him take up his cross and follow me. He was talking about a life of sacrifice and service to him. You need to Study your bible for yourself and find out what it means for yourself and not let anyone tell you what it means because in the end you will be judged on your effort to know the truth. God has told us everything we need to know in the bible. I have read the whole thing several times, the answers are in there if you look for them. Of course if your like most you want faith without the labor and you will just turn to something that feels good or sounds good.

Nate

Tue Dec 1 2009 18:20

Good advice. But I would take that a step further and courage you to not just look for what you are "comfortable knowing."

Are you searching for something that simply feels good, or what is truly true? Like Dr Argo said, there are many belief systems out there, and they are vastly different. Incredibly different. Although there are pockets of amazing wisdom in all of them (at least all of the religions I have looked into do have great value to offer), that does not change the condition of the world and the universe.

These vastly different belief systems are also often very contradictory. So realistically thinking, they simply cannot all be true--even if they "feel comfortable" to some.

So, I encourage you to pursue truth. And seek the higher power. Ask God to to guide you in the pursuit of truth. If he's a malicious, hateful God, He'll ignore you. But if He is a kind, loving, gracious God, you might find that there is a lot that He wants to show you.

Food for thought.

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