When Did You First Question Your Faith?

[Gvac]

I'm going to assume that most members here were brought up in some kind of religious faith. At what age (if ever) did you first start questioning it all? Did it make you abandon religion, find another faith, or strengthen your beliefs?

I was a sophomore in Catholic high school and at a mass. Out of nowhere it struck me how much my religion was like voodoo; there was a man in a black robe on an altar talking about a sacrifice and claiming he was mystically transforming bread and wine into flesh and blood. Then he said we would eat the flesh and drink the blood.

I was raised Catholic, went to Catholic school my whole life, and had witnessed the ceremony thousands of times. For some reason at that moment it just hit me how crazy it all seemed.

[Bossanova]

The minute they said I couldn't chase men.


Seriously, I had to go to Sunday school and all that crap and I just didnt buy it. I think I was 8, it just seemed way too made up. Since then I have fallen in love with Science, "the Big Bang Theory" and am a firm believer in evolution

[BoondockSaint]

I was about 13 when I realized that worshiping a head of lettuce named Ralph was a bit silly.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

when Santa spit in my face

[TheMojoPin]

When I got tired of being made to feel guilty for seemingly every bit of joy in my life after I had to go this hideous building once a week.

[SatCam]

when I started to really hate going to religion classes every saturday morning (age 10). then my parents started saying I was an atheist... looked up its meaning and it was the first time I figured out it was possible to "not" believe.

[epo]

I grew up a church-going young lad and really questioned everything in college. No god could be as mean and crude as I was taught. As I've grown I've tried to find my own way with my God, but cannot begin to fathom attending another formal institution.

It's kind of weird as I've become friends with a chaplain and in the great discussions that we have about spirituality, I seem to only be confirming my stance. She doesn't always agree with me, but seems to understand my views on the world.

[Snacks]

Great thread!

I have no idea when it started. There have been so many things that it has gotten to the point that I dont believe in religion at all. No one knows for sure so why waste time. I always hate when people thank God for good but never blame him for the bad. There is a lot more bad then good. So this great God sure has created a mess. If there is a God only 1 religion is right.

[danner1515]

I probably started questioning things around the age of 14 or 15. I think a lot of it had to do with discovering guys like George Carlin and Frank Zappa at an impressionable age. I wasn't really raised in an aggressively religious house though, so it wasn't that big of a deal. I've considered myself agnostic since high school.

[Hottub]

I was raised a good Catholic boy. Went to mass, Sunday school, etc. I learned some good values and conduct. Things I can still apply to life today. Free thinking, and partying at school can get you off the track of the ceremony itself. The rituals, the rules. I am having my kids go through the same things I did when I was young so they can grasp some sort of moral code.
Anyway, masturbating, making sweet love to the woman The Chuch joined you to with birth control? Mortal sins!! Not venial. Stay the fuck out of my bedroom while I'm railing my wife's backdoor! Committing a certain portion of my income to the church? Fuck You! I can barely pay my bills as it is!

And what the fuck is up with coveting thy neighbor's wife? I'm not porking her! I just run a quick batch!

[SouthSideJohnny]

I started asking questions in my teen years, but I didn't really spend too much time or effort thinking about. In my mid-20's, I heard a radio host talking about the hypocrisy with so many "religious" people. I started thinking more about it and realized that most of the most "religious" people I know were hypocrites. It was then that I realized you can be a good person, even if you're not religious. At that point, I started reading alot more and realized that are some legitimate questions with the Christian faith.

About that time, I started dating a Lutheran chick who thought she was a perfect person because she went to church for an hour a week. It wasn't a great relationship, and the more she tried to force me to go to her church, the more i resisted. Once she started calling me the "antichrist," because I dared ask questions about religion, the more I read and the more I questioned Christianity.

I still have a lot of unanswered questions and I consider my beliefs to be a work in progress. However, when I hear Ronnie question Earl on religion and hear Earl's inane responses, the more I question my previous beliefs.

[Chris from TX]

In high school when I couldn't reconcile causality with eternal punishment in hell. Totally uncalled for, God. There might be some God or higher power, but if it made Satan and humans with flaws, I'm not ultimately responsible for the sins that would damn me to eternal torment.

[Marc with a c]

once i saw the dope she married

[sailor]

7 years old, 2nd grade. could never wrap my mind around the whole always was thing.

[djjd]

i was raised in a christian religion, but i'm not sure i ever really had much faith in any of it, the bible seemed to me like a boring version of any of the fairy tales or fantasy novels i read, and about 13 or 14 i decided i'd had enough

Dear God
XTC

Dear God,
Hope you got the letter,
And I pray you can make it better down here.
I don't mean a big reduction in the price of beer,
But all the people that you made in your image,
See them starving on their feet,
'Cause they don't get enough to eat

From God,
I can't believe in you.

Dear God,
sorry to disturb you,
but I feel that I should be heard loud and clear.
We all need a big reduction in amount of tears,
And all the people that you made in your image,
See them fighting in the street,
'Cause they can't make opinions meet,
About God,
I can't believe in you.

Did you make disease, and the diamond blue?
Did you make mankind after we made you?
And the devil too!

Dear God,
Don't know if you noticed,
But your name is on a lot of quotes in this book.
Us crazy humans wrote it, you should take a look,
And all the people that you made in your image,
Still believing that junk is true.
Well I know it ain't and so do you,
Dear God,
I can't believe in,
I don't believe in,

I won't believe in heaven and hell.
No saints, no sinners,
No Devil as well.
No pearly gates, no thorny crown.
You're always letting us humans down.
The wars you bring, the babes you drown.
Those lost at sea and never found,
And it's the same the whole world 'round.
The hurt I see helps to compound,
that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
Is just somebody's unholy hoax,
And if you're up there you'll perceive,
That my heart's here upon my sleeve.
If there's one thing I don't believe in...

It's you,
Dear God.

[Death Metal Moe]

I can't remember a specific moment in my head like you could GVAC. I just remember sometime around 7th grade or so I got bored with going to church. I wasn't having complex thoughts about the hypocrisy of religion or anything, I just wasn't enjoying myself there. My mother told me she had a period where she didn't go to church but came back so I think she let it happen thinking I would do the same.

Wrong. Left and never went back. Been moving from Agnostic to Athiest for years now, back and forth depending on where I am in life. But the one thing I do know for sure is that the lies of religion hold nothing for me.

[keithy_19]

I was 14 when I first started to question. It was on the ride home from University Hospital in Newark and I had just been diagnosed with MS. I was just wondering why. I was a good kid, went to church, prayed, followed the rules. But still, 'god' dicked me over.

It's since then that I have fallen into the train of thought that there is a God, but I don't know if he's really keeping track of anything going on here. He's just sitting back on Jupiter or Neptune, or maybe a sexy vacation on Venus, and is getting away from this shit.

[envirogator]

When I really started studying the various sciences late in high school...one theory was proven and in front of me the other was merely unproven theory...

[SatCam]

When I really started studying the various sciences late in high school...one theory was proven and in front of me the other was merely unproven theory...

actually gravity doesn't exist, we are just weighed down by sin :drunk:

[mikeyboy]

once i saw the dope she married

:furious:

[Hottub]

Here is a message that was never written in any book of the bible. Maybe the forthcoming Book of Ron..

"There's only two things that make life worth living."

[envirogator]

actually gravity doesn't exist, we are just weighed down by sin

yea...well duh....but everything besides gravity...

[Bunny™]

When I realized that believing in a magical jew who turned unpurified water into hooch and whose dad is an invisible man that lives in the clouds was a colossal waste of time, energy and brain cells.

Hey Jesus, I can walk on water too........it's called hockey, dickhead.

[envirogator]

Hey Jesus, I can walk on water too........it's called hockey, dickhead

walk or skate?

[MobCounty]

A big magic man in the sky?.. with wings?.. and a harp? I think I believed in Santa longer.

[Bunny™]

walk or skate?

At the rink I used to play at, the parking lot was designed with improper drainage, causing rainwater to back up, thus causing ice when the temp fell below 32° F (0° C). Thus, I walked on a lot of water before getting inside the rink.

Nice try though.

[envirogator]

At the rink I used to play at, the parking lot was designed with improper drainage, causing rainwater to back up, thus causing ice when the temp fell below 32° F (0° C). Thus, I walked on a lot of water before getting inside the rink.

I agree then...it's called HOCKEY Jesus!!!!

[ToddEVF]

right after my first communion

[Fallon]

I was raised Catholic, went to Catholic school, was an alter boy for a couple years. But I never really embraced religion. I know whats right and wrong and how to treat people and I learned that on my own. As for a higher power, who the fuck knows.

[outlawfrank]

I was about eight and some priest asked me if I had let Jesus in to my heart. I responded with "I don't know."

The next day some counselor asked me what I thought of when I thought of Jesus Christ. "Birds" I said.
"Why birds?"
"Because it was the first thing I saw after you asked. Quit bugging me."

That's when I realized I didn't get the whole Christ thing.

[A.J.]

When my parents told me there was no Santa Claus, Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy but that God really existed.

[Rockvillejoe]

when the good monsignor walked up to me on the playground, slapped me across the face
for no apparent reason, and walked away. in retrospect, probably drunk and sexually frustrated. creep. i quit the altar boys and went to the waffle shop instead of mass after that wonderful experience.

[Furtherman]

Catholic school, altar boy and I worked in the rectory. I started that job with the uneasy feeling being around priests. Not for the obvious joke nowadays, but these were holy men, who lived in some kind of high power aura I held them too in those days.

It didn't take long. Those guys had the life. Drunk every night. "Meetings" with women of the parish. Cursing. Farting. I saw one hit a kid for stealing money, but here the 'ol bastard just misplaced it. I was hit (or hit on), but it was only years later I found out one of the priests was arrested for kiddy porn.

So it didn't take long to realize these guys were set up for a nice bachelor life for slinging bullshit to the masses.

But I still had the notion that was happened in the bible was true. It was hammered into my head ever since I was a child, so it's not something you can just toss off. In high school I would read a lot of history books and theology books and it became more and more obvious that religion is a man made creation.

Jesus never existed and the guy who we all know today was just a composite of many men who claimed to be a god. The church was created and once the men of power realized they could influence people thousands of miles away - in came the power and money. It created the myth itself. Why do you think the Jews don't believe in Jesus as the son of god? Because they we in that area when he supposedly was around. They know it's bullshit and they don't fall for it. Good for them!

Education is the key. If any believer really looked into it's origins, they'd realize the waste of space in their brains they've kept religion in and that there are much more worthy things to hold onto.

[CofyCrakCocaine]

Watching my mother yelling out "Fuck you God" and raising the double bird to the sky and me thinking "Gee, maybe if he doesn't exist we won't burn forever in Hell- that sure would be great!!"

[Snacks]

It amazes me so many people look at religion the way e all have talked yet when a poll is taken it seems like so many more people say they are catholic and or believe in religion. I think the last poll I heard was 90% of Americans believe in God and religion. Yet the majority of people I know dont follow their religion or dont believe it. So why does it seem like there is so much less believers in reality then polls or fox news claim?

[Furtherman]

It amazes me so many people look at religion the way e all have talked yet when a poll is taken it seems like so many more people say they are catholic and or believe in religion. I think the last poll I heard was 90% of Americans believe in God and religion. Yet the majority of people I know dont follow their religion or dont believe it. So why does it seem like there is so much less believers in reality then polls or fox news claim?

Guilt.

If these people are asked in front of family members, and if they were raised in some kind of religious fashion, then they'll say yes, almost out of habit.

If they're asked alone, maybe that little uneasy feeling creeps up... they can't say it aloud, because god is watching!

Plus, how many people do those polls ask anyway? A couple hundred? MAYBE a thousand people? That's less that .0000001% of the population (or something close to that). And WHO do they ask? It's all biased and bullshit.

Besides, how many people are out there that say they do believe but NEVER go to church nor help out their fellow man in any way? There are more of those people out there than true religious folk.

[JerseyRich]

When I found out it cost $500 to get an annulment through the Church.

Lame.

[Furtherman]

When I found out it cost $500 to get an annulment through the Church.

Lame.

:laugh::laugh:

So, you're married in the eyes of god, but in order for him to look the other way it costs $500?! LOL... what a scam.

[JerseyRich]

:laugh::laugh:

So, you're married in the eyes of god, but in order for him to look the other way it costs $500?! LOL... what a scam.

Tell me about it.

I didn't chip in a dime for that shit...

I was notified by mail that it went through, and that's about it. Hope it was worth the cash.

[topless_mike]

i think religion is a load of crap.

[SeriouslySuprCJ]

I was about thirteen and it was when I first realized that there were other real religions out there. Truthfully I can thank the power of the Internet out there. So I found a new one and after about three days of thinking about it occurred to me that Christianity just didn't make sense. I remember thinking at the time "Why doesn't the Bible mention dinosaurs?" and it all went from there.

Of course if I'd known at the time about baby dinosaurs being on Noah's Ark I may have made a different decision.

[CofyCrakCocaine]

Hmm, interesting point Snacks. I guess I should explain that I do believe in some form of spirituality. I'm not a fan of labels, but 'Agnostic' would be the closest thing for me. At the very least one ought to have a respect for whatever it is out there that makes life happen. Nature can be one source of spirituality, human nature another, science yet another, and so on. I think there are elements of truth evident in most, if not all religions and philosophies, but a greater element of myth and self-promoting propaganda exists in them all that turns me off.

I think any individual organized religion ultimately will fall prey to human fallibility, corruption, and the inevitable oversimplifying ignorance of mob mentalities. History proves religion to be constantly warped by certain individuals to keep power over the many rather than forward their honest virtuous beliefs. It can be as zealous and frenzied as Nationalism in the Third Reich was- and I honestly don't think that's a healthy state of mind.

[Snacks]

When I found out it cost $500 to get an annulment through the Church.

Lame.

"Its a donation and it whatever you feel comfortable with. But we recomend $500!!!"

That is what they said to my brother when he christened his kids. I have a friend who is catholic and his wife is nothing (she was born a jew but never followed her religion) when his first daughter was born they had his wifes twin sister be the godmother. She was never christened and isnt even Christian (thats a no no is the catholic church you must be catholic and christened) When the priest told my friend she cant be the god mother my friends father (he is very wealthy and supporter of the church) took the priest to the side and handed him $1000 cash. guess who the god mother is? His sister in law. The priest said he would make an exception.

Its all about money and power. I really believe the Davincci code. Not that is true or fact it a fiction novel. But that if something did exist I believe the church would do whatever to get rid of it to keep the power and the people believing.

[DiabloSammich]

I had a different take on religion, being brought up not to be an atheist, but with no commitment towards anything. No church, passing mentions of Jesus during Christmas, none at Easter, so I had no real connection.

Fast forward to my junior year of high school, middle of Texas with no place to live (long story) My buddy's family agreed to take me in seeing how they just had an exchange student leave, no big deal.

DEVOUT Catholics. Church 4 nights a week, younger brother going to some special school to be a priest, uncle was a priest, the mom and dad basically ran the church, long prayers over every meal.

Well, I had a place to live provided I become a Catholic. So I had a three month crash course in the Catholic religion, complete with a baptism at the end. I never said a word, just memorized what I had to memorize to ensure a roof over my head, but when you are not raised to accept it there is nothing that can convince you that any of it is possible. My head was screaming questions and arguments that I never expressed. After I came back up north I slipped back into my old ways, but with more questions about what was really out there. I was unable to formulate my uneasiness in to simple terms until I started listening to Ron and Fez, because there aren't alot of people making intelligent arguments and discussions for free thinking outside of a college setting, which I missed. You either get the bible-thumpers or the "My life is shit so there ain't no God" crowd.

I also think that leads into Snacks question, because we are all here because of a common interest in a hilarious radio show, that occasionally dips into heavy discussion about religion and free-thinking. If this was the Indianapolis Daily News messageboard you would get a slightly different response to the thread title.

[Furtherman]

When the priest told my friend she cant be the god mother my friends father (he is very wealthy and supporter of the church) took the priest to the side and handed him $1000 cash. guess who the god mother is? His sister in law. The priest said he would make an exception..

Unbelievable yet not suprising at all. I'd bet another $1000 that priest took the money to Miami.

[weekapaugjz]

I attended Sunday school when I was a kid at a small Methodist church in my hometown. I went because my mom was semi religious but I was never into it. I don't remember exactly when it was but I think around age 6 or 7 they told me god has a plan for everyone and that everything happened for a reason. I think I cried myself to sleep for at least week trying to figure out gods reason for letting my father die when I was 2 months old and my brother being only 3. Why would god leave two young kids with just a mom to raise them? After not being able to think of any answers I kind of just gave up what little faith that I previously had.

[WampusCrandle]

my family is highly religous, but during any kind of ritual or sermon, it would feel like a schedule or a check off my "to-do" list, and didnt feel like it should have, i guess. one day, i saw my family fighting at christmas eve dinner and from that point up until a few months ago, i had lost my faith. i took me a while to get it back.

also, in my life, i was really mad at god for the things that had happened to me, and why i thought it wasnt fair. i refound my faith, but it's different now. its hard to explain.

[ralphbxny]

For me it was in the 7th grade. A nun told me if your not Catholic your going to hell. Well my best friend west Baptist. I said that to her and told her his parents were really nice people and adopted kids that had no homes (which was true).

Her reply was so what. They arent catholic.

The second straw came when another nun that same year, told me I should go to a trade high school cause thats what Puerto Ricans do. I wouldnt even make it into a science or prep school so dont apply.

It showed me religion is BS. A person of supposed faith had such little regard for what they said to a kid...this showed they were as dumb as anyone else.

It effected me so much that after I got into Fordham Prep I started visiting other religions to convert.

I didnt but I never had a high regard for Religion or religious people. I still dont trust anyone who tries to force religion or tell you alot about religion.

[Gvac]

It amazes me so many people look at religion the way e all have talked yet when a poll is taken it seems like so many more people say they are catholic and or believe in religion. I think the last poll I heard was 90% of Americans believe in God and religion. Yet the majority of people I know dont follow their religion or dont believe it. So why does it seem like there is so much less believers in reality then polls or fox news claim?

People are funny. I can't tell you how many people I know who claim to be Catholic (many of them friends I went to school with), go to church every Sunday, and yet believe in pre-marital sex, abortion, etc. Guess what? THEN YOU'RE NOT CATHOLIC!!! Don't be so afraid to 'unlabel' yourself.

To me it's like saying "I'm Christian but I don't believe in Jesus." If you don't believe in the basic dogma or agree to follow the rules, then you're not a part of it. I guess most of them have some sort of guilt or fear so ingrained in themselves that they can't even imagine denouncing the faith they were raised in.

[FUNKMAN]

child abuse has always made me question the faith i had. worse thing that one human can do to another in my opinion. there is just no way to reason as to why it has to happen, there's just no reward good enough...