(March 25, 2010 at 11:43 am)sunflash Wrote: I used to be a Christian until I came accross a Jewish site which convinced me that Christianity is false. Now, I would consider myself an agnostic, but I feel like I should follow a religion simply to avoid a bad afterlife. I know this sounds cowardly and that there are so many choices, but I grew up believing in a burning hell and I find the idea of this terrifying.
But I don't think I can follow a religion that condemns people for their beleifs, sexuality, race etc and this is one reason why I haven't followed a religion yet. There are a few reasons, but fear keeps me in this sort of limbo.
How can I let go of religion?
Find solace in the fact that the only one controlling your life is yourself. We're all subject to influences and chance, but supernatural influences and haughty judgements are the last thing to think about when trying to live your life the best you can.
Some people enjoy being subservient to an ultimate authority, and truly fear the repercussions of being wrong about such an issue. Fear is something that you have to face head on to eliminate it. Analyze why you have this fear, and realize that everyone has a fear and fascination with the unknown. Mankind is still coming to terms with its mortality. The reward of heaven or fear of hell is a catalyst for those who believe in it to feel morally justified for doing what they did in life. Their actions lend no credence to the notion that these places are real, and there's haven't been any good reasons to think that a heaven or hell exist.
Don't take life too seriously, it's not permanent.
