damned

[Angrboda]

Have you considered that maybe your anxiety and depression aren't a result of not believing or doing the right thing? God, I'm told, doesn't punish us in this world. Even if he does, you can't assume that what is happening to you is such punishment. It may not be. Sometimes bad things just happen. That doesn't mean your beliefs are wrong, or that your relationship with your husband is a bad thing, it just means that bad things happen. Some Christians believe that if you do and believe the right things, you will be rewardeed in this life. That is called prosperity theology, and the consensus of mainstream theologians is that it is a heresy. Even if God were causing bad things in your life, that doesn't necessarily mean those bad things are the ultimate end of God's purpose. The wise Greek king Solon once said that the only fortunate people were the dead. By this, he meant that, as long as you are alive, your fortunes can always change, so nobody can truly be considered fortunate or unfortunate until their life is complete, and the final results are known. Until that time, though you are rich and happy, tomorrow you may be met with disaster, and all your blessings turned to dust. Alternately, if you are anxious and depressed, tomorrow may bring something different. Anxiousness and depression may even be the factor which brings you to something better. You don't know until everything has been said and done. Since my teen years, I have suffered chronic depressions and psychotic delusions which over the years caused me enormous suffering. In the last few years, I've been free of the delusions, thanks to anti-psychotic medication, and this past summer, my depression lifted, and I am enjoying a full and happy life. So don't give up and blame your religious beliefs prematurely. You don't know what tomorrow may bring. If you trust in God, then trust in God, and know that he has a plan for you. Just remember Job. He went through hell and things turned out for him. Just remember that God helps those who help themselves, so do what you can to address your depression and anxiety in addition to worrying about your beliefs. If depression and anxiety are an issue in your life, then seek help, from therapy, medication, self-help books, friends, family, or whatever.

Best of luck.

[Vicki Q]

Those experiencing these sorts of issues might find one of the forums (Chapel-prayer or Psychology) on Theology Web Campus, or the All Saints forum on Ship of Fools deals with these questions from a rather different perspective. I would advise they should also actively consider getting appropriate professional help with some of the practical issues.

[tackattack]

If you would like a Christian perspective please feel free to reach out to me. I don’t have all the answers but I like to help people

[purplepurpose]

Religion is crazy in some sense but it's not the worst thing out there.

[Godscreated]

Have you considered that maybe your anxiety and depression aren't a result of not believing or doing the right thing?  God, I'm told, doesn't punish us in this world.  Even if he does, you can't assume that what is happening to you is such punishment.  It may not be.  Sometimes bad things just happen.  That doesn't mean your beliefs are wrong, or that your relationship with your husband is a bad thing, it just means that bad things happen.  Some Christians believe that if you do and believe the right things, you will be rewardeed in this life.  That is called prosperity theology, and the consensus of mainstream theologians is that it is a heresy.  Even if God were causing bad things in your life, that doesn't necessarily mean those bad things are the ultimate end of God's purpose.  The wise Greek king Solon once said that the only fortunate people were the dead.  By this, he meant that, as long as you are alive, your fortunes can always change, so nobody can truly be considered fortunate or unfortunate until their life is complete, and the final results are known.  Until that time, though you are rich and happy, tomorrow you may be met with disaster, and all your blessings turned to dust.  Alternately, if you are anxious and depressed, tomorrow may bring something different.  Anxiousness and depression may even be the factor which brings you to something better.  You don't know until everything has been said and done.  Since my teen years, I have suffered chronic depressions and psychotic delusions which over the years caused me enormous suffering.  In the last few years, I've been free of the delusions, thanks to anti-psychotic medication, and this past summer, my depression lifted, and I am enjoying a full and happy life.  So don't give up and blame your religious beliefs prematurely.  You don't know what tomorrow may bring.  If you trust in God, then trust in God, and know that he has a plan for you.  Just remember Job.  He went through hell and things turned out for him.  Just remember that God helps those who help themselves, so do what you can to address your depression and anxiety in addition to worrying about your beliefs.  If depression and anxiety are an issue in your life, then seek help, from therapy, medication, self-help books, friends, family, or whatever.

Best of luck.

 I'm surprised at your answer, if that had been me I would thought you were trolling me. Good advice though, I have anxiety and depressive issues but mine are due to a chemical imbalance in my brain. One thing though, the scriptures never say that God helps those who help themselves, how that got started I do not know but it goes against what scriptures teach, stating this just so you will know.

GC

---

Hi,
I'm here out of desperation.  I'm hoping someone can help me.  I thought I was saved (a Christian) for 11 years.  In that time, everything I did was for God.  Then I pray this prayer, asking God to show me what was causing my long-term anxiety and depression.  Do you know what He shows me?!  He shows me that I was never really saved in the first place and that I never can be because I got married when He told me not to.  I did exactly what the Rich Young Ruler in the Bible did if you don't mind looking up the story.  I have had anxiety and depression ever since I have been together with my husband so I know this relationship was not God's will.  I remember God telling me that I would go to hell if I married him but I didn't believe Him because that sounds ridiculous.  Also, I thought you got saved by believing that Christ died for your sins, which I did do before I married my husband.  Upon further study of the scriptures there are TONS of conditions you have to meet in order to be saved.  There are SO MANY works, yet Christians say it's not by works.  Christians say that salvation is FREE but they are LIARS because salvation is NOT free.  Only those willing to pay the price get to go to heaven and that number is few.  I am so pissed.  I even went to my pastor and his wife before I got married for help because I was unsure of my salvation as well as the marriage I was about to enter into.  I need help.  When I first found out I was going to hell, I cried in my room for 2 years.  I've spent this 3rd year trying unsuccessfully to learn how to function again.  I have 4 beautiful children who need me.  I wish I could just become and atheist and be done with this but I can't.  I had actual encounters with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  I can't deny Him.  I can't walk around disabled, unable to function, and hyperventilating all the day long.  I didn't know God was so cruel.  Please help me, I don't know what to do. I need to live a good & productive life.

 Hi,
 You are worrying over things that you shouldn't, first of all God doesn't pick our mates for us, he does give us guidelines for choosing the one we marry. Next thing, salvation is free and without works, if works were a part of salvation then Jesus died for nothing, works were required before Christ came and gave His life, so why would God suffered for us if the same old ways were to be the standard for salvation. Salvation comes from faith in Jesus and the grace of God bestowing salvation on us, no works can get you there. A gift is not earned it is freely given. You have other issues you are hiding from yourself and those around you and until you deal with them in an appropriate manner (getting professional help) you will continue to have these problems. I have anxiety and depression because of a chemical imbalance in my brain, no fault of mine and it was not God caused it just happened. My doctor prescribed some medication and it has helped tremendously, they are not strong drugs and do not hurt my every day functions, it was a simple solution to a problem that could have gotten out of control if I had not sought professional help, by the way the doctor is my regular MD. I will pray for you.

GC

[Amarok]

Hi,
I'm here out of desperation.  I'm hoping someone can help me.  I thought I was saved (a Christian) for 11 years.  In that time, everything I did was for God.  Then I pray this prayer, asking God to show me what was causing my long-term anxiety and depression.  Do you know what He shows me?!  He shows me that I was never really saved in the first place and that I never can be because I got married when He told me not to.  I did exactly what the Rich Young Ruler in the Bible did if you don't mind looking up the story.  I have had anxiety and depression ever since I have been together with my husband so I know this relationship was not God's will.  I remember God telling me that I would go to hell if I married him but I didn't believe Him because that sounds ridiculous.  Also, I thought you got saved by believing that Christ died for your sins, which I did do before I married my husband.  Upon further study of the scriptures there are TONS of conditions you have to meet in order to be saved.  There are SO MANY works, yet Christians say it's not by works.  Christians say that salvation is FREE but they are LIARS because salvation is NOT free.  Only those willing to pay the price get to go to heaven and that number is few.  I am so pissed.  I even went to my pastor and his wife before I got married for help because I was unsure of my salvation as well as the marriage I was about to enter into.  I need help.  When I first found out I was going to hell, I cried in my room for 2 years.  I've spent this 3rd year trying unsuccessfully to learn how to function again.  I have 4 beautiful children who need me.  I wish I could just become and atheist and be done with this but I can't.  I had actual encounters with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  I can't deny Him.  I can't walk around disabled, unable to function, and hyperventilating all the day long.  I didn't know God was so cruel.  Please help me, I don't know what to do. I need to live a good & productive life.

Frankly I think you need to talk to some Christians as they are your peer group 

Best of luck 

[Gwaithmir]

Hi,
I'm here out of desperation.  I'm hoping someone can help me.  I thought I was saved (a Christian) for 11 years.  In that time, everything I did was for God.  Then I pray this prayer, asking God to show me what was causing my long-term anxiety and depression.  Do you know what He shows me?!  He shows me that I was never really saved in the first place and that I never can be because I got married when He told me not to.  I did exactly what the Rich Young Ruler in the Bible did if you don't mind looking up the story.  I have had anxiety and depression ever since I have been together with my husband so I know this relationship was not God's will.  I remember God telling me that I would go to hell if I married him but I didn't believe Him because that sounds ridiculous.  Also, I thought you got saved by believing that Christ died for your sins, which I did do before I married my husband.  Upon further study of the scriptures there are TONS of conditions you have to meet in order to be saved.  There are SO MANY works, yet Christians say it's not by works.  Christians say that salvation is FREE but they are LIARS because salvation is NOT free.  Only those willing to pay the price get to go to heaven and that number is few.  I am so pissed.  I even went to my pastor and his wife before I got married for help because I was unsure of my salvation as well as the marriage I was about to enter into.  I need help.  When I first found out I was going to hell, I cried in my room for 2 years.  I've spent this 3rd year trying unsuccessfully to learn how to function again.  I have 4 beautiful children who need me.  I wish I could just become and atheist and be done with this but I can't.  I had actual encounters with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  I can't deny Him.  I can't walk around disabled, unable to function, and hyperventilating all the day long.  I didn't know God was so cruel.  Please help me, I don't know what to do. I need to live a good & productive life.

Here's some honest advice from an atheist and Secular Humanist:

What's written in the Bible is nothing but the ravings of ancient, ignorant scribes. If God is truly omniscient, omnibenevolent and omnipotent, then all those conditions in the Bible are bunk. Do you really think that God gives a crap about all those petty conditions created by fallible, ignorant men? God sees into your heart and knows your intentions. The only thing that He cares about is whether or not you love your neighbours and lead an exemplary life. Stop listening to preachers. All they'll do for you is mess with your brain.

[Aliza]

Hi,
I'm here out of desperation.  I'm hoping someone can help me.  I thought I was saved (a Christian) for 11 years.  In that time, everything I did was for God.  Then I pray this prayer, asking God to show me what was causing my long-term anxiety and depression.  Do you know what He shows me?!  He shows me that I was never really saved in the first place and that I never can be because I got married when He told me not to.  I did exactly what the Rich Young Ruler in the Bible did if you don't mind looking up the story.  I have had anxiety and depression ever since I have been together with my husband so I know this relationship was not God's will.  I remember God telling me that I would go to hell if I married him but I didn't believe Him because that sounds ridiculous.  Also, I thought you got saved by believing that Christ died for your sins, which I did do before I married my husband.  Upon further study of the scriptures there are TONS of conditions you have to meet in order to be saved.  There are SO MANY works, yet Christians say it's not by works.  Christians say that salvation is FREE but they are LIARS because salvation is NOT free.  Only those willing to pay the price get to go to heaven and that number is few.  I am so pissed.  I even went to my pastor and his wife before I got married for help because I was unsure of my salvation as well as the marriage I was about to enter into.  I need help.  When I first found out I was going to hell, I cried in my room for 2 years.  I've spent this 3rd year trying unsuccessfully to learn how to function again.  I have 4 beautiful children who need me.  I wish I could just become and atheist and be done with this but I can't.  I had actual encounters with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  I can't deny Him.  I can't walk around disabled, unable to function, and hyperventilating all the day long.  I didn't know God was so cruel.  Please help me, I don't know what to do. I need to live a good & productive life.

I’m not sure why you’d come to an atheist forum seeking help. Atheists cannot help you gain this “salvation” you seek so desperately, and nor can they help you set aside your beliefs if you’re so resolute on having them. From this short piece you’ve written, it seems to me that one recurring theme you keep running into is this apparent need for others to do your thinking for you and give you approval.

First and foremost, you need to be able to make decisions for yourself and feel comfortable and confident in your ability to guide your own life.

[Drich]

Hi,
I'm here out of desperation.  I'm hoping someone can help me.  I thought I was saved (a Christian) for 11 years.  In that time, everything I did was for God.  Then I pray this prayer, asking God to show me what was causing my long-term anxiety and depression.  Do you know what He shows me?! 

that you lacked a basic relationship with the holy Spirit. that you do not have the knoweledge or comfort or confirdence tat comes with a base relationship with God. You asked God to send the wind and the rain which blew your house down and that's all you see. because God did not support your house built on sand/your faith you assume you are not saved... The "faith house we build is not about salvation but our faoundations. meaning what you built in faith concerning any stable structure or relationship with God (your faith house) was tested by the trials of depression and anxeity then when you asked God compounded the sitation till eveything you built in faith/everything you believe about God came crashing down...

This is not evidence of no salvation. this by design per the parable of the wise and foolish builders is how we know when we have built our faith on a true understanding of God and the bible. Because in your trial you could not tap into the resources God provides, where as when you build your house on the true God of the bible you can. How can I say this? because of what you think God expects and or demands upon you. One no where in the bible does it forbade anyone to ever get married ever. in fact 1 tim 4 says in the last days there will be those false teachers who would tell people not to marry... These lies from from demons. according to Paul. yet you ascribe them to God's will for you.. meaning you are not following the teaching of the God of the bible hence your house/faith failed.

4 The Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe. They will obey spirits that tell lies. And they will follow the teachings of demons. 2 Those teachings come through people who tell lies and trick others. These evil people cannot see what is right and what is wrong. It is like their conscience has been destroyed with a hot iron. 3 They say that it is wrong to marry. And they say that there are some foods that people must not eat. But God made these foods, and those who believe and who understand the truth can eat them with thanks. 4 Everything that God made is good. Nothing he made should be refused if it is accepted with thanks to him. 5 Everything he created is made holy by what he has said and by prayer.

He shows me that I was never really saved in the first place and that I never can be because I got married when He told me not to.

God does not tell us not to get married according to Scripture. Demons do. Do you understand? God will not tell you something that would put the bible into conflict. When ever you see an area of conflict where 'god' tells you "A" and the bible says "B" then "B" is always the right answer. Your "A" answer is never of 'God' or at least not the God of the bible.

  I did exactly what the Rich Young Ruler in the Bible did if you don't mind looking up the story.

He assumed following the law made him righteous/saved him and according to christ for him t did. the ruler did not fall into peril until he sought to be 'perfect.' For the ruler his salvation is contingent upon his ability to follow all of God's law. but this was not enough he need the pride and satisfaction of living in perfection he wanted to bragg about his status in the kingdom, it was not enough that he was saved he needed everyone to see him as being perfect. that is why Jesus told him to go sell everything. because he knew he would not that the pride in it all was his reason for doing things.

  I have had anxiety and depression ever since I have been together with my husband so I know this relationship was not God's will.

and here is your rich young ruler pride and failure. God did not ask for your husband. You've got a basic foundational problem with your husband and you want out and you are putting on God to find your out.here's the thing though. God had nothing to say on the matter so you can not claim 'god's will' in fact in 1 cor 7 Paul gave his own opinion on your very specific matter just because God did not speak out here.:
12 The advice I have for the others is from me. The Lord did not give us any teaching about this. If you have a wife who is not a believer, you should not divorce her if she will continue to live with you. 13 And if you have a husband who is not a believer, you should not divorce him if he will continue to live with you. 14 The husband who is not a believer is set apart for God through his believing wife. And the wife who is not a believer is set apart for God through her believing husband. If this were not true, your children would be unfit for God’s use. But now they are set apart for him.

15 But if the husband or wife who is not a believer decides to leave, let them leave. When this happens, the brother or sister in Christ is free. God chose you to have a life of peace. 16 Wives, maybe you will save your husband; and husbands, maybe you will save your wife. You don’t know now what will happen later.

Live as God Called You
17 But each one of you should continue to live the way the Lord God has given you to live—the way you were when God chose you. I tell people in all the churches to follow this rule. 18 If a man was already circumcised when he was chosen, he should not change his circumcision. If a man was without circumcision when he was chosen, he should not be circumcised. 19 It is not important if anyone is circumcised or not. What is important is obeying God’s commands. 20 Each one of you should stay the way you were when God chose you. 21 If you were a slave when God chose you, don’t let that bother you. But if you can be free, then do it. 22 If you were a slave when the Lord chose you, you are now free in the Lord. You belong to the Lord. In the same way, if you were free when you were chosen, you are now Christ’s slave. 23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be slaves to anyone else. 24 Brothers and sisters, in your new life with God, each one of you should continue the way you were when God chose you.

  I remember God telling me that I would go to hell if I married him but I didn't believe Him because that sounds ridiculous.

because there is no biblical precedent.. meaning no where in christianity/NT has God ever demanded this!

Also, I thought you got saved by believing that Christ died for your sins, which I did do before I married my husband. 

Again Paul speak exaclt to this in romans 7 12 The advice I have for the others is from me. The Lord did not give us any teaching about this. If you have a wife who is not a believer, you should not divorce her if she will continue to live with you. 13 And if you have a husband who is not a believer, you should not divorce him if he will continue to live with you. 14 The husband who is not a believer is set apart for God through his believing wife. And the wife who is not a believer is set apart for God through her believing husband. If this were not true, your children would be unfit for God’s use. But now they are set apart for him.

15 But if the husband or wife who is not a believer decides to leave, let them leave. When this happens, the brother or sister in Christ is free. God chose you to have a life of peace. 16 Wives, maybe you will save your husband; and husbands, maybe you will save your wife. You don’t know now what will happen later.

Live as God Called You
17 But each one of you should continue to live the way the Lord God has given you to live—the way you were when God chose you. I tell people in all the churches to follow this rule. 18 If a man was already circumcised when he was chosen, he should not change his circumcision. If a man was without circumcision when he was chosen, he should not be circumcised. 19 It is not important if anyone is circumcised or not. What is important is obeying God’s commands. 20 Each one of you should stay the way you were when God chose you. 21 If you were a slave when God chose you, don’t let that bother you. But if you can be free, then do it. 22 If you were a slave when the Lord chose you, you are now free in the Lord. You belong to the Lord. In the same way, if you were free when you were chosen, you are now Christ’s slave. 23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be slaves to anyone else. 24 Brothers and sisters, in your new life with God, each one of you should continue the way you were when God chose you.

Upon further study of the scriptures there are TONS of conditions you have to meet in order to be saved. 

such as? believe and be baptized is all about I can see. now do not confuse salvation with relationship. yes there are alot of parameters for direct communication between you and God but one does not have to have this just to be saved.

There are SO MANY works, yet Christians say it's not by works. 

work for relationship yes, any retard can be saved with no work.

Christians say that salvation is FREE but they are LIARS because salvation is NOT free.

what do you think you need to do?

  Only those willing to pay the price get to go to heaven and that number is few.  I am so pissed.  I even went to my pastor and his wife before I got married for help because I was unsure of my salvation as well as the marriage I was about to enter into. 

salvation is always between you and God. if you are unsure it is because you lack direction from God hence no relationship with the holy Spirit. if you want reassurance you must seek that relationship. the first thing you need to be willing to do is drop the bs God doesn't want you married.. then you need to be willing to read the NT portion and seek God in that.

I need help. 

we can't do for you.only point you in the right direction.

When I first found out I was going to hell, I cried in my room for 2 years.

did you just cry or did you do something about it?

  I've spent this 3rd year trying unsuccessfully to learn how to function again.

again any retard can be saved. if your not it is because you don't want to be. how you can have assurance.. that takes a little more.

  I have 4 beautiful children who need me.  I wish I could just become and atheist and be done with this but I can't.  I had actual encounters with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  I can't deny Him.  I can't walk around disabled, unable to function, and hyperventilating all the day long.  I didn't know God was so cruel.  Please help me, I don't know what to do. I need to live a good & productive life.

in the same boat.. had experiences with God as well. also know it's all real and can't pretend like the science bull shit it what is real. the thing is I've also had encouters with demons and do you know how they present themselves? as Jesus and angels. Do you know what saved me from following the false teaching of these demons? Having my own personal understanding of the bible. I started reading the bible and seeking God for myself outside of church. then I found "one place . com " all one word which is a series of radio preachers and their sermon archieves. I like James mcdowell and walk in the word the best. but I listen to these guys for a few years, then I could more easily see the lines between the God of the bible and the other religious versions.

[Natachan]

So this user has one post, and hasn’t logged in since their initial post. The post is also a clear theological issue that is ill-suited to this audience.

I have to question the motives of the poster and if they were sincere.