Just needed to put this somewhere

[plutogrl03]

Lately when I read arguments about religion and other "hot topics", I always get this strange ache in my body, especially in the heart area, and feel confused or scared. I can't really argue back because I just don't care for arguing about things. It just makes me feel doubtful in my faith and just living in general.
I thought that if I took the Comparative Religions course at my college that I wouldn't be so bothered by it and just hear others opinions without any particular emotion. Although I have gotten a better understanding of other religions, when I'm surfing on the net or a heated discussion arises in a class or among my friends, I clam up and I feel like I'm shrinking. When I think about the situation later on, I just feel like I want to die and get it overwith (not that I'm suicidal or anything. If I die, it won't be by my hands). I don't know if I'm just not strong in my faith or if I'm a pacifist or something.
Well, I needed to get this off my chest. Here seemed as good a place as any.

[Mave]

heh you're not alone. I had the same feeling and posted a thread that's somewhat related to it.

http://www.christiananime.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5887

There are great opinions and advice there. ^^

[ShiroiHikari]

Lately when I read arguments about religion and other "hot topics", I always get this strange ache in my body, especially in the heart area, and feel confused or scared. I can't really argue back because I just don't care for arguing about things. It just makes me feel doubtful in my faith and just living in general.

o.O How strange...I've been getting that too...o_O O_o I wonder what it means ; _ ; I've been confused too T^T

[JediSonic]

Funny how your avatar so perfectly matches your mood in this thread, pluto

[Roll]

Confrontation makes me very uncomfortable too, but after equipping myself with information that allows me to better understand and defend the Holy Bible, I've felt more confident in both my faith and my ability to be a good servant for the Lord. I highly recommend this site:

http://www.answersingenesis.org

Hope this helps you too!

[Technomancer]

Constructive doubt is not a bad thing you know. We should be prepared to question our own beliefs and their basis, especially in the light of new knowledge derived from the humanities and the sciences as well as the moral and political evolution of society. I should add that in trying to understand any subject, you should always seek out the best available scholarship, and do so without prejudice. By this I mean do not restrict yourself to those authors who merely agree with you, but also read those who do not.

Don't worry about entering into debates if you're not sure about your own position by the way. Ask questions and learn from others; be prepared to admit to yourself that you may be wrong.

I'll try and think of some resources that may be of some use along these lines.

[cbwing0]

I always get this strange ache in my body, especially in the heart area, and feel confused or scared.

[quote="ShirioHikari"]o.O How strange...I've been getting that too...o_O O_o I wonder what it means ]
I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing. I know that whenever I defend my faith against someone who actually has good arguments my heart beats faster and such, and I can go on for hours with them. This isn't bad, just a natural response to the challenge.

[Spiritsword]

Yes, by defending, sharing, and even (in a healthy way) questioning our faith, that is, like technomancer said, putting it to the test, we can in fact strengthen it. You don't need to be confrontational in your manner, just be forthright and honest, and above all else pray about it. The Holy Spirit will take over and do the speaking through you if it is God's will, and man's arguments cannot stand against those of the Spirit. I'll pray for you, Plutogrl.