How has your faith changed since you first joined?

[K. Ayato]

For me, I can look back and remember how I still doubted a lot of things. In most general posts it probably didn't show, but it was still there in my mind. If there were any evidence, it most likely was found in the Prayer Request threads. I'd give pat answers or post anything that came to mind, hoping the OP would at least feel better.

A lot of that has changed now. Don't get me wrong. I still have moments of doubt, but they don't last as long as in the past. I know now that it's quite all right in those moments to go to God and just say "I don't get it" and still hold onto the promises that He never fails. The big difference I've now seen is that when I say things to friends to help encourage them, it's not to give a sense of false hope or "Here's something to make you feel better". It's because I know and believe it to be true.

Another thing that has changed a lot is how I go through the Bible. I'm on my 6th time going through cover to cover (not meant to brag by sharing this) and I'm still learning a lot more than what was shared from the pulpit while I was growing up. It's also easier for what I'm learning about God and His Word to slip into my speech than how it was for me before. I would severely hesitate to even begin to cite a verse from the Bible while engaged in conversation.

[armeck]

I'm on my third time going through the bible. I joined as a VERY strict Christian. and have since become a universalist

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I threw away dogma and Truth and then my faith became real.

[armeck]

I threw away dogma and Truth and then my faith became real.

would you mind PMing me and elaborating. I'm very curious

[SilverToast]

I threw away dogma and Truth and then my faith became real.

Yeah. I can relate to that as well. My faith grew so much more when I realized to stop listening to and believing what others say the bible says on issues or other things. I read the bible for myself in a new open clean slate approach and then focus on following Jesus Christ not dogma nor how this shouldn't be like that in life and the like.

I admit I haven't read all of bible and haven't got around to finishing the books I missed but I am glad to be starting over and taking my time to read all of it.

[Shao Feng-Li]

I've gotten more Reformed Presbyterian since I've been here. I've also learned that I don't know as much as I thought and (unfortunately) I've gotten more quiet about the doctrines I believe, being fairly alone here in them.

[Zeldafan2]

Honestly, I haven't really changed my faith at all. (I haven't really been on very long anyways.) However, I have become somewhat less hostile to some Christian beliefs I have seen that are different from mine.

[SierraLea]

My faith has deepened, I've been called to use it in very different ways, and I now know what God wants me to do with my religion and where He wants to take me.

[Lynna]

When I first came here, I hadn't been exposed to many different views in Christianity, so being here has really made me see that people won't agree on every little detail, but maybe that's okay. It's the bigger picture that matters the most. I've learned a lot, and I think my faith has really become more mature, and that I've become a more mature and perceptive person. I still have a long ways to go, though. I also feel as though my faith has gotten stronger, and I've become closer to God.

[Ingemar]

I took the Eucharist seriously.

[rocklobster]

I've learned many different ways to view God and spirituality from everyone on this site. They've opened my eyes to so many things I had yet to experience and I'm thankful I tried out this site. It's inspired me to explore my faith more deeply than I had prior to joining and I tried to see why I follow God at all, which is always a good thing.

[sarahjoy78]

I'm still very young but as I grow older I'm learning more and more things. When I joined I was a strong christian in faith but since then God has givven my family and I many difficult challenges. We have overcome them all through his help. I like to look through CAA and read what others think about their faith too. It helps me to grow more in my own faith which is always a good thing. Woah, I just looked up and realized that I ended my comment the exact same way as Rocky's which is why I added this last sentence. My faith has grown more and more each day, and will continue to do so until the day I go to heaven.

[K. Ayato]

Here's another question for all of you: WHERE has your faith changed?

[sarahjoy78]

Wow, That's a tough one.... I guess the answer is everywhere. I travel all over the world because my dad is in the military. Each place I go I meet new people and new different kinds of religions and faiths. When something happended that I did not expect I realized that I wasn't as stong in my faith as I thought I was. When that did happend I studdied the bible more and my faith grew as to where I realize that Jesus is my best friend. I used to think of Jesus kind of as a protecter, but never as a friend. After my best friend really hurt me I realized that Jesus was the friend that would always be there for me and that God was my true father. My faith chabged after that. I saw that Jesus is a true friend and not just someone who protects me.... <3

[K. Ayato]

Good answer . I completely understand what you mean by grasping that Jesus is your best friend. I struggled with that when I was emerging into adulthood. I could talk to friends about certain things, but with God, I kept Him at arm's length, if you will. When I realized that I could come to Him about ANYTHING, and not worry about being turned away (or turning Him off), suffice to say it really changed the way I approached Him during prayer time.

The other thing I've noticed in my life is that I don't just say words of encouragement because "that's what we're supposed to say" and hope that it makes someone feel better. Rather, I say them because I know it's the truth. To sum up in that regard, I've gone through some difficult times myself (recently, even) and a lot of what I've studied about God and His Word has become more real. So in that sense, it's not just what I've heard taught over and over that one can parrot without grasping the deeper meaning.

[sarahjoy78]

That is so true. I love the fact that I can tell God anything. I can ask him questions and even though I may not like some of the answers I know that he knows best. All my friends have noticed that I say a lot of encouraging words. One of my friends ask me why I do it. I told them eactly what you said," That I don't say something just because I want to make them feel better but I tell them because I really mean it and it's the truth... God is amazing in so many ways...

[seaglass27]

My faith became unshakable because of a real experience with God's power two months ago, I had assurance of salvation for the first time since I was thirteen four days ago and I am now far more comfortable witnessing to non-believers.

[sarahjoy78]

My faith became unshakable because of a real experience with God's power two months ago, I had assurance of salvation for the first time since I was thirteen four days ago and I am now far more comfortable witnessing to non-believers.

See, That is trully amazing!

[Vega]

I was fairly serious and conservative and such when I first joined but now i'm way more chill and I just don't worry about much. Some would say I kinda backslid but I think my faith is just more relaxed now

[Nate]

When I joined I was somewhat scientific-minded, but still pretty strict on certain interpretations of passages. My beliefs have drifted since, and I am fairly "liberal" now (I guess that would be the best term) in my faith, and much more scientific-minded...and I feel that has brought me closer to God. I see God at work in the way the world works, and in the actions of people, and not as some nebulous force that magically does things.

[Makachop^^128]

I would say I have learned to listen more, and try to understand others since I have joined. I would say my faith in general has become stronger, feeling like there is some christian community I can go to

[Iconodule]

I think when I first joined this site (on another account) I was a liberal in my theology denying the most basic truths of Christianity, Ressurection, church and etc. Dark times.

[tronethiel7]

I think when I first joined this site (on another account) I was a liberal in my theology denying the most basic truths of Christianity, Ressurection, church and etc. Dark times.

However, it is amazing and wonderful that you were brought from that darkness. Thank God.

[Xeno]

When I first joined back in 2004 I was a devout Pentecostal. I was thoroughly ingrained in the culture, doctrine, and rituals of the denomination. Over time I began to theologically question many of my long held beliefs and in 2011 I departed thanks to the help of some people here and on some other sites. I felt liberated and began attending a Methodist church. After attending that church for a while though my questioning and theorizing and learning led me to further conclusions about faith and God and church.

How have I changed since I first joined? I joined as a fundamentalist christian. Now I'm an atheist.

[tronethiel7]

When I first joined back in 2004 I was a devout Pentecostal. I was thoroughly ingrained in the culture, doctrine, and rituals of the denomination. Over time I began to theologically question many of my long held beliefs and in 2011 I departed thanks to the help of some people here and on some other sites. I felt liberated and began attending a Methodist church. After attending that church for a while though my questioning and theorizing and learning led me to further conclusions about faith and God and church.

How have I changed since I first joined? I joined as a fundamentalist christian. Now I'm an atheist.

Intriguing. Maybe an elaboration?

[DaughterOfZion]

When I first joined back in 2004 I was a devout Pentecostal. I was thoroughly ingrained in the culture, doctrine, and rituals of the denomination. Over time I began to theologically question many of my long held beliefs and in 2011 I departed thanks to the help of some people here and on some other sites. I felt liberated and began attending a Methodist church. After attending that church for a while though my questioning and theorizing and learning led me to further conclusions about faith and God and church.

How have I changed since I first joined? I joined as a fundamentalist christian. Now I'm an atheist.

Coo, coo, ca-chooo, Mrs. Robinson.

[Xeno]

Intriguing. Maybe an elaboration?

My leaving the Pentecostal church is well documented on this site. As far as the other part, you're wanting me to elaborate on a Christian site why I believe there is no god? Yeah, because that would be a good idea.

[Nate]

you're wanting me to elaborate on a Christian site why I believe there is no god? Yeah, because that would be a good idea.

Do it man, the hell with consequences, throw caution to the wind.

(I'm just kidding don't do that because it's against the rules.)

[tronethiel7]

No hate here. I'm not trying to start an ordeal. I was just interested. Sorry I wasn't aware it was against the rules. I'm all for healthy conversation though, and I don't think there's anything wrong with talking about it, christian site or not, as long as it can be done cordially. However, if the rule is there I will respect it. Thanks for letting me know.

[K. Ayato]

Rules are posted at the top of the Christian Growth Q&A forum. If you wish to continue the discussion outside this thread, you can always send a private message to Xeno or anyone else.