I am in the middle of a serious crisis of Faith

[Thtwudbeme]

And, no, I am not kidding.

I am now at the point in my studies where it's close to "put up or shut up."

Do I want to go to Divinity School and become an ordained minister?

I just don't know right now. It used to be so clear; and now it feels like everything is "fuzzy."

[Alleycat]

1. Wow

Maybe it's just the pressure of the moment. You have to make a decision and you are second guessing yourself. Take a deep breath. Why don't you remove yourself from the situation for a bit. Get away for a few days. Do something which is out of the norm for you. Like go hiking if you are a city person or go to a city if you are a county person. I'm sure you have done some pro s and cons in the past don't do it now. Just get away enjoy life and then come back and make your decision.

[TreasonousBastard]

2. FWIW, I know several people who have gone to...

divinity school and have had crises of faith. It seems to be part of the program, kinda like those medical students who go through hypochondria in their second year.

From what I've seen, it strengthens you-- you can't really believe if you haven't doubted and worked it out. To do otherwise leads to fundieism.

Blind faith is no faith at all.

[RevCheesehead]

3. I fought my "call" for several years before going to seminary.

What you're going through is normal. It's the ones who DON'T have doubts that I tend to worry about.

Relax, woman - it's just another sign you're on the right path. :hug:

[JanMichael]

7. Actually I think I may have helped to solved the problem.

Her "problem" was not knowing (Because of available programs AND the fact that she loves all three subjects) whether to go the Anthropology, History, or Religious Studies, route in Grad school. The university that she's at now has a pretty decent History Phd as well as a good Anthropoly Masters plus it's close and relatively inexpensive.

Anyway I, not being much help most of the time with these things, simply asked this "I know you love all three paths however which one do you really love the most? Which one out of the three really, really, does it for you?"

So tonight it's back to the Religious Studies path with sprinkles of Anthropology. She's fascinated with White America's drive toward Barnes and Nobles Eastern Religious thought so the Anthropology is still a major componant.

Meaning that there may be a Masters in one or the other prior to the PhufffD.

Not bad for a Godless Communist, eh?

[tigereye]

19. one of my buddies has a Anthro PHD -

religious stuff is her specialty. I agree that it's a very different path from Divinity School. And she's an agnostic.

hmmm. It can be hard to decide.

[CatholicEdHead]

4. Good luck, take a deep breath

and the correct way will be shown to you.

[Missy Vixen]

5. I hope the way will be made clear to you

>I just don't know right now. It used to be so clear; and now it feels like everything is "fuzzy."<

I was a Pastoral Studies major that left the church. :scared: If you are called to serve, I believe this will be made clear to you.

Julie

[Richard Steele]

6. If you had no DOUBT, I would call you unfit.

But DOUBT is the single biggest component
of every 'issue of faith'.

Dealing with DOUBT every day is just a part of the human experience.

If I go to someone with questions about 'faith',
they damn sure better have some personal experience
with DOUBT, and have dealt with it enough times
to give me some insights into my own.

If I wanted to talk to someone who never had DOUBT,
I could abandon all FAITH and just join a frickin' CULT already.

Those CULTS are just FULL of idiot zombies who
wouldn't know a 'doubt' if it nailed them to a cross,
knowhutImean?

[merh]

8. You think you have doubts

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Even the big names have had their doubts. :shrug:

[YellowRubberDuckie]

9. This place is not friendly to faith.

You might want to visit one of the christian or the catholic forum. You'll probably end up getting flamed soon.
Duckie

[Catch22Dem]

11. I'm not often friendly to faith...

But I'd never flame a thread like this. I hope no one else does. Hopefully Thtwudbeme is able to take the time to reflect on where life has taken him (or her...sorry not sure) and where he or she wants to go from here. We all do it at some point. Best of luck. :D

[Thtwudbeme]

13. Thanks for that thoughtful reply

:)

[Thtwudbeme]

12. I seriously doubt I would get flamed for a crisis

even in the Lounge.

I know where you are coming from; but this is pretty different--

Good to see you!

Stephanie

[brook]

10. It takes wisdom to doubt.

And to me it indicates that you, should you opt for ordination, will be of much solace and use to those
who come to you seeking counsel. I recall that the first Catholic priest I reacted to on that level had been a chaplain in WWII. I always felt the others knew nothing of the pain and pitfalls of living.

Listen to your heart. Whatever you decide, you will be doing the same work - though perhaps in another venue.

[salin]

14. My dear friend,

in these times, leading folks from a point of spirituality (rather than rote religiousity) is very needed. If your heart believes that you are called - than it would be hard not to follow - especially in these times.

Go with your heart - wherever it leads you - and know that is your path - be it the ministry or not.

[Thtwudbeme]

17. Thank you!

Seeing your name on this thread means alot to me!

[no name no slogan]

15. If it was blind faith you had, then I'd be worried

I'm not at university (or grad school), but if I felt the call I would question it every day, like I do my own faith.

Just wait awhile, and the answer will become clear. Good luck.

[Benfea]

16. What is fuzzy? Your decision to become a priest?

Or are you starting to question everything?

If it's the former, you should probably duck out of divinity school. That's not the sort of thing you want to do unless you're really sure that's what you want to do with the rest of your life. Sales departments are littered with former priests, preachers, nuns, etc. who discovered too late that that wasn't what they wanted to do with their lives.

If it's the latter, then I'm not going to say anything to reinforce your faith. I'm an atheist and I can point you in the direction of other people who have deconverted and would probably be willing to talk you through some of the emotional/social/philosophical turmoil.

[CBHagman]

18. Was there something that triggered this?

For example, are there other things going on in your life that are having an effect on you?

And please don't misunderstand this next question. I ask it because I wish I had asked myself the same question many years back. Is there any chance you are following someone else's dream and not your own calling?

Is there some system of support in your life?

Is it having to make the decision that has triggered this reaction?

I tend to agree with the poster above who basically said an untested faith is no faith at all. Whatever you do, whatever your calling, you've got DUers in your corner who want to find your best path. May there be an answer and a flooding of peace over you.

[mdmc]

20. fuzzy is fine

take a hike. it will help.

[Mikimouse]

21. Ask yourself, "Is this what I love to do?"...

The answer should become clear, if you can answer the question. I wish you the very best in your decision, it is not an easy one.

[Strong Atheist]

22. You should probably consider going to the appropriate

religion in groups... they will have lots of words of support there...

[ScreamingMeemie]

23. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, the bible says he shouted out,

"Father, why have you forsaken me?" Even he had doubts (if the story is to be believed...which I do). Can you take some time "away". Think of it as praying in the garden? maybe a weekend to meditate on it?

:hug: I know it has got to be hard for you. My thoughts are with you and I know you will make the correct decision and be at peace with it.

:loveya:

[everythingsxen]

24. You should meditate.

Meditate and clear your mind of doubt and worry. Think about what life would be like for you as a minister. Then think about whether or not that is right for you. This could take several hours of meditation.

While you could ask for advice on this matter, only you and God can decide what is right for you. If your heart tells you to be a minister, then you should be a minister.

I wish you all the best in finding your way.

[nini]

25. Take your time and ponder everything you have learned, believed...

.. and hold as faith. I have heard this is a very normal process for those who take the route you are. My cousin was in the convent for years and as she approached her final vows she went through what you are. My nephew is studying to be a priest and I'm sure he will go through the same thing.

I would think if one does NOT go through this reflection of everything then that would be suspect as it is such a huge commitment. Whatever you decide will be what's best for you.

Sending you lots of good vibes and strength. :hug:


:loveya:

[APPLE314]

26. keep it simple

I repeat to myself

He died for me at Calvary
And that's all I need to know




His Grace is free, but you have to choose it ( EVERY DAY )
IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE TODAY, YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE TOMORROW UNLESS YOU SIMPLIFY.

[Arugula Latte]

27. I'm not a person to ask about this.

I'm reeeeally negative about religion, so I'll be tactful and keep my big trap shut. I hope you can follow your gut, whatever it tells you.

[flordehinojos]

28. do you have any idea what is causing your fuzziness?

i think you need to get in touch with that before you can go on to decide whether divinity school is for you or not.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

29. It's normal to doubt, but what there is no doubt about is that

whichever path you choose, you'll be terrific!

[Swede]

30. My God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Even Jeus had his moments of doubt.