Why I chose to leave Christianity...

[Metaphysician]

I've had a major spiritual transformation this year, and I felt compelled to share some of the details that led me to such a change in my beliefs. I don't want to turn this into a "religious" debate or anything, so if it starts coming to that, we can just agree to disagree =) I love everyone, and don't want to cause negative emotions or send negative energy to you. I only want to share my experience in case there is something for someone to gain from it.


I was a devout christian for 10 years, until this year actually. There were many things that led to my decision. I'll share a few of them here...

1) The Inquisition - the organized christian religion has brutally murdered millions upon millions of innocent people over the years through the Inquisition and other events, all because people didn't believe the same way as them. It's also nearly impossible for me to believe that the Bible wasn't at all manipulated while people like that were in power for thousands of years. Christianity breeds intolerance and judgment toward others. Just look at Michelle Bachmann's husband who tries to "cure" gays of their "illness" of being gay. He also referred to gays as "barbarians who need educated". Christianity is largely fear-based.

2) Christianity contradicts well documented archaeological facts, such as the earth and humankind being approx 6,000-7,000 yrs old. It also fails to fully explain many many major issues. That's why there are literally thousands of denominations who all disagree about the same text in the same Bible (what's true and what's not, what is sin and what isn't, who's going to hell and who's not, etc...)

3) It one day occurred to me that it is absurd to believe that all people from all other religions will burn eternally in hell just because they didn't follow the same dogma as christians. Other religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Roman & Greek mythology, etc...) all were created from REAL experiences by MANY people, just like Christianity. I've learned that all religions contain elements of truth, and its up to us to learn as much about each one (and many other inspired teachings) while working within ourselves to reach enlightenment.

4) Modern science and quantum physics are proving the existence of an invisible "source field" of energy that connects us all energetically (spiritually). Experiments with this source field and hypnotism techniques have proven the existence of psychic abilities, out of body experiences (astral projection), and many other phenomena that most people still believe are "unexplained" or that they simply do not exist. Hypnotists can do "past-life regression" with people, and they will explain details of their past lives such as their own name in each life, names of others from that time, and even actual events that they lived. All of this is spoken from the persons subconscious, and they usually can't remember what they said after they've awakened from the hypnotized state.

5) Global UFO sightings and extremely intricate crop circles are occurring in massive volume. The enormous amount of undeniable evidence within this topic cannot just be blown off as insignificant. Just watch the "Ancient Aliens" series by History Channel on youtube if you want dozens of hours of evidence to the reality of this. Just watch ANY popular crop circle documentary on youtube if you are still under the illusion that these are just man-made with a board and some rope, lol.

I could keep going with this list, but these are some of the heaviest things that I contemplated before I redirected my path. I currently do not claim any religion at all, and do not plan to in the future. I do however, still believe in a single divine creator that designed the multi-dimensional universe we live in, and then manifested itself into everything we know as creation today. I believe that those who are creating negative karma by performing deeds that harm or take advantage of others (any deed that doesn't involve love and compassion), will reincarnate after death as many lifetimes as it takes until they learn to live with love and compassion.

Anyways, I just wanted to share my views on this with the hopes that someone is helped by my words. In no way do I mean to start a religious debate. I don't judge Christians at all, and I don't believe you will burn in hell for not believing things like I do.

Love and light to you all!

Namaste

-Metaphysician

[Arz Sra]

Sorry, But all you stated here refers to a mental transformation and not a spiritual one. Just your opinions have changed. There is still a Knower. In knowledge there is a knower, In wisdom none. Spiritual transformation leads to dropping of all the opinions . Its not a replacement. Notions drop and nothing is put in the place. Spiritual transformation is not under ones volition. We ,at mind level, can only swap our beliefs. This is what mental transformation. From a spiritual perspective ( if there is) the same game is going on. The 'i' sustains. In the absence (relative) of 'i' wisdom dawns.

Mental transformation leads to change in knowledge. Spiritual transformation leads to change in the 'i' itself. The more the 'I' ( doer) absent, the more is the wisdom that flows through.

[Metaphysician]

True, but a mental transformation is necessary in many cases, before a spiritual transformation can take place. If one is stuck in close-minded dogma and spoon-fed beliefs, then it becomes very difficult to ever get to a true spiritual transformation.

My statements above were the main catalysts that have led me to understand more about what spirituality really is. Those experiences have empowered me to shed those closely held belief systems, to enjoy a much more open-minded perspective.

[Arz Sra]

Originally Posted by Metaphysician

True, but a mental transformation is necessary in many cases, before a spiritual transformation can take place. If one is stuck in close-minded dogma and spoon-fed beliefs, then it becomes very difficult to ever get to a true spiritual transformation.

My statements above were the main catalysts that have led me to understand more about what spirituality really is. Those experiences have empowered me to shed those closely held belief systems, to enjoy a much more open-minded perspective.

Agreed.

Cut-pasting something I wrote today as a comment somewhere -

The only thing that can keep you moving is to realize that there is no realization. When our consciousness expands we tend to see each stage as being ‘something’. We hold certain opinions which we prefer to call realizations instead. Its OK to express those ‘realizations’ but to actually see them as realizations brings you one step closer to stagnation. To keep the attitude that you ‘know nothing’ inside is the key. At each stage we tend to get into that complacency that we know at least ‘something’. This is the barrier between freedom and bondage; between wonder and you. One has to carry humility inside.

[Dynamist]

I empathize with you and I can understand your decisions Metaphysician. I hope you don't mind me sharing...

When I first lost faith in Christianity it was when I began to attend my university (it's Catholic). I just became so disillusioned with all that I was learning and the history and even though I had done my own research for many years, it upset me even more to hear the professors and the students nodding in agreement and I often spoke out against it in my classroom only to have them disagree despite the boldness of contradictions. I'd go to a Pentecostal church on Sundays and I tried to take refuge there (while reading the Bible for myself and doing my own seeking in ways that were safe and comfortable for me). Then one night I had a very personal experience.

With that I had almost completely cut myself off from Christianity. I kept going to my mom and my friends trying to show them the contradictions, to try and show them other ways of looking at things and I joined forums trying to find others of like mind who supported me in my views on Christianity and the issues facing our society. And there are many many others who agreed with me and many many others who agreed with Christianity. Both sides were bantering and one day I found myself in the middle of a tug of war. I was trying to defend both sides (Christian and non-Christian alike) and both were attacking me. I finally took a step back and saw what was really going on. It took me many months before I finally came to a place of understanding and acceptance. I stopped over intellectualizing everything and I decided that at the end of the day, whatever decisions I make had to be a personal one. I didn't have to be any one thing if I chose not to be and I chose to be Christian mystic. I try to focus on my own individual output and what I am contributing to the whole. I saw that it wasn't my job to try and convert anyone, to try and walk them to the light. What I realized was that by raising my own individual level of consciousness, I was somehow affecting others and effecting change in the lives of others as my teachers and mentors were before me.

Good job for taking your life into your own hands. Don't expect others to see your progress and transformation. It's not even worth the energy to fight and explain it. But know that you're growing and continue to do so.

All the best Meta ~

[raykilleen]

Beliefs systems and outward looking are quite the opposite of self inquire/spirituality.

[Metaphysician]

Originally Posted by Dynamist

I empathize with you and I can understand your decisions Metaphysician. I hope you don't mind me sharing...

When I first lost faith in Christianity it was when I began to attend my university (it's Catholic). I just became so disillusioned with all that I was learning and the history and even though I had done my own research for many years, it upset me even more to hear the professors and the students nodding in agreement and I often spoke out against it in my classroom only to have them disagree despite the boldness of contradictions. I'd go to a Pentecostal church on Sundays and I tried to take refuge there (while reading the Bible for myself and doing my own seeking in ways that were safe and comfortable for me). Then one night I had a very personal experience.

With that I had almost completely cut myself off from Christianity. I kept going to my mom and my friends trying to show them the contradictions, to try and show them other ways of looking at things and I joined forums trying to find others of like mind who supported me in my views on Christianity and the issues facing our society. And there are many many others who agreed with me and many many others who agreed with Christianity. Both sides were bantering and one day I found myself in the middle of a tug of war. I was trying to defend both sides (Christian and non-Christian alike) and both were attacking me. I finally took a step back and saw what was really going on. It took me many months before I finally came to a place of understanding and acceptance. I stopped over intellectualizing everything and I decided that at the end of the day, whatever decisions I make had to be a personal one. I didn't have to be any one thing if I chose not to be and I chose to be Christian mystic. I try to focus on my own individual output and what I am contributing to the whole. I saw that it wasn't my job to try and convert anyone, to try and walk them to the light. What I realized was that by raising my own individual level of consciousness, I was somehow affecting others and effecting change in the lives of others as my teachers and mentors were before me.

Good job for taking your life into your own hands. Don't expect others to see your progress and transformation. It's not even worth the energy to fight and explain it. But know that you're growing and continue to do so.

All the best Meta ~

Great story, thanks for sharing!

I agree that we aren't expected to "convert" anyone. I really only enjoy helping those who are seeking enlightenment to discover their personal divinity and power within. There is soooo much else that's happening all around us in other dimensions and so much for us to discover!

[ChildOfNone]

Metaphysician - I find this thread interesting.

I am a Christian though less and less able to participate in church. AS I read your cursory list of things that helped you decide to no longer call yourself a Christian I find myself in strong agreement about the first four. But for me, these are not impediments to my own belief.

As a course of dialogue (rather than argument) I am interested in learning more about how you see these as not able to integrate into your former faith. My most favorite of those you list is #4. I have long been interested in quantum physics and the astounding revelations about consciousness. And while many of my views and my perspective of christianity are unorthodox, I tend to keep my particular views to myself as a means of protecting them from the religious gatekeepers charge of "Heretic".

Would you be interested in expanding on how or why you find the points in #4to be in conflict with christianity? I am interested to learn.

[raykilleen]

Originally Posted by ChildOfNone

I am interested to learn.

If one is truly serious about inquire research Nondualism/Advaita and when you realize the beautiful tool we call the mind is limited (finite), constrained by time/space etc. then you’ll have to purse the old fashion way; direct experience through your true inner nature, poundering simple but profound questions such as “Who Am I?”.

[pianoperformer]

Another step along the spiritual path. Just don't mistaken these new beliefs for the absolute truth.

[Andras]

Christianity once was closer to the Truth. It was called Gnosticism - Read my full blog on Constantine - making of a Saint and I quote

"....The New Dark Ages

Any ground that Constantine gained through his political visions was soon lost as Rome fell to the barbarians. The practice of inquisitions, witch-hunts, and genocides of pagans and non-conformists became the norm. Christian leaders were responsible for identifying, prosecuting, and sentencing suspected heretics. Often, these heretics were simply freethinking individuals who dared to question the state religion or politics. Church leaders, who then possessed almost as much political clout as the leading political party (sometimes more, as political leaders were often “advised” by biased church liaisons), achieved prosecution of heretics by bloody and brutal means. Continuing Constantine’s practice of quickly and brutally quelling any uprising, church leaders put an end to any dissention amongst the public. The church remembered well the divide created by Arianism, and thought it best to avoid a repeat of that ordeal. By papal decree, any dissenters were to be dealt with swiftly. The Da Vinci Code makes frequent reference to the witch-hunts and systematic elimination of pagans and non-conformists, and the subsequent need for secret societies that maintained historical secrets while appearing to conform to what were the current religious and political standards.
...Gnosticism finds its roots in Egypt and is primarily dualistic in nature. Promoting the war of powers that are polar opposites, i.e., good vs. evil, divine power vs. Satan, etc., Gnosticism created a hell where there were once only deceased souls. Valentinian Gnosticism however, as one of the more philosophical of the Gnostic schools of the time, was primarily monistic[iii]. This school of thought (not without its own editorial controversies), drew attention away from the eternal battle of good vs. evil and directed the philosophical mind toward the possibility that behavior and thought are intrinsically motivated and not necessarily church-directed. Evil, according to Gnostic thought is not a parallel force to the divine good. Instead, evil is inferior to divine goodness. There are no parallels, but instead, there are levels of self-knowledge that bring one closer to the divine."

[theuprising]

This was a quote I heard some guru say on TV, it went something like, we don't need anymore Hindus, Buddhists, or Christians. We need more Krishnas, Buddhas, and Jesus'.

[Reefs]

Originally Posted by raykilleen

... poundering simple but profound questions such as “Who Am I?”.

You are recommending self torture? No pain no gain style?

[dream]

Originally Posted by Metaphysician

I've had a major spiritual transformation this year, and I felt compelled to share some of the details that led me to such a change in my beliefs. I don't want to turn this into a "religious" debate or anything, so if it starts coming to that, we can just agree to disagree =) I love everyone, and don't want to cause negative emotions or send negative energy to you. I only want to share my experience in case there is something for someone to gain from it.


I was a devout christian for 10 years, until this year actually. There were many things that led to my decision. I'll share a few of them here...

1) The Inquisition - the organized christian religion has brutally murdered millions upon millions of innocent people over the years through the Inquisition and other events, all because people didn't believe the same way as them. It's also nearly impossible for me to believe that the Bible wasn't at all manipulated while people like that were in power for thousands of years. Christianity breeds intolerance and judgment toward others. Just look at Michelle Bachmann's husband who tries to "cure" gays of their "illness" of being gay. He also referred to gays as "barbarians who need educated". Christianity is largely fear-based.

2) Christianity contradicts well documented archaeological facts, such as the earth and humankind being approx 6,000-7,000 yrs old. It also fails to fully explain many many major issues. That's why there are literally thousands of denominations who all disagree about the same text in the same Bible (what's true and what's not, what is sin and what isn't, who's going to hell and who's not, etc...)

3) It one day occurred to me that it is absurd to believe that all people from all other religions will burn eternally in hell just because they didn't follow the same dogma as christians. Other religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Roman & Greek mythology, etc...) all were created from REAL experiences by MANY people, just like Christianity. I've learned that all religions contain elements of truth, and its up to us to learn as much about each one (and many other inspired teachings) while working within ourselves to reach enlightenment.

4) Modern science and quantum physics are proving the existence of an invisible "source field" of energy that connects us all energetically (spiritually). Experiments with this source field and hypnotism techniques have proven the existence of psychic abilities, out of body experiences (astral projection), and many other phenomena that most people still believe are "unexplained" or that they simply do not exist. Hypnotists can do "past-life regression" with people, and they will explain details of their past lives such as their own name in each life, names of others from that time, and even actual events that they lived. All of this is spoken from the persons subconscious, and they usually can't remember what they said after they've awakened from the hypnotized state.

5) Global UFO sightings and extremely intricate crop circles are occurring in massive volume. The enormous amount of undeniable evidence within this topic cannot just be blown off as insignificant. Just watch the "Ancient Aliens" series by History Channel on youtube if you want dozens of hours of evidence to the reality of this. Just watch ANY popular crop circle documentary on youtube if you are still under the illusion that these are just man-made with a board and some rope, lol.

I could keep going with this list, but these are some of the heaviest things that I contemplated before I redirected my path. I currently do not claim any religion at all, and do not plan to in the future. I do however, still believe in a single divine creator that designed the multi-dimensional universe we live in, and then manifested itself into everything we know as creation today. I believe that those who are creating negative karma by performing deeds that harm or take advantage of others (any deed that doesn't involve love and compassion), will reincarnate after death as many lifetimes as it takes until they learn to live with love and compassion.

Anyways, I just wanted to share my views on this with the hopes that someone is helped by my words. In no way do I mean to start a religious debate. I don't judge Christians at all, and I don't believe you will burn in hell for not believing things like I do.

Love and light to you all!

Namaste

-Metaphysician

I also do not want to debate the very real feelings and thoughts you have expressed in this thread. Neither do I want too offend anyone.

I only want to make make what I hope you think are positive replies.

1) Like School, dating, work, one should always research or search the church that they are comfortable with and one which encourages your spiritual growth or else you should leave or not get involved. Sorry the place you were attending hurt you and your faith in any way. I searched until I found the right one and this applies to every area of my life. PS God loves everyone!

2) It is my understanding that people contradict the bible and do not read but use hearsay as their way to refute, prove or disprove. How people have read at least the whole bible, once, before they have summed up God or give advise and opinions or call themselves Christians. (Ex. I can't go around calling myself a student and working in a certain field if I do not go to school, study textbooks and apply what I am learning. I don't want that kind of Doctor : )

3) Please forgive me for this one as it may be a touchy statement for some and I was actually thinking of writing a thread on this: All the religious leaders were incredible men. I truly love how they fought for political injustices at the time. I admire their humanitarian work as well. I love that they pointed to God or a higher spiritual plain. As far as I know they all stated they were mere men and prophets (who pointed the people against negativity and strive for good). Jesus did this as well and even more, stated he was from God and was God's son. That he was there at creation. It's up to the individual to believe this or not.

4) God is love and God is Energy. We are made of Love and Energy. As you know scientifically energy does not die or be destroyed but is transferred. So what you are saying here makes perfect sense to me.

5) I just created a thread about this in Psychic & Paranormal. It is crazy how much UFO evidence there is and I for one believe we are being visited. (Stay with me here). From the research I have done they are an advance race and believed to be our ancestors. (We may have also figured out in a few centuries how to Time Travel). Remember the Towel of Babel? God said, "If they are this unified in advancement of building there is nothing they will not be able to do. " Anyway the point here is that their advancement is on a spiritual plain as well. After 50 to 60 thousand years into the future we can only hope to be advanced not only mentally. We must appear primitive to them as we can be destructive and selfish. God is always encouraging us against these two things so there is an overall agreement in these two concepts.

The bible teaches us to be open hearted and open minded. It's always about building faith and going to the next stage spiritually. Being a Christian simply means you want to imitate Jesus and do as he would do. Good luck in your decision.

-Dream

[sk8joyful]

Originally Posted by Metaphysician

I've had a major spiritual transformation this year, and

I don't judge Christians at all

Good, that you no have 'argument' with us Christians.

But just so you know, YOUR OWN Salvation,
has nothing to do with Christianity, like some fancy outer clothes.

Your own SALVATION is entirely dependent on YOUR personal Relationship with GOD. Amen! -
And once you understand this, and walk IN HIS WAYS, you won't leave it, that I can guarantee! Amen!

[guthrio]

Originally Posted by Metaphysician

I've had a major spiritual transformation this year, and I felt compelled to share some of the details that led me to such a change in my beliefs. I don't want to turn this into a "religious" debate or anything, so if it starts coming to that, we can just agree to disagree =) I love everyone, and don't want to cause negative emotions or send negative energy to you. I only want to share my experience in case there is something for someone to gain from it.

Anyways, I just wanted to share my views on this with the hopes that someone is helped by my words. In no way do I mean to start a religious debate. I don't judge Christians at all, and I don't believe you will burn in hell for not believing things like I do.

Love and light to you all!

Namaste

-Metaphysician

Metaphysician,

I applaud your decision, and any other you decide to make in furtherance of your efforts to discover the Truth of yourself, by yourself, and FOR yourself, regardless whether one is called Christian, or another faith's name, or no name whatsoever. I also applaud the sincerity and eloquence by which you've described AND accomplished the effort of "letting go" of beliefs which have hampered your Spiritual progess.....

"Searching for yourself is like riding an ox while looking for an ox."

Your search, and the answers you discover, do not happen TO you.....

Your life, and self-discovery, happens......AS you !!

I believe that we were all created by "the Light that enlighteneth every human being" who has EVER lived.

I've come to understand that the struggle is not so much about finding the KEYS to enlightenment (there aren't any because we are ALREADY created as such).......

.....as it is in letting go of the LOCKS (false perceptions) by which we've erroneously allowed ourselves to perceive ourselves....as imprisoned !!

Sometimes it it difficult to grasp that Truth is not based on the name under which you catagorize your beliefs (Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, or whatever). THAT is the part you won't hear from those who've sought to keep access to the Truth about ourselves limited to ONLY a self-approved “credo” of beliefs espoused in some religion's scripture, filled with sanctioned interpretations about it. Our Creator did not create human beings as Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, or any religious faiths we associate with these or any other names (whether I've named them here or not!). These names, believed and acted upon as if relevant, only serve to hide the FACT that the Creator made ALL OF US of His Spirit and AS His Image. Our Creator created human beings, AS HIS VERY SPIRIT AND IMAGE.

We are Who the Creator is in Spirit. As thus created, neither the Divinity of your Being, nor the Divinity of ANYONE's Being need bow or subordinate Itself to any belief, faith, science OR philosophy made in man's ignorance of His Own Divinity. IT IS WE WHO MUST REALIGN OURSELVES with the immutable, perfect principles of our own Being, instead of believing that GOD, Who lovingly created each and every one of us, will somehow become a "respecter of the person" we designate ourselves as, or by believing that He will show favor OR disfavor to the religion or philosophy that we choose to immerse ourselves within or that we think we can "convert someone else to or from" for THEIR benifit....

As author Baird Spalding says in the reference, "Becoming aware of yourself as a spiritual being, offspring of an infinite spiritual system and one with all the powers and capacities within that system, is the very essence of attainment. To grow from the present state of awareness of himself as a material being and into the consciousness that he is a spiritual being contains the full secret of man's attainment.'

In one form or another, enlightened teachers who discovered and taught the Truth in various cultures demonstrated, by the example of their own lives, that we are as our Creator endowed us all to be, and that is as immortal, Spiritual beings who are the Spirit and Image of our Creator. The teachers did NOT do this to form religions OR philosophies. They simply lived the eternal Truth that has ALWAYS been......

We are eternally invited to do the same....

....and to discover how to do it....our OWN way.

Source(s)

Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East (Vols 1 - 6) by Baird T. Spalding

[RonSouther]

Originally Posted by sk8joyful

Good, that you no have 'argument' with us Christians.

But just so you know, YOUR OWN Salvation,
has nothing to do with Christianity, like some fancy outer clothes.

Your own SALVATION is entirely dependent on YOUR personal Relationship with GOD. Amen! -
And once you understand this, and walk IN HIS WAYS, you won't leave it, that I can guarantee! Amen!

But can "HIS WAYS" be anything other than for us to be true to our own God-given nature? Is His way every in contradiction to our true physical, mental and spiritual natures?