A reader asked if I could answer the following question: “Can you write about the difference between true believing and wanting to believe when it comes to religion?”
And though I tend not to cover the topic of religion on my blog (I subscribe to the philosophy that every person as the right to believe “how, where, or what they may.”) I figured this question is broad enough in scope that it could benefit all.
As many of you know, I follow the faith and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What I write here are my feelings (My Opinion, if you will). For anyone interested in finding out what it is I believe, I would direct you to go to an official Web site of the Church – my posts are my opinions.
The way I see it is wanting to believe is merely the first step in actually believing. There are those who, believing comes easily. However, that shouldn’t discourage someone form wanting to believe – hope. Hope is the initial seed of faith: regardless of religion.
You know, I read a great chapter of scripture that answers this question – chapter 32 of the Book of Alma found in the Book of Mormon. Even if you’re not Mormon, it helps distinguish having faith and desiring to have faith.
I hope that helps (without being preachy).
DON,
CAN I ASK YOU A QUESTION,DO YOU EVER REPLY TO YOUR POSTS THAT YOU GET,OR IS IT JUST MINE YOUR NOT REPLYING TO.
CAN I ASK YOU PEOPLE A QUESTION, HAVE ANY OF YOU EVER BEEN AN NONE BELIEVER, IM FINDING IT A LITTLE HARD AT THE MOMENT,WITH A FEW THINGS AND JUST WOUNDERING IF, THE CHURCH DOES HELP,
I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT CAN DO FOR ME AND HOW,
YOU DONT HAVE TO ANSWER IF YOU DONT WANT TO,ILL UNDERSTAND..
CU ALY XXXX
CAN I ASK YOU PEOPLE A QUESTION, HAVE ANY OF YOU EVER BEEN AN NONE BELIEVER, IM FINDING IT A LITTLE HARD AT THE MOMENT,WITH A FEW THINGS AND JUST WOUNDERING IF, THE CHURCH DOES HELP,
I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT CAN DO FOR ME AND HOW,
YOU DONT HAVE TO ANSWER IF YOU DONT WANT TO,ILL UNDERSTAND..
CU ALY XXXX
Thanks, D!
Very well put! Faith, it’s one of my absolute favorite topics. Thank you for your insight. In our world, it takes guts to speak from your heart, and courtesy to do it in a respectful manner! You did both.
What I think about belief or believing in something, whatever it might be. Is that it is usually a turn of events or feelings when you need to start believing. As crossroads come your way you have to ponder them. Now in a religious sense. We as humans have a lot of pondering in life. I think this is the Lords way of having us grow. He puts something in front of us to gain faith. From having this faith we ponder, pray, contemplate, and then we begin to get greater faith and from this we begin to believe.
I know my thoughts are simple. But to coin the question, this is what I believe. Good Luck in your quest!
It’s good to have spiritual content, thanks.
Although I am Catholic I have a copy of the Book of Mormon, I’ll have a read.
I’m glad you touched religion. I agree with you that everyone has thier free choice on what to believe, but I also believe with having the knowlege you have a responsiblity to share. Now that doesn’t mean to blog it. Or preach it. Or instigate it. It means when someone asks you share your beliefs, like you did without being rude or condesending. You did a good job. Kudos!
Very well said Don, your momma should be proud of you!
Although I do not share your particular LDS beliefs, I agree 100% with your statement of hope being the initial seed of faith.
My personal “tag line” (if you will) is, “With every sunrise there is hope.” A new day, a new start and the darkness has faded into the past.
Hope is what we all need to survive.
Thank you! I went right away and read that chapter of Alma. And it helped quite a few thoughts click.
I’m rather interested in what some of your other readers have to say.