[hbrown22]

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or in common terms, a Mormon. We believe in the Bible but we also believe in the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is a record of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas, including present day Guatemala. I respect other religions but I believe with all my heart that it is true. You can PM me if you want more info.

[Saya]

Well I'm Jewish by birth, agnostic by upbringing, questioning by temperament, and "Secular Humanist" according to the quiz! We want to join a synagogue, and there are 3 nearby that look interesting. It's just been hard to find time to visit all three with a VERY active toddler around.

In terms of selecting a place of worship - well obviously you want to choose a place of worship based on how it matches your beliefs. But you may also want to think about what else it offers your life. Programs for your kids? Adult education for you? A social network? I think a church/synagogue/mosque/ashram/whatever works best for you when it is an integral part of your life, not just a place you go once a week (or less).

I realize that's a different question then figuring out what your beliefs are - which is for many a lifelong question! I hope you find your path, wherever it leads you.

[becky]

Just took the quiz and I am an Orthodox Quaker. I used to work for a "Friends" School...so I shouldn't be surprised...very neat!

[hopin4ababy]

Several years ago I had a lady ask me if I had ever read the entire Bible, which I believe to be true. When I told her "no", she asked me how I could possibly know what I believed when I hadn't even read the book I claim is the truth. Well, it hit me hard and I spent the next 6 months reading. It was a wonderful experience for me and one that opened my eyes to what I believe and more importantly why I believe it. Ironically, I ended up at a non-denominational Christian church that had emphasis on Jesus Christ as the Savior and one that chose not to debate the small other issues that didn't really have any relation to salvation. If you do believe the Bible to be the truth, I would recommend that you read it....the New Living verison (very conversational)....and decide from there, for yourself, what you believe. Then, find a church then that matches your emphasis and concerns. It worked for me!! Ali

[arthymom]

A highly interesting thread! I think that it is possible to be a good and deeply spiritual/caring person, attend a house of worship, and not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For me it's about the people/community/clergy.

I am Jewish (not raised strictly at all) but I married someone of the Eastern Orthodox faith! I know, kind of unusual I guess. I will never convert but am really drawn to the Eastern Orthodox faith as well, but a big part of that is that several members of dh's family are priests and AMAZING people. I don't share the beliefs but being in that church helps me see the interconnectedness of the universe and that of what's best of all of humanity.

[widgit]

Do you mind if I ask a few questions?
Do you think you are Christian and are looking for denomination within the Christian Church, or are you questioning which faith tradition altogether? In other words, is your question Baptist or Methodist etc or is your question Christianity or Islam etc?

I am a United Methodist pastor and can assure you that you can often find more differences between churches within a denomination than between two like minded Christian churches of different denominations.

If you are looking for a Christian church and just don't know which one, it's often a lot about style preferences, and which one helps you grow in your relationship with Christ. Yes there are theological differences too, but those differences are often not as large as you may think.

Can you share some of what you are looking for? Life Application or Bible study in the preaching? Great kids programs? Formal or informal? Great missions/social justice programs? Organ or guitar & drums? Large or small?

Based on your needs, I can probably help you screen some churches via webpages and/or the phone. If you are willing to share your city, I *may* even be able to recommend something.

[busterleroy]

Many people searching for peace, religion…many things.. find the book Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza incredibly inspiring.

The famous spiritual author Dr. Wayne Dyer ‘discovered’ Immaculee. He was so moved by her unshakeable faith that he dedicated the book he was writing at the time (entitled ‘Inspiration”) to Immaculee and then introduced her to the world in a PBS special. Her book became a #1 New York Times bestseller, and it appeals to people of all faiths.

Catholics (like me) love her. Protestants love her. Pastor Rick Warren , who wrote The Purpose Driven Life is a fan and wrote the foreward for her second book. Jewish holocaust survivors have publicly come forward, saying she helped them move forward and heal, and some say she helped rediscover their own faith. And many followers of the New Age movement are inspired by her use of visualization.

Her faith literally saved her life, several times. At one point she stared down a killer with a machete, begging the Holy Spirit to descend and touch his heart, letting him see that she too, was a human being. She said something came over his eyes, and all of a sudden he dropped his machete. Subsequent killers who approached her were repelled by an invisible force. All of this took place in front of dozens of witnesses.

I saw her on PBS, and then on 60 Minutes. Her story is incredible, and maybe it will help lead you in the right direction.

[nanjogo]

belonging to an organized religion helps us to "belong". I think we feel we must be a part of something or a family. we cannot make it in this world alone. we all need each other. love forgiveness and kindness. mother therese said it best. God does not ask us to be successful just faithful. loving God and living a christian life is a every day and life long task. search your heart and pray. you will find the answer.

[STEPHANIE1975]

Follow your heart. I am catholic and was raised it. But I too shied away for years. I eventually came back, but you need to find someting that makes you happy with your heart and soul and if that means going to a quiet ark by your self and pay just you and God then so be it. You do not need a building and a leader to talk and pray to God, you just need that fulfillment of what you need. Hope you find what you need.

[workinsallimom]

I'd like to say if you'll just pray, God will show you the right church. It would be great if you'd also read the Bible, God is always listening for a hungry soul.

[angel_bayou]

We have been having this same discussion in our home. We have belonged to the same church for the past ten years, but now they're having some major changes and HUGE issues that don't seem to be near resolving. This is affecting the moral of the church and I no longer feel comfortable there so we visited another church and loved it!! My son even loved it and wants to go back so we may be changing very soon. I want my relationship with God to continue to grow and if you're ot happy with those growing beside you then it makes it hard for you spiritually. At least this is how I feel at this point!

[hscott]

Thank you for quoting Scripture, Jason. That is where we find Truth. Because of man's sin, God sent His only Son to die on a cross long ago so that everyone would be able to be reconciled to Him even though we are sinners. He (Jesus) paid the price for our sins on that cross. All we must do is acknowledge that we are sinners, believe in Him and ask for Him to be the "boss" of our life. He wants a relationship with us and wants us to be with Him for eternity in Heaven.

As far as denominations/religions go-- these Truths are most important and necessary. Yes, there are alot of styles of worship and types of churches. Find one that suits your taste, but don't compromise on the Truths discussed above. I do believe that the "missing piece" in everyone's life is Jesus. God created us and because of sin we have a void that can only be filled by Jesus Christ God's Son.

I pray that all of you who are searching will find the church that you are looking for that allows you to feel a part of a like-minded community and gives you the opportunity to worship God and learn more about Him. Most importantly though, I pray that you have Jesus Christ as the center of your life and know Him personally. Look to the Bible, God's Word to get to know Him better and then find a church that follows and teaches God's Word!

Heather

[Waiting4Celeste]

Originally Posted by qs mom

God will use a way to lead you to wear you should be. Be open to the hints.

I TOTALLY AGREE!

When we moved almost 4 years ago, we had to look for a new church.

We had visited a few churches that didn't feel like "Home" to us.

Then one day, I saw a story in a local magazine about a family who had adopted from Korea and they lived in our area. I told DH that I was going to look them up and call them so we'd find another adoptive family and hopefully new friends! Although I never did because I didn't want them to think I was weird.

So - we finally tried a church that we "just had a feeling about" and we walked in and right away met several other adoptive parents - including the family I saw in the magazine!!

Looking back, I see so many "hints" that God was leading us to our new church home.

Now I am the Ladies Ministry Director at our church and God is doing some great things! The main thing is that it is a BIBLE BASED church with, above all, the belief that Jesus is The Christ, the Son of the Living God and that He died for our sins. Our pastor really focuses on a relationship with Jesus and love for each other.

I pray that you will, too, find your church home.

Watch for the "hints" - if you don't see any, ask God to lead you where He wants you to be. He WILL answer!!

[guatemama94]

I did the quiz and I scored as I am....Eastern Orthodox.

The early Christian church was founded by Jesus himself. The church at that time was actually the Orthodox and Catholic church combined. They were combined and in communion with one another for 1000 years. In the year 1054 the Great Schism occured and the churches separated. Since then there have been many "mini-schisms" that have resulted in all the other Christian religions that exist today.

The Orthodox faith believes many of the same things that the Catholic faith believes. The main differences that come to mind are that clergy are permitted to marry and we don't have one single pope, but a council of bishops to make decisions. The sacraments are the same. Divorce is permitted, but not encouraged. Artificial Birth Control is approved.

Good luck and God bless you on your spiritual journey.

[lyssie]

Your personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the absoloute most important part. I also believe religion is important in life. I love seeing the faith and devotion of our forum friends--God definately loves the little children and will not leave them or those who are caring for them comfortless or alone. I do believe that religion is essential to peace and satisfaction in life! It is a beautiful thing to know so many of us have our hearts open and searching to have and do good in life. I think if you are searching than there must be something to that...

My mom searched when she was about 18 yrs. old and graduating from high school--she also was looking for the missing pieces. What she found was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I have been raised as a member of the Church(the mormons) and LOVE IT!!! I know there are lots of misinformation and strange ideas out there about what LDS people believe but most of them are not true. (like, we don't believe in the bible or that we are not Christians--Like anything good there are always rumors and people who oppose it with all their heart which we see often when the media spins news on Guatemalan adoptions)

If you have any questions about it feel free to pm me. I'd love to share because there is absoloutely nothing more fulfilling, satisfying or dear to my heart than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Religion is essential to my peace and satisfaction in life!!! The knowledge and peace I have in my religion and relationship with our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ are paramount. My husband and family are a VERY close second for my joy which works out perfectly since families are the main emphasis of the church and all of it's teachings.