The Journey to Questioning Traditional Religion: A Personal Account

My journey to question the authenticity of traditional religion began when I was a young student grappling with the many different gods worshipped in various cultures. Early exposure to Bhagwadgita and Lord Krsna's virat swarup provided me with a profound understanding that all gods are essentially one and the same, even if human beings imagine them differently.

Archaeological and Historical Scrutiny

From a young age, I had a deep fascination with history and archaeology. This passion led me to read The Bible cover to cover multiple times, yet I found little that held up under scrutiny. The contradictions within the text were glaring, and the lack of archaeological evidence for many historical events, such as the Exodus, further fueled my skepticism. Over the past three decades, the historical evidence for the Exodus has been severely questioned, making religion increasingly moot for me.

Personal Experiences and Conflicts with Faith

One significant experience that highlighted my growing doubts was when I became pregnant at 14 years old. My mother's reaction was inflammatory and her judgmental attitude left a lasting impact. She encouraged me to come before the congregation and confess my sins, while my father provided support with a more nurturing approach. This judgmental environment, which included strict rules about social interactions, smoking, cursing, drinking, and Sunday activities, was stifling to me. Feeling trapped in a religion that did not align with my values, I eventually left the zealous Bible church and joined a Unity church. The new church’s approach, which was more accepting and positive, provided a much-needed relief from the judgmental atmosphere that had suffocated me before.

Further Criticism of Religious Texts

As a teenager, laying out the four books of Christ’s story, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, side by side, I noticed little coordination among them. Contradictions abounded, such as different accounts of the Virgin Birth, resurrection, and the identity of the wise men. The failure of religious leaders to address these contradictions suggests a lack of clarity and consistency in religious texts.

Personal Reassessment and Departure from Catholicism

During my teenage years, every Sunday mass my parents took me to had an uneasy feeling. Later, my interactions with unhappy nuns and Jesuit priests reinforced my decision to leave Catholicism. At 16, I found a more liberating environment by getting a job and never returning to Catholicism. My perspective on religion took another significant turn at age 30 when I volunteered to study Bible Prophecy. This study reignited my faith, creating a deep spiritual connection that I felt was very much in line with the teachings of Jesus as he recommended.

The process of questioning traditional religion and seeking my own path has been challenging yet fulfilling. My journey highlights the importance of personal inquiry and authenticity in religious belief. By critically examining historical and textual evidence, as well as personal experience, one can find a more meaningful and inclusive spiritual journey.