Hi, Tom!! It's been a long time since you were at the Feelings thread. Thanks for coming over, and saying something so wise and honest. You are really young, and part of that period of life for a lot of us is dealing with ever-changing belief systems. I remember doing a lot of searching when I was in college, getting blown away by philosophy professors, Catholic folk masses (they were brand new when I was young), the book "Siddhartha", and all sorts of belief systems that were pulling me in different ways. It's kind of a difficult time in that a lot is uncertain, but still very exciting.
Have you read "The Power of Myth" by Joseph Campbell, or watched any of the videos of it, the discussions with Bill Moyers? The reason I thought of it when I read your post is that Campbell is very wise about explaining how God is within us, and in tying together the various mythologies and religions from a lot of times and cultures,and getting to some essential truths. So instead of feeling pulled apart, you feel made whole in a way. I am watching the series of videos now, and am feeling very peaceful. He has a lot to say about Christianity which Emile would probably be repulsed by, but which more moderate, or questioning, Christians could readily embrace to make sense of things, and end up with their faith evolving, instead of losing it completely.
Good luck with all of that, and best wishes!! |
