Hi,
I’m a teen and interested in Buddhism, but I come from a pretty religious (Christian) family. My question is, are there any former Christians here? If so could you share your story (i.e. why did you leave Christianity for Buddhism? What school are you practicing?)?
Thanks!
I used to be a Christian... or so I thought. When I was a child it always felt like my head was there, but my heart wasn't, and I didn't understand why for a long time. It used to plague me, because everytime I prayed or said the word "Jesus" I felt like a fake. All of the worrying about what God would think about me and what I should do about getting into heaven eventually drove me off the deep end and as far from Christianity as possible. But it wasn't just the worrying. It was everyone else. All the other Christians I saw seemed so fake too, and I couldn't understand why they didn't feel guilty. Lying to yourself is the worst sin you can commit.
I floundered for a couple of years. I knew that there was something wrong with my faith. I have never liked church. I have a panic attack everytime I go into one, because I feel like everyone is judging me. Sadly, they probably were. I looked into other religions but felt guilty because I was raised baptist. It was like turning my back on part of my childhood.
But then I discovered Buddhism and it just felt like home. I can't explain it, but it fit. I don't feel phony when I say I am a Buddhist, because I know that is what I am. I realized that if your religion doesn't make you happy, if it causes you distress and worry, then it is defeating the purpose of religion. Buddhism makes me feel so calm. I haven't had a panic attack in two years. It fits every aspect of my personality.
One thing I liked about Buddhism is that it encourages you to question everything, and make your own decisions about rightness, and goodness. In Christianity, it felt like a constant struggle, where if you picked the wrong path, it went to hell. Buddhism has many paths, and all lead to enlightenment. I like that. And, so far, I have not met a phony Buddhist. No Tammy Faye Baker's in Buddhism. No Pat Robertson.
I haven't settled on a particular school yet, but it's looking like Mahayana right now. I am too far away from a temple anyways. Not many Buddhist temples in the south. :)
Buddhism is not right for everyone. There are genuine Christians out there. I have much respect for Christianity still. But it wasn't for me. What I do not respect is fakeness and lies. If you feel like in your heart you don't believe the things that Christianity says, look elsewhere. But if it makes your heart happy and you feel most at home in Christianity, stick with it, please.
Hi and yes I use to be a Christian well I still kind of am. I just want to say that Christians and Buddhist are a like in a lot of ways a like. Both religions have around the same morals. Though if anyone would ask me what my religion is I would definitely say Buddhism. I converted to Buddhism because it is a religion that gives me comfort and safety. It was only a year ago that I began to read and understand Buddhism. My dad was a big Christian so I could never tell him about my beliefs. Still I have not chosen between the different branches of Buddhism. I am leaning towards either Tibetan or Zen. Both appeal to me, but it is very hard to choose. Even though I have only been counting myself as a Buddhist for about a year I have always meditated. I found comfort in the peace of mind I get when I clear my head and think of nothing. I can't say I'm the greatest at meditation, but my record is 30 minutes. So what's your story? Are you thinking of converting?
