Post: #1

As Christians have any of you been angry at god? (last yr)
A few personal situations have happened to me and my family, which slowly lead me to have a bitterness toward god. I've been filled with hate, and bitterness toward church my dad and god. And I was at a point where I would say " fuck god ", the hardest part was not being able to talk to anyone about my difficulties.

I don't want to be filled with hate and bitterness, and unforgiveness I just walk around like a zombie, a body without a soul.

my plan is to-
1.read the bible, pray constantly.
2.to talk less, listen and forgive others for there actions.
3. Workout, stop watching porn, and tv.
Any ideas, and suggestions, will be greatly appreciated.
Writing this out brought me a lot of peace Surprisingly, thank you everyone, have a great week.

Post: #2

I like first part of"1", "2" and all of "3".
Instead of listening and forgiving others, stay out of toxic people that bring you down, and be masculine and don't let other step on your toes. Instead of praying all time, be productive, god won't make the things you can do by yourself.

Post: #3

That's one aswell to be with people that encourage me such as rvf members, and not toxic people.

Post: #4

Let me add on some other suggestions for you. When reading the bible, try to explain it or read it to someone else. Seek out in person or online bible study groups.

Try to conquer porn and listen to pastor charles lawson sermons.

Post: #5

I'm in a similar situation to yours. All address your points in order

1)for reading the bible I suggest getting a copy of one in modern english this will make it much easier to read compared to the King James version. I'd also make praying part of your daily routine like when you get up or before you go to bed that's what I always do

2) make a habit of listening to others in trying not to interrupt in conversations I know this may seem like very basic advice but it will go a long way in forming friendships and having meaningful conversations.

3) to stop watching porn tried to distract yourself with something for myself when I'm feeling the urge I will watch a video on youtube or listen to a podcast

I hope this information helps

Post: #6

I'm an atheist, but I've always considered religion to be a personal thing which:

a) non religious people shouldn't interfere with (unless it's damaging)
And more relevantly
b) Any weaknesses in their faith should be considered of their own accord.

I find that if you question your religion, but are surrounded/influenced by those that do not you will only experience bias and never be able to truly walk your own path - be it one of faith or not.

Because who is the stronger person - one who is able to retain their faith on their own, or others who need those with bias to retain it. The same goes with all things, if you believe you are healthy in spite of being grossly obese if you call it to question but are surrounded by fat acceptance advocates you will eventually believe you are healthy again.

I'm not trying to discourage you from your religion, but is it really that healthy to harbor hate which will return next time things aren't going your way? Or perhaps you need to believe the often stated "God has his ways".

There's always the chance that he doesn't exist and you're directing hate at nothing, which is also futile and you might want to consider that he doesn't rather than believe he has it out for you. But that's obviously coming from an Atheist's perspective to take it with a pinch of salt.

Love God for his ways, even if they seem objectionable to you, or realise there isn't one to do such things to you. Either conclusion should be reached by you, I cannot stress that enough.

My girlfriend goes through the same, I will still drag her to church unless she tells me "I'm no longer religious".

Post: #7

the only way OUT is THROUGH. to be free of anger, resentment and bitterness, allow yourself to feel them FULLY with NO INNER RESISTANCE. just make sure you don't slaughter anyone while doing it. recall binding of isaac in those time :-)

Post: #8

So you have some issues and your solution to that is to read the bible, pray to some authoritarian god who will make things better for you, forgive people more, listen more and and generally be a nicer, more docile version of yourself?

Now, why wouldn't that work?

These organized religions dont have any assumed prestige or value by default. The God or the Church should be expected to provide real tangible value before it can be given respect. If it is not working for you you should not be afraid to see the problem with the religion instead of internalizing it and blaming yourself.

Religions like to blame the individual (Or satan) for those who are not at ease with it, when in infact it is their own shortcomings that are the cause.

Post: #9

I would say you have to find out first who God is. If you are on that track, it makes Mr. Kavi's post above irrelevant, although he gets at something that is much deeper, which is "organized religions" outside of the real truth of life will be at best self help systems (that which provide "tangible value"), and at worst, utterly demonic entities.

Maybe before you find out who God is, which may be an eternal thing, ask yourself, why do you "blame" God for anything? So I don't put words in your mouth, maybe it is best you first answer this question yourself.

Post: #10

(04-04-2017 09:37 PM)Robert Rule Wrote:  As Christians have any of you been angry at god? (last yr)
A few personal situations have happened to me and my family, which slowly lead me to have a bitterness toward god. I've been filled with hate, and bitterness toward church my dad and god. And I was at a point where I would say " fuck god ", the hardest part was not being able to talk to anyone about my difficulties.

I don't want to be filled with hate and bitterness, and unforgiveness I just walk around like a zombie, a body without a soul.

my plan is to-
1.read the bible, pray constantly.
2.to talk less, listen and forgive others for there actions.
3. Workout, stop watching porn, and tv.
Any ideas, and suggestions, will be greatly appreciated.
Writing this out brought me a lot of peace Surprisingly, thank you everyone, have a great week.

God can handle you being angry at him. When you pray, tell him exactly what is on your mind, and wait for an answer.

Some Christians have had success with handing all their problems over to Jesus, as in, while they are praying, they say, Jesus, take my bitterness, and they imagine themselves handing the negative feeling over to Jesus to do with what he will.

Remember too, that part of being a Christian is loving others as we love ourselves, and if you don't love yourself, you won't be able to do it. God loves your angry, bitter, porn watching, unforgiving self, and while you probably could find it within yourself to love someone else who has these qualities, you are probably having trouble loving yourself with them.

Remember too that all of the prophets struggled with God, or fought angels, or ran from what was expected of them, and there is a reason why in the Old Testament that God (The Big G) says, "Come and let us reason together."

He much prefers someone who actively engages with him to some lukewarm weekend Christian, even if it is in an angry way. Many are the Christian mystics over the centuries who felt far from God, sometimes for decades, and this is not an unusual phase, and you are in good company.

Keep at it, keep the lines of communication open, and don't beat yourself up too much for the horrible sin of being a human being.

Post: #11

QFT:

(04-05-2017 10:33 AM)debeguiled Wrote:  [...]

He much prefers someone who actively engages with him to some lukewarm weekend Christian, even if it is in an angry way. Many are the Christian mystics over the centuries who felt far from God, sometimes for decades, and this is not an unusual phase, and you are in good company.

[...]

Post: #12

(04-04-2017 09:37 PM)Robert Rule Wrote:  As Christians have any of you been angry at god? (last yr)
A few personal situations have happened to me and my family, which slowly lead me to have a bitterness toward god.

If you really believe in God and the bible, its important to understand that you are given free will.
"God dignifies us with free will, the power to make decisions of our own rather than having God or fate predetermine what we do."

It means there is not a deity there with his hand on the controls doing everything to your life. Its all up to you, and random events that happen.

Think about it. You hear all the time a church catches on fire. A church destroyed by a tornado. Recently in Texas there was a crash with a church bus and 13 loyal followers killed instantly. Think about typhoons, earthquakes, and other disasters. Thousands of people killed, or their homes taken away. People starving. You think God takes time from this busy schedule to cause your personal situations to you and your family?
No. Its just random occurrences. Laws of physics. Don't fool yourself.

Post: #13

(04-04-2017 09:47 PM)Rocha Wrote:  I like first part of"1", "2" and all of "3".
Instead of listening and forgiving others, stay out of toxic people that bring you down, and be masculine and don't let other step on your toes. Instead of praying all time, be productive, god won't make the things you can do by yourself.

Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean you continue enabling or tolerating bad behavior. Kind of like my ex: I no longer hold a grudge against her, but there's no way in hell she is ever getting back in my life.

Post: #14

(04-05-2017 12:18 PM)Easy_C Wrote:  

(04-04-2017 09:47 PM)Rocha Wrote:  I like first part of"1", "2" and all of "3".
Instead of listening and forgiving others, stay out of toxic people that bring you down, and be masculine and don't let other step on your toes. Instead of praying all time, be productive, god won't make the things you can do by yourself.

Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean you continue enabling or tolerating bad behavior. Kind of like my ex: I no longer hold a grudge against her, but there's no way in hell she is ever getting back in my life.

The point I tried to pass was more on prevention instead of mitigation. I am also not grudgeful.

Post: #15

(04-04-2017 09:37 PM)Robert Rule Wrote:  As Christians have any of you been angry at god? (last yr)
A few personal situations have happened to me and my family, which slowly lead me to have a bitterness toward god. I've been filled with hate, and bitterness toward church my dad and god. And I was at a point where I would say " fuck god ", the hardest part was not being able to talk to anyone about my difficulties.

When did God ever promise you and your family an easy, happy life? Where did you read that in the Bible? Pain and suffering are the rule in this fallen world. Rather than looking at your recent troubles as being some terrible, unique circumstance, you should instead be grateful for the many previous years that were mostly free of those sort of trials and tribulations. Everyone in this world goes through hard times at some point. For Christians, these personal troubles can actually be a blessing because they force us to reevaluate our priorities and recognize the primary importance of faith in God. Through experiencing pain and loss we are forced to confront the fact that ultimately this entire life we treasure so much - all of the possessions, all of the pleasures, all of the achievements, all of the friends and family we cherish - will pass away and turn to dust. Everything will be lost to death, it's just a matter of time. Thus it behooves us to not get too caught up in the troubles of this world and to steer our focus towards eternity. From this perspective we can see that our entire existence in this world is a sort of crucible that tests our faith and perseverance. Ultimately everything else will be burned away - only the spiritual fruits will remain (Proverbs 17:3).

Some other verses:

James 1:2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:3-5

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Post: #16

Thank You very much everyone. I'm truly grateful. I'm much more joyful, and at peace with god. And reading these posts I understand my hate toward god was unjust. Thank you scorpion your post opened my eyes , and allowed me to see what happened as a trial. I was driving and singing hymns, after reading these posts I truly came back to god.

Post: #17

(04-05-2017 02:20 PM)Rocha Wrote:  

(04-05-2017 12:18 PM)Easy_C Wrote:  

(04-04-2017 09:47 PM)Rocha Wrote:  I like first part of"1", "2" and all of "3".
Instead of listening and forgiving others, stay out of toxic people that bring you down, and be masculine and don't let other step on your toes. Instead of praying all time, be productive, god won't make the things you can do by yourself.

Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean you continue enabling or tolerating bad behavior. Kind of like my ex: I no longer hold a grudge against her, but there's no way in hell she is ever getting back in my life.

The point I tried to pass was more on prevention instead of mitigation. I am also not grudgeful.

There's family, I cant ignore or leave and they argue, or have stubbornness at times, and we would argue. Which is why I'm trying to have love toward them and listen/forgive.

Post: #18

(04-05-2017 09:08 PM)Robert Rule Wrote:  

(04-05-2017 02:20 PM)Rocha Wrote:  

(04-05-2017 12:18 PM)Easy_C Wrote:  

(04-04-2017 09:47 PM)Rocha Wrote:  I like first part of"1", "2" and all of "3".
Instead of listening and forgiving others, stay out of toxic people that bring you down, and be masculine and don't let other step on your toes. Instead of praying all time, be productive, god won't make the things you can do by yourself.

Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean you continue enabling or tolerating bad behavior. Kind of like my ex: I no longer hold a grudge against her, but there's no way in hell she is ever getting back in my life.

The point I tried to pass was more on prevention instead of mitigation. I am also not grudgeful.

There's family, I cant ignore or leave and they argue, or have stubbornness at times, and we would argue. Which is why I'm trying to have love toward them and listen/forgive.

Pray that the Lord changes their hearts. And also pray for yourself that he may grant you the ability to act justly and wisely as Christ would in such a situation.

Hopefully they are saved but if not pray for their souls.

And while others have quite adequately laid out that nowhere in scripture God promises freedom from suffering.

Rather God makes use of unjust suffering to mould you to be more like Christ. To be holy and to be a hero of faith that is more worthy of that the final glory(although Christ made it possible in the 1st place by his perfect works)

When Paul suffered unjustly he proclaimed:
Romans 8:18

Quote:''I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.''

The scripture tells us we live in a fallen world dominated by the evil one and that we are fighting a spiritual war against the powers unseen in the heavenly realm.

Suffering is most especially the lot of a soldier.

People think heaven is all about what is given to you. But heaven is also about what you become:

2 Peter 1:3-4

Quote:''3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. ''

What the above passage states is this concept of divinization. That whilst we reach "godhood'' we never actually become divine like an mathematical asymptote which never achieves zero and goes on for infinity.

As creatures this is the closet we can get.

As Believers we will receive the crown of glory(1 Peter 5:4)

Post: #19

(04-06-2017 06:34 AM)infowarrior1 Wrote:  People think heaven is all about what is given to you. But heaven is also about what you become:

infowarrior has the wisdom of the Fathers. This idea is what actually separates truth from falsehood, essentially pointing out bad teachings and "religion"

Why does the christian want to go to "heaven" (or why should he)? Because that's where Jesus Christ is.

Think about it, it's actually why so many people don't want to go there. Though they claim they do.

"And this is eternal life. That they may know you the True God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

"Heaven" is the destination of the sojourner who realizes that this world is not his home. If you don't know where you are and where you are going, however, how would you ever get there?

Post: #20

In many religions, Heaven is where you finally get to do all the things you aren't allowed to do in this life. In Christianity, it's where you're finally free from all the temptations and fails of this life.

Post: #21

Yes I've hated God before. No, you're not alone in your thoughts and feelings. I don't know if this is the best advice, but I'll just share with you what I've done.

Live your life as if no 'higher-power' is watching you, guiding you, or helping you. Take personal responsibility for everything that happens to you in your life. Do not blame God when something bad or terrible happens to you. It's your fault, not Gods. Sure, God could've prevented it (if He even pays attention), but he didn't.

Don't ask yourself, 'How did God let this happen to me?' Just try to find the bad decision you made, and don't make it again. Contemplating why God let this happen, or that happen, is a waste of energy. It yields absolutely nothing but negative thoughts and emotions.

Post: #22

OP - This is one of those situations where it would be good to get a counselor OUTSIDE of your church / Christianity situation.

You need someone to give you feedback and to listen to your experiences who isn't enmeshed in the same world you are in. You mentioned you can't really talk to anyone, this causes stewing and the festering of wounds and resentment. You need an open window, fresh air, someone skilled at giving feedback.

Seriously, look up a counselor in your area. He should be at least 5-10 years older than you, go to him and talk it all out. Seriously, it will help. Invest in 5-10 sessions at least.

Also, quit porn and workout. These are primary.

Post: #23

(04-06-2017 07:07 PM)Hoser Wrote:  In many religions, Heaven is where you finally get to do all the things you aren't allowed to do in this life. In Christianity, it's where you're finally free from all the temptations and fails of this life.

Yes. And we must always keep in mind that Paradise is the result of God. Where God is absent there cannot be paradise. For Paradise is akin to a fountain and God is its fountainhead indeed one finds much greater joy in drinking from the fountainhead than the more diluted stream further from the fountainhead.

Post: #24

(04-07-2017 09:25 AM)Slam Wrote:  OP - This is one of those situations where it would be good to get a counselor OUTSIDE of your church / Christianity situation.

You need someone to give you feedback and to listen to your experiences who isn't enmeshed in the same world you are in. You mentioned you can't really talk to anyone, this causes stewing and the festering of wounds and resentment. You need an open window, fresh air, someone skilled at giving feedback.

Seriously, look up a counselor in your area. He should be at least 5-10 years older than you, go to him and talk it all out. Seriously, it will help. Invest in 5-10 sessions at least.

Also, quit porn and workout. These are primary.

I understand having someone who isn't Christian listening, not many Christians at my church would be able to hear me saying "fuck god", I checked out a few counselors, a bit pricey, but is a counselor really a good idea, I'm not trying to be rude. It's just most are women, and again this thread really helped. Do you have any experience going to a counselor? What are the pros and cons? why not just meet up with forum members or other people who have wisdom to lead me into the right direction.

Post: #25

(04-06-2017 06:34 AM)infowarrior1 Wrote:  

(04-05-2017 09:08 PM)Robert Rule Wrote:  

(04-05-2017 02:20 PM)Rocha Wrote:  

(04-05-2017 12:18 PM)Easy_C Wrote:  

(04-04-2017 09:47 PM)Rocha Wrote:  I like first part of"1", "2" and all of "3".
Instead of listening and forgiving others, stay out of toxic people that bring you down, and be masculine and don't let other step on your toes. Instead of praying all time, be productive, god won't make the things you can do by yourself.

Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean you continue enabling or tolerating bad behavior. Kind of like my ex: I no longer hold a grudge against her, but there's no way in hell she is ever getting back in my life.

The point I tried to pass was more on prevention instead of mitigation. I am also not grudgeful.

There's family, I cant ignore or leave and they argue, or have stubbornness at times, and we would argue. Which is why I'm trying to have love toward them and listen/forgive.

Pray that the Lord changes their hearts. And also pray for yourself that he may grant you the ability to act justly and wisely as Christ would in such a situation.

Hopefully they are saved but if not pray for their souls.

And while others have quite adequately laid out that nowhere in scripture God promises freedom from suffering.

Rather God makes use of unjust suffering to mould you to be more like Christ. To be holy and to be a hero of faith that is more worthy of that the final glory(although Christ made it possible in the 1st place by his perfect works)

When Paul suffered unjustly he proclaimed:
Romans 8:18

Quote:''I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.''

The scripture tells us we live in a fallen world dominated by the evil one and that we are fighting a spiritual war against the powers unseen in the heavenly realm.

Suffering is most especially the lot of a soldier.

People think heaven is all about what is given to you. But heaven is also about what you become:

2 Peter 1:3-4

Quote:''3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. ''

What the above passage states is this concept of divinization. That whilst we reach "godhood'' we never actually become divine like an mathematical asymptote which never achieves zero and goes on for infinity.

As creatures this is the closet we can get.

As Believers we will receive the crown of glory(1 Peter 5:4)

It's been tough, but I was remembering the Romans 8:18 verse, and everything everyone wrote, I was struggling, I actually got to my knees put my hands together, and prayed. the weight was lifted off instantly. It's a battle, but I'm fighting.