Born Again Christians. What made you become religious?

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Just curious really, I am interested in finding out what or who converted previously un-religious people to turn to Christianity. Were you brought up in a religious household and decided to become MORE religious? Had you just been looking for something to fill a gap in your life and someone lead you to the Church? Were you unhappy and looking for support? Did you find faith through the Alpha course? Or soemthing more profound? And if you are totally new to Faith, do you really feel as 'in touch' with God as the old timers? Or do you go to Church hoping for a revelation?

Hi, here's my story. I grew up in an atheist household, my parents didn't get me christened and I only went to church with school or brownies/ guides. I always felt that there was something 'more' but just wasn't sure what that was. Then last year when he was 58 my dad very suddenly died. It was a total shock for everyone.

After a few months when things started to settle down I was talking to my husband who said to me that energy isn't created just keeps being transferred. That made me think about dad's energy- where had that gone? Mum also said to me the when she found dad she knew he had already gone- she didn't know where too just that he had gone. Other 'big' questions started to form from that.

One day I visited the local parish church and just sat and prayed, wasn't sure what I was doing it just felt right and comfortable. I also found myself looking at Christian websites and reading the bible and it was like a light had been switched on. It just clicked. I felt more comforted reading the teachings of Jesus than anything else had.

I decided that I wanted to explore more and I went along to church much to my husbands surprise. I tried both a Methodist and the parish church but I felt more at home and comfortable at the parish church. I go every Sunday and I feel renewed refreshed and revitalised for going, it gives me an anchor for the week. As I havn't be christened I don't take communion, I get a blessing. I'mthinking about talking to the vicar about adult baptism. I try to make time for God daily but it's a challenge.

Hope I haven't bored you!

No not bored. Just interested. When you say you try to make time for God, what do you mean? Do you make time by praying? Also what does your mum think ( i am presuming she is around?) as you said you were brought up in an athest household, I can imagine she would have some opinion of your choice to find religion. Do you really feel a connection? what does it feel like, do you really beleive that God is listening? Or are you hoping for a 'WOW' moment, as in he talks back to you?

Also what do your freinds think of your recent conversion? Hope you don't mind me being nosey. I have a friend who has just 'found Jesus' (in her words) and I want to ask her loads of questions, as I don't understand it, but I am worried I would sound condescending if I asked what i really want to ask.

Weeellll..... I pray every day, not in s long rambling way just short little prayers like I'm just talking to someone. It's generally giving thanks for something or to ask for something. Also just spending a few minutes each day thinking. I also try to read scripture daily and try to make sense of it which us a lifetimes work in itself. Also try to be a good Christian which is can be a challenge!

Mum seemed a bit shocked when I told her that I was going to church but to be honest we don't really talk about thing like this. I suspect that she thinks it's a phase. My husband has been very supportive.

As for a connection with God then yes I do, not all the time though. This might sound cheesy but it's when I'm in the fresh air with nature all around me, when I see my children, when I'm concentrating on praying I can feel it in my stonach and at times when I least expect it that I just know I'm not alone and never will be. I don't hear God actually talking to me or anything like that and I'm nit hoping for a wow monent either.

I told my friends before Christmas that I was a Christian and some of them laughed at meand some if them were really supportive. The ones that laughed still want to know if I'm the same person and do the same
things as before. Errrr, yes! I'm still me! We don't really talk about religion and 'big stuff' and I don't bring it up with them as I don't want to ram what I believe down their throats.

I think that you should ask your friend any question that wil help you understand- I think it's lovely that you are doing so. By they way don't take my answers
as how all Christians feel- it's not!

Bit of a long one- happy to answer anything else you want to ask. I certainly don't know it all though!