Is this a bad thing to get into?

[darlingdaffodils]

I wasn't raised in any religion and sort of ended up feeling like something was missing. I started searching around various Christian denominations (as I felt a really strong call to Christianity) and spent a few months at a local Methodist church. It really wasn't what I expected. :( It just seemed like something people did on a Sunday (sat through a short sermon and then had a coffee and chat) without much emphasis on living by the Bible day to day.

Now I have been chatting to a Jehovah's Witness couple that came to the door and went to a Sunday meeting (just one) and it was so different to the church. The lady was telling me about they way they live and how it is all based on the Bible. She joined in her 30s and said she had to give up smoking as Jehovah's Witnesses don't smoke. I think they drink though.

Anyway! I am freaked out now as I have heard some bad things about them and even heard it described as a cult. You don't really see other Christian churches (Methodist etc.) described like that. So now I am really torn and worried that I might get into something I shouldn't. They all seemed so friendly but then my rational side is saying that they would always be nice to the new visitor. The Jehovah's Witness that invited me lives really close to me and was talking about getting me some books and said about a Bible study. It would be nice to have someone to talk to but at the same time I am worried that it wouldn't be real. I don't have many friends at all and none that are Christian church goers. So I feel kind of lonely.

I just don't trust my judgement! :(

[darlingdaffodils]

The disowning thing is strange. :(

I can't imagine not being able to read all the books I want! I read LOADS!

[specialsubject]

trust your instincts. Find a group that doesn't dictate how you live your life.

[stressedHEmum]

It's very controlling. Over time, you find that "your conscience" won't let you do a lot of stuff, like read fantasy books, because Jehovah won't like it. The shunning begins to seem quite reasonable as well, because you need to keep the congregation "clean" and avoid worldly influences.

The insularity of the whole thing really shapes your thinking. Because you aren't exposed to/avoid outside opinion or people, or anything really, and because you believe that the governing body are God's mouthpiece on Earth and in direct contact with him, it all makes a strange kind of sense.

It's really hard to break away and even after you leave, the thought processes and fear can stay with you for years and years.

[Nicknamegrief]

Just to clarify an earlier statement about Mormons- they are Christians. The full name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jesus Christ and his divinity are at the centre of their doctrine and teachings.

If you are a practising member of the church it's no coffee or tea but birthdays are good to go.

Check out //www.mormon.org- there are lots of us out there.

[Italiangreyhound]

darlingdaffodils how is it going?

If you can't find an Alpha course locally why not see what mainstream churches there are locally and if any are running any kind of seeker friendl courses out there. E.G.

'Glad you asked' or 'The Emmaus Course'.

Hope you find something useful.

[Yougotbale]

You should look at Islam or Buddhism too. You don't want to choose the wrong religion for you. There are many Gods around and many cultures.

Or maybe the 'void in your life' is not religion at all?