My whole life i’ve been an absolute atheist, with some pagan beliefs along the way for a bit as well.

My grandma is a jehovah’s witness and overall i’ve found a lot of issues with christianity as a whole.

I never thought id ever even consider asking this, but how can i start educating myself on christianity? it feels like out of no where i started having dreams about god, having the desire to pray, and just a sudden interest about it in general.

i just feel kind of stuck, the idea of heaven and hell troubles me, the idea of sin, etc. is it possible to view these things as strictly symbolical?

I am so so uneducated on christianity and the bible, I don’t even know how to start reading the bible or where to get the “right” one.

sorry if any of this sounds totally ignorant! i’ve been trying to do research on my own, but I’d love to hear some of your thoughts on this.

Thank you!

  • Master@lemm.eeEnglish
    7·
    11 days ago

    Humans are biologically programmed to have a euphoric experience when presented with something beyond their ability to understand. For example contemplating the massive expansive of the cosmos and how it all began etc.

    As we get older our brains take damage and slow down resulting in a coping mechanism very similar to the above mentioned phenomenon.

    As we approach death and old age we tend to shift towards religion as a way to both biologically and psychologically cope. Even the most avid atheist will see and feel that shift inside themselves. Stress is also a factor.

    That is not to say that god isn’t real. I dont know that and no one else does either. This could all be his plan for everything. Or it could just be a damaged and stressed brain trying to cope.

    On the plus side… Religious people love to talk about what they believe. You can get a bible just about anywhere for free. There are thousands of online videos of sermons and talks. All the tools you are looking for are out there. But you will also probably be drawn to an active organization because again humans are biologically drawn to form groups of like minded individuals as a protection mechanism.