an unreligious fishy timidly swimming by...

[Darrell]

eeek I am so :scared

A little question I guess - I know some people confide in chaplain's etc .... how does this help you? I am just trying to work out why on earth I have just emailed the college chaplain with a brief summary of my religious muddly state - and could really use any words of wisdom on how such guidance has helped you.

I really don't know what I believe any more. My beliefs were crushed by someone else's doubt and judgement... I had pushed it to the back of my mind but suddenly it is bubbling right up and really concerning me

I think I might never be strongly religious - but I don't always have to be afraid, do I?

[cjsmiley]

:hugon Darrell :hugoff

I'm glad you swam by this board... I haven't had much contact with chaplains/pators/ministers in the area of the ed. I spoke with my previous minister about four years ago because I knew it was something that affected him. But, there's probably a reason you emailed the chaplain - it may an area that s/he can be of help.

There are a couple of women from my church from whom I have received incredible support. One is the pastor's wife, and another is a lady who is just amazingly understanding, compassionate, and loving. I would tend to think that college chaplains may have more experience in "our" area.

You said you, "...might never be strongly religious..." - this may be an area the chaplain can assist you. Sort of help you to figure out what you believe, why you believe it, and perhaps to salvage the beliefs you had that were run-over by somebody else.

I don't consider myself "religious" (I could give you a long discertation, but will refrain!). But, I have a living relationship with Jesus Christ. I, personally, see it as being different....

College/university is a really odd time of life. Even though you are your own individual, there are so many other pressures on you, and you are still sort of being herded along like cattle (my experience, at least). So, perhaps this chaplain can help you determine how you are different from the rest of the herd - in terms of your beliefs, etc.

Does that help any.....???

~cjsmiley

[karemore]

Spiritual guidance and religious guidance are often two different things. You may have contacted the Chaplain because he was someone you believe to hold answers to the many questions floating around inside of you.

Many people attend church "religiously" and follow all the rules, but don't know how to communicate directly with God. People who are religious often feel they need a middleman, a priest or someone to pray for them and tell them what to do and tell them they are forgiven.

Spiritual individuals, may attend church. But they KNOW God. They know they can pray anywhere and be heard. They know that they can be contacted directly by God, whether it be through their dreams, ideas, or just having the right person come along at exactly the right time.

This Chaplain may have something to offer you. He may not. But you are seeking answers and if you KEEP seeking answers, you will find them.

Look for people in life who glow. That glow is the love they have to offer, the love they receive from God. Look for people whose smiles reach their eyes. They have something to offer you. Look for people who are out there helping the homeless, working with inner city kids, caring for the elderly. They have something to teach you.

Love,

Karen

[CurlyLocks]

Hey - I was one of the people who mentioned that possibility to you wasn't I?

The chaplain at Catz was so nice - he's left now unfortunately, but he was very good at his job while he was actually there.

To be honest, the relationship that you have with a chaplain (that sounds dodgy putting it that way, but you know what I mean!:shy) is really what you make of it. If all you want is a 'listening :ear', then they are there to provide that. If you want spiritual guidance, they can provide that too. If you want theology, well, the chaplain's your man!

In the case of my chaplain, he didn't try to convert me or to impose his beliefs on me. He listened to me, he offered advice where he could, & sympathy where he had nothing else to say. He gave me some feedback when I launched into my 'I am spiritually confused' rambles, but he didn't try to stop me from finding my own way. He would also ask if he could pray with me at the end of our chats, & I would agree, but it was entirely optional!

From my perspective, the chaplain is a resource & he's worth checking out, if I can put it that way. He may be able to help you, he may not, but you might as well give him a go. Or her for that matter - but at Cambridge, I can't imagine that too many of the chaplains are female!:sarcasm

I can see why you find this prosepct daunting, since it's an unfamiliar situation that you're putting yourself in here. Well done for being brave and open minded. I hope that your chaplain can help you. I personally feel that we all need some sort of spiritual guidance at some point in our lives, & that it is beneficial to us to sort out what we actually believe. I remember when I didn't have a clue what my philosophy was, & I just felt like a bit of cork bobbing along on an ocean. As I gradually began to get some ideas together, I started to feel much more secure in myself. I had a better idea of what I believed my life to be about, & what my resources were in that life. To be more specific, I do now believe in God & have not felt that I have to entirely rely on my own strength for quite some time, & that has been a completely good thing for me. For someone else, I suppose it might be reassuring to decide that God doesn't exist....:ummm I find it hard to imagine myself but I daresay it's possible.

Anyway, find your own way, but do use the people who are around to guide you.

This is a ramble isn't it. I hope it makes some sort of sense.:ugh

Much :love
Becks

[Twilastar]

:hugon:stars:love:cool Darrell :cool:love:stars:hugoff

Just wanted to stop by with some hugs:cute.

Take good care girl and this board is yours for the taking!

:loveyou!
Gen:stars