confused about religion

I honestly don't believe there is a right way or wrong way to find your path to whatever you believe is your personal higher power. In my opinion there are many paths. Conflict always arises when you tell people they all have to believe and think the same way, whether it be religion, politics, etc. Because humans are self aware and able to reason for themselves it is ridiculous to think anyone can effectively brainwash huge masses of people into thinking one way. Some people find it comforting to be told what to do and how to do it so they give up their free will to think for themselves and call it faith. But for the most part humans are social but independent thinkers. No religion will never ever be able to get all people to think one way. It's impossible. Religion, spirituality should be a personal path not written in stone or in a book, but a beautiful experience of a deeply private nature in a life long journey of knowledge, discovery, care and respect for your surroundings (including people, animals, nature) and constant self improvement. I find it very hard to believe that any higher power wants mindless zombie-fied sycophants as worshippers. That makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. Never has, never will.

I haven't really experienced this when it comes to studying religions. In fact, the more I study, the more I see the things that different religions have in common. There are so many of the same values and ideas that many religions incorporate, and it's always interesting to me how many similarities some of the stories told have. I suppose for me, I have my own strong faith based on things that have happened in my life. I study other religions because it's interesting, because it helps me understand other people, because it's something I enjoy... but my own faith has been the same since I was a very young child. I feel that I have personal relationships with the deities I follow, so while the deities mentioned in other religions might also exist in some form, they simply aren't mine to worry about. For me having different religions is much the same as having different families and friends.

I personally dont find it confusing at all...I love to learn about other religions and thats exactly how I approach it, as a learning experience kinda like history class back in my school days...BUT I also dont believe that any one religion is right or wrong...I think they are all valid and suitable for someone but no any one religion is right for everyone.....And as far as the rules goes...the only one who is fit enough, wise enough and has the right to make "rules" for me is ME.....How I meditate is perfect for ME but it wont be right for anyone else because they arent me ya know....just like how others do it wont work for me becuase I'm not them.. I think if one is goin to take the time to learn about various religions (which is fabulous IMO and I wish more ppl would do it) they shouldnt go at it with the "which is right which is wrong" thought in their heads because then it WILL become confusing....I think the best bet is to go at it wiht the attitude that they are ALL RIGHT FOR SOMEONE...make sense?

I felt the same way until Sylvia Browne(yes the psychic) opened my eyes. I now consider myself a Gnostic Christian. I would like to be able to go to Novus Spiritus church but there are none around WI. There are study groups but none close to me. Gnostic means, searching for the truth.Feel right.....

Why keep your eyes on so many religions and just read the scripture and let it guide you to what's real!

It is simple my friend. Just go by what the bible say's and if you need help understanding something ask God to help you understand it. Pay attention because he will start to show you. And God is great you can pray to him any way you wish. You can talk to him about everything after all he created you and knows what your thinking and or what you need before you even ask him. Laugh with him, have fun, be best friends with him. The more you do the more you will see that it is simple.

Yes you are right, but not as confused as you thought it to be. Thanks