I don't know if I fit in here. I grew up going to church but now question everything about christianity I feel like its just an elaborate ruse the more I dig in to it and find myself relating more to buddhism ive built my own brief based on what I know to be true and how I feel. I don't quite know what category I fit it..Do what thou will is the whole of the law..
I believe you qualify as human so fitting in here shouldn't be much of a problem. Welcome in bud.
You, like many of us have a need to belong. I think of it as tribal need that makes us feel secure. You may eventually discover that just wearing a clothing item with a sports logo will be a cheap and satisfying alternative to some religious association. Don't ask if you fit in. Just ask why you feel a need to.
Most forms of Buddhism don't have a deity, and what you're saying about the deity you were raised on is that you can't see a good reason to believe in it. This is a rational default -- not affording belief to the unsubstantiated. That makes you a skeptic. If you don't believe in ANY deities then you are also an atheist. If you don't take a positive knowledge claim either for or against the existence of gods then you are an agnostic. Therefore you are likely an agnostic atheist.
Here's a good FAQ about atheism and agnosticism: [city-data.com]
Welcome. Stick around a while, you may find you fit in better here than you think.
It's a long, VERY worthwhile process. I'm a very firm believer in techniques, processes, insights, and environments that help in the evolution of the human spirit. You just happened to stumble across an awesome online community of former believers at various stages of their pilgrimage toward truth and freedom.
A big welcome Peter.
I think it's safe to say we each had to go through a process to understand what we believe. The thing that really stuck with me in the course of my study of various religions was the Wiccan rede: an it harm none, do as ye will. I think there is a true bravery in taking responsibility for your will and living deliberately. As for the particulars of belief, there's no hard and fast rule. You only have to answer to your own conscience.
Of course you fit in ! Welcome to the real world. Come on in and Mingle
You most certainly do fit in here @PeterGarrison.
This is a community of people who have walked all different paths and found themselves in the very same predicament that you are currently in.
I tried to believe when I was young, but when I started to read the bible for myself when I reached my teen years... I was disgusted with everything that I read and the many contradictions within.
Then there are the followers...
But that's a whole different story.
Sounds like me. When I was about 19 or so, I really WANTED to believe -- because I wanted to be part of the club! I even bought checks with a cross on them. <shaking my head>
I didn't believe. Even when I wanted to believe.
Sounds like my current beliefs; sort of Buddhist-ish, with plenty of quantum physics thrown in.
I consider that I am on a search for what brings truth and meaning to my life. And christianity isn't part of that.
Welcome! However you came here know that you are not alone. There are people here who never believed and ones who are not sure if they ever believed as well as folks who were born and raised steeped deeply into one church or another.
Here we don't claim all the answers but we encourage introspection and investigation as well as living the best possible lives that we know we can have.
Hope you find kindred spirits here!