KK03

I would like to ask if anyone knows of some good resources I could look into for developing a belief in a higher power. I was raised LDS but have been inactive for the 11 years, but before that I never develop a solid belief in God. I would say I had a hatred for God. I haven't made the best choices, but I'm now working on things. I would really like to develop a solid belief/understanding of God. What books/articles/etc are good for figuring out things? I know there are the scriptures but is there anything else?

Thanks slam jet! I believe I may be addicted because I have tried to stop and haven't been able to, it has lead me to do things I never thought I would do, and I feel like I have no control.

Thanks you made me laugh!

I'm afraid that my family will some how find out. I also don't like showing that I'm weak and that I need help.

Thanks everyone. It sounds like I need to figure out what my core beliefs, and values are so I have something to build on. Misshalfway, I have considered a therapist, but I'm terrified. Thanks for reinforcing the idea.

Thanks for making it simple. I will try the obedience outlook.

Thanks annewandering and MasterOrator. Finrock I don't believe in anything. I don't believe in a higher power, big bang, etc.

I have come to believe over the last year I have an addiction and I have started to look for help. I attended the 12 step program through the church but have since stopped going. This program (and all 12step programs) focuses a lot on God and turning your addiction over to him. At this point I don't believe in a God. I feel like I'm ready to fight this addiction, but I feel stuck since I don't believe in a God. How can I make myself believe in a God, so I can start my recovery? Is there other addiction recovery programs that you don't need to believe in a higher power? Any advice or comments are greatly appreciated.

I'm not sure I believe in a God and I haven't prayed in a very long time. I'm going on a vacation with my grandparents and I know they pray every morning and night. They usually take turns, so I plan on having to pray every other day. I don't want them to find out that I no longer go to church, or that I question if there is a God. My question is... Is it okay for me to pray when I don't believe? How do I get good at praying so it sounds like I have been doing it forever?

Thanks for the advice. It has been helpful and I guess I knew it deep down. If its alright I would like to ask a couple more questions. 1. I'm not sure if I believe in a God and I don't believe in the LDS church as of yet. If I start the process of fixing things I know are wrong will that help me believe or do I need to figure what I believe before I start fixing what is wrong? 2. There are a few big things that I don't agree with the church about (view on gays, everything about the temple, and how young women are treated). How do I get past this to learn more about the gospel? Is it wrong that I don't agree? Thanks

Hi I'm a 26 year old who has been inactive since I was 18. I'm trying to figure out if I want to try to believe in God and the LDS church or if I want to remove my name from the church records. I have never felt the spirit even though I feel like I have tried. I have gone to things with friends and everyone has felt the spirit but me. Because of this I have a bad attitude toward anything about God. I do things that the church frowns upon (drinking, masturbating, gambling, etc.). Is it because I do these things that the spirit has left me? It does concern me that I have never felt anything and everyone else has. If there is a God how do I get the spirit back? Do I continue to try to figure it out or do I give up and remove my name and hope all this confusion goes away?