That is precisely the thing you are trying to escape from. Continue to let your wonderful mind consider all the possibilities. When we commit ourselves to a particular religion or spiritual path we leave the path of wisdom and learning and confine ourselves to dogma.

I regard myself as a spiritual atheist, I'm even a practicing shaman, I was brought up Christian and still retain some of those values. Take what you need and leave the rest.

As to what other people might think, why tell them? It's not keeping secrets, spirituality is a really personal thing, telling everyone what you believe and why is, to me, a bit like masturbating in public. oo, did I just do that by telling you my beliefs? No, I shared because you are interested and I had no intention of influencing you towards mine. You must find your own.

I write a lot against organised religion, usually humorously,
http://new.neopoet.com/node/killing-god

and I wrote an essay in 'Values and Beliefs' 105 that got a high distinction marked by a jesuit priest!
http://new.neopoet.com/weirdelf/blog/tue-2011-08-30-1923

I would mostly suggest that you have fun, Wicca is fun and free, Shamanism a tad more dangerous, but so is freedom. Mostly, never, ever stop being open to new ideas.

I hope this helps some,

I consider myself Christian too but I believe it is important to have a knowledge of all religions. All religions I think are a road to God. I don't think He would judge you for trying to find yourself spiritually. Life is a journey (cliche I know). Regardless of the commandments laid down belief in something that suits you I think is more fullfilling for both you and God, than lipservice to something you don't really have a heart in. Hope this helps a little. Feel free to post a blog on the subject as you learn more. However remember to keep your eyes open to those who might wish to trick you along your path. I think you know what I mean.

I hope you don't mind me responding to this blog.

Be well... John

In my opinion as long as one believes in a power outside themselves then they are well on their way to being right. And there is nothing wrong with not settling on one particular religion for life. If such had been done from the beginning I guess we would all still be worshiping the great and powerful cave bear...............satan

I preface this by saying that I am a pagan.

1). making a choice of what to believe based upon fear is wrong. If you truly believe that God is a judgemental punisher who condemns those who choose a different path with eternal damnation, then you should remain in that comfort zone of christianity, and not step out of that firelight of doctrine and dogma.

2). Again, making a choice of faith through fear, in this case fear of what loved ones will say about that choice, is wrong. Also, those who truly love you will accept your choice, regardless of their own.

3) Don't tell them. This is your choice, not their's, but I suspect that they will not be as upset by your choice as you are afraid of.
And again, we have that fear. Free yourself from it, before making the choice.

4) How old are you? Are you a teenager? A young adult? If you are, then it is normal and natural that you are exploring different religious beliefs and practices. This is a function of adolescence, the process of becoming an independant adult. My daughter and sons have gone and are going through this. It means that yes, in all likelihood you will change your mind about what you believe as you grow older, and will continue to do so until you find something that gives you meaning, spiritual balance, power and joy.
It took me two decades! lol.

Finally, I will agree with Jess: take what you feel you need from whatever religion provides it. As Merlin the Sorcerer's teacher told him,

"Take Power where you find it."

I wish you well, and hope this helps.

And, not bad for a first blog.

you sound so very familiar but i'm just not sure...anyways i'm agnostic myself and have no clue what's out there. honestly, i have no idea what's out there because i have no idea what's inside me, and that's the thing. i think until you truly know WHO you are, you can't truly know WHAT you are. in reference to religion.
good luck,
mag

My only advice that I can offer is to read as much as you can on the subject. Gather a knowledge of all the religions. I think it takes a life time to understand the true nature of God and why we are here.

I wish you well young one

John

I think as long as you do everything with love you are with God

John