[INFP] Organized Religion Isn't Fulfilling

[silverhamham]

I'm only 16, but thus far I have felt as though most organized religions do not fulfill me spiritually... Do you feel the same? Or do you practice a particular religion? INFP's, please share :)

[silverhamham]

Oh yeah, I'd also like to add the fact that my parents (ESTJ, ENTJ, and strong Catholics) do NOT understand why this is... I've tried to explain that I am spiritual (and moral!) and I'm still developing my spiritual side, trying to find my path, but they don't get why I can't just be a good Catholic, believing the doctrines and following the practices! It's rather troubling :(

I feel as though spirituality is something so important and huge in my life that one single religion cannot be the answer (for me). I feel like there's something more. :/

[rowingineden]

Organized religions always seem highly illogical, moronic, hypocritical, and just overall offensive to me. I like to study them comparatively. But practice them? No. Fu-uh-uck no. I would say my logical mind is all atheist and my intuitive mind is spiritual/magical, but doesn't follow the precepts of any particular religion by the letter. I think extroverts are more likely to be into religion, because they like the community aspect; however, ENs are probably not going to like the dogma found in many organized religious settings. They're more likely to be into something like a UU or atheist church or something.

[waterfaerie]

I'm glad to see this as an opinion, because it certainly seems like a bunch of INFPs are very devoted to an organized religion. I was raised in a protestant church, became confirmed, and continue to attend, but only to maintain some semblance of peace with my parents (ISTJ and INTJ). I have a bunch of problems with organized religion: the impersonal nature (although they swear it isn't), the hypocrisy present, and most importantly the clearly racist, discriminatory, and violent passages in religious texts. And I've always kinda fancied recitations of prayers in church similar to some brainwashing process.
Currently, I'm entirely undecided on what I believe in (or don't), but I only know that, whatever beliefs I choose, I want them to come from within me, not from having doctrines and lessons shoved down my throat. If there really is some higher power, shouldn't I be able to feel it and come to that conclusion without any instruction or lectures? I think it's very INFP to question what we're told, especially if it doesn't feel right to us.

[amanda32]

When you have a church or denomination that is legalistic and ritualistic the way Catholicism is (IMO) -- generally only the people who like prestige and fitting into society or following it's rules like this. Which isn't INFP's, I wouldn't think.

You probably need a denomination that's more personal. I went to a mainline Presbyterian church in one of those old buildings when I was younger and looking for God, but it was hollow and dead there too. I went to Catholic churches with Catholic members of my family and found while the "show" was pretty impressive and it made me feel..."offical" when I went, it was also empty.

I personally and finally found spiritual satisfaction in Evangelical/Pentecostal/Interdenominational Churches -- y'know, the ones that actually believe the Bible is true and not a bunch of metaphorical stories; that baptize in the Holy Spirit, believe in the Gifts of Spirit Paul talked about, praying and fasting and that you can have a personal relationship with God, have prayer groups and bible studies, and social events.

Honestly, for me those are the places where I saw and experienced true Christianity -- and that wasn't dull but pretty exciting. Check some of those places out. Though...I don't know how your parents feel about Protestants.

[valentine]

I think being raised catholic is just a precursor to becoming faithless. I know that was my case. I really cant offer any advice, I wish I could. For what its worth the closest that I've found to solace (I certainly haven't found it) lies in Tibeatean Buddhism. Some form of existential christianiaty might be more up your alley, it is about the message rather than the mode. Good luck on your search.

[Thinker96]

religion on its own isnt fulfilling to me...because its close minded and leaves out all other possibilities.

[jinamuro]

I just want to make a quick comment; you don't have to be religious to be spiritual.

[Calvaire]

Personally I'm just glad I didn't grow up having to be strictly religous. My mom is really religous but she pretty much
let us believe what we want to believe.

I have no defined religion.I think there has to be something out there somewhere whatever it may be.
I also think faith is good to have for people no matter what it is.You have to believe in something even if it's not really a direct thing even atheism is belief.

Personally I think whatever you believe in is what is going to happen to you the mind is a wonderful thing.

[StrawDog]

I would have to consider myself a highly spiritual atheist. Many (particularly those devoted to widespread religious dogmas) tend to misconstrue the true meaning of atheism. Belief is an active thing, there is no way to belong passively to a coded belief (diety). I am an atheist because I place no active faith in any established conception of a higher power. To me, "god" is a question, never an answer.

I recognize the majesty of life, and marvel at everything I learn that deepens the truth of our existence. The only difference is I don’t feel the need to create gods and religions to explain everything. We are, life is. There are certainly questions I would love to have answered, but I suffer no misconception that I will find those answers in this lifetime.