My dilemma,
I can’t seem to get motivated to attend church nor listen to prayers or read bible.

Am a catholic by upbringing but I can’t ever recall even one time when I ever enjoyed being in the church or serving in the church. My parents brought me very well in the church and I have an obligation to do the same for my son and wife.

I was an altar boy way back and in high school I was an official in the CA but after high school I couldn’t stomach being hypocritical and just doing something to make others happy.

I stopped going to church and I only do if there is a burial or wedding and even in these times, I detest the readings and preaching so I look for all ways to escape them. I hate the hypocritical long prayers.

Am not like @Humbugler but I agree with most of his points on dislike for religion

My wife has a different sect by upbringing so I just allowed her to continue but I got to start going to church (catholic) and take her and son with me. How can I motivate myself?

I do appreciate the role of religion in bringing cohesion in the society, comforting people and giving a purpose to life but that’s where it ends for me. I have a problem believing in much of the principles like Jesus, Jews, Israel, contentious stories, the bible etc.
I do believe there is a higher power and for sure I came from somewhere!

There is a real problem in the current church set up and its money minded policies which they always try to mask. Elders/officials being holier than thou on Sunday but source of their wealth is evil, immoral etc.

I can’t understand with all these churches and mosques, where is there so much corruption, killing, theft etc in the society. I can’t manage to reconcile all that.

Ooh and they tell me judge not!!!

@masukuma how do you do it since I have read in the past something you posted on this forum in regard to this? Do you just pretend?

If you think religion has a legitimate purpose, why do you have to pretend to believe in it? Or why are you in a dilemma? It should be easy to choose what to do since you believe in purpose and order!

But since you're asking, then the belief you're stating is to be questioned.

On the other hand, you're telling us about what you're NOT motivated to do; can you tell us what you're motivated to do?

Listen to Muzina di Tata by Tabu Ley

And you will be motivated to pray.
IMHO You don't have to follow any particular religion.

Tuko wengi. This is how I do it. Make sure your kids always go to church. Don't impose your philosophical standpoint on them.

Don't share with family members. You have no idea how powerful religion is. Can do terrible damage especially to parents.

Like you I also believe there is a supreme power but not the one described in the Bible. The Bible one was supposed to be a God of Israelis and no one else. The ruthlessness and savagery with which he dismantled anyone else to clear the way for his people leaves no doubt.

I don't discuss with anyone my beliefs. These Christian believers are no joke. They will cut you off from their social circles and refuse to do business with you.

Do you accompany your wife and children to church?

@AA how do you convince yourself to do something against your logic just because you are afraid to get burnt in a fire that no one has ever come back to tell us about?

Why would we get burnt for failing to accept that which we were not convinced about!!!!!

This might work and you are right these believers are dangerous. I have realised even my mum for the last 5 or so years has been asking probing questions

Even my wife thinks i'm evil where religion is concerned

why do we have to get baptised and given an english name WHYYYYY. we were colonised in beliefs as well!!

I will stop discussing my beliefs from now and just pretend. Thanks @FRM for sharing this.

I am very sure people are suspicious of each other. . Its comforting and at the same time worrtying that i am not alone in this.

I will study Hinduism (of course for sport), Islam no. My wife would bring the whole church for prayers if she was to see the Koran in our house.

I fully agree with your sentiments.

That is very true...... you can study any other religion for whatever reason but not Islam ~ Radicalization tingz. I would even report you to the local chief, OCS, Family wote and your employer. Also hold a night of vigil and prayer for you. Of course conjugal rights will go until you recover your senses, siwezi na Muslim

@ngogoyo, how long have you had this struggle? Do you think it is a phase of life you can overcome over time?

Anyone who has been down this road of unbelief and changed later?

Was taught ages back that the mother traditionally/kienyeji is "naturally programmed" to offer early childhood lessons, "asiye fuzwa ni mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu".

Please support the mother and the kids with sadaka because even before the teenage years, they will start asking the same questions you are asking. As you may have noticed, all the similar complaints are from wazua males, and they all CONFIRM that their WIVES PLAY AUTOMATICALLY the spiritual educational role in early years upto around 14 years when they begin to "rebel".

For organisational and good cognitive and LANGUAGE development, leave it to the mother, even the language of spirituality. The child only needs to observe behavior in the father, and listen to the mother, especially boys. Don't feel jealous and want to play a similar role.

On the core issue of "spiritual development", your kids are individuals, just like you, the will raise the same questions you raise. Just support the natural role of a "good woman", they/you have very good wives!