Expert: Carl Fuglein - 5/23/2011

Question
Hey Carl, I'm Wyatt and I'm 16. My girlfriend and I have been dating almost for a year now, and in the past few months she has been going to Experience Life and giving her life to God. She has asked me several times to go with her, but my family has never gone to church. I have gone to VBS' and participated in numerous church musicals, but I have never continually gone to church. I think it's great that the angel in my life is finally finding her purpose in life. But as for me on the other hand, I don't feel the same as she does. I have been told numerous times that God has chosen me to be a warrior, not a preacher. But I jus don't feel right, why fight for somethin I don't understand? I have read parts of the Bible, prayed for others, prayed for myself. I jus do not feel the strive to have a relationship with God like so many other people do. Is this normal?

Answer
Wyatt-

I actually answered this a couple days ago, but apparently didn't hit the right sequence of buttons to send it.  I hate it when that happens.  Please excuse that lateness of the answer.

I think you should go with your girlfriend.  Going is NOT saying that you agree, it's just a way of saying to your girlfriend that you want to be with her.  Plus, it's not going to hurt you.  It sounds like you have not really explored your spirituality and probably could use some help.  I feel certain there's a counselor or two at EL that you should seek out and honestly say that you have questions and have a good philosophical discussion about.  There are many people there that want to help you, will accept you no matter what your beliefs.

Are your feelings normal?  I've always had students who don't believe and are still seeking.  I've had students that didn't know what they felt find something and become Christians.  I've had students that found nothing and have become atheists.  Are you normal?  Sure, you just haven't made up your mind yet.  I really think you should get serious about continuing to seek your purpose in life, especially with regards to your spirituality or NON spirituality.

Hope this helps.

Blessings,
Carl