Aspergers and Religion

[zurb]

I read how all of you Aspies have read the Bible and I (NT girl) totally believe in God and would like to read the Bible, but I've only read small parts. I have good intentions (my Bible is out right now with a book about Revelations written by Jack Van Impe to help me make sense of things), but no matter what I do I always find something else I'd rather be doing - like reading a murder mystery, knitting, exercising and even LAUNDRY. Any ideas of how I can get myself to buckle down and enjoy reading the Bible instead of thinking of it like a homework assignment? (I hate parables.)

I was going to PM you, but apparently I'm not allowed to - at least according to the iPhone app. For now I'll reply here, but as we are close to veering off topic I suggest if you want to keep the conversation going maybe we should start a new thread to keep the mods happy.

First I'd say I'm a little wary of televangelists, especially ones who focus on prophecy and end times. They are pretty much always wrong. Main point of the end times passages is God wins. Everything else is conjecture.
To be honest, many if not most people find it hard. To help, make sure you have an easy to understand translation like the ESV or NIV.
If you really want to study the Bible ask God to help you concentrate and understand before you read. I believe God will honour a prayer like that.
Where to start? Many would say the New Testament, but I'd say you can't understand the new if you don't know the old. Besides, there's plenty of murders and mysteries there if that's what you like. ;-)
Read Genesis, Exodus, then for now skip to Joshua through to kings. Read psalms if you like poetry, then go to the New Testament.
You might find it helps to journal. Some things to think about: What do I learn about God? About others? About myself? Who should I tell about what I learn?
If you want something to help, apps like Olivetree's Bible Study app have free ESV and downloadable daily reading guides that help track your progress.

Nod to mods: Connection to main thread: this shows the place of 'religion' in my life, and some might consider my ideas unconventional

Hope this helps,
Zurb

 

[Grumpy Cat]

I was going to PM you, but apparently I'm not allowed to - at least according to the iPhone app. For now I'll reply here, but as we are close to veering off topic I suggest if you want to keep the conversation going maybe we should start a new thread to keep the mods happy.

First I'd say I'm a little wary of televangelists, especially ones who focus on prophecy and end times. They are pretty much always wrong. Main point of the end times passages is God wins. Everything else is conjecture.
To be honest, many if not most people find it hard. To help, make sure you have an easy to understand translation like the ESV or NIV.
If you really want to study the Bible ask God to help you concentrate and understand before you read. I believe God will honour a prayer like that.
Where to start? Many would say the New Testament, but I'd say you can't understand the new if you don't know the old. Besides, there's plenty of murders and mysteries there if that's what you like. ;-)
Read Genesis, Exodus, then for now skip to Joshua through to kings. Read psalms if you like poetry, then go to the New Testament.
You might find it helps to journal. Some things to think about: What do I learn about God? About others? About myself? Who should I tell about what I learn?
If you want something to help, apps like Olivetree's Bible Study app have free ESV and downloadable daily reading guides that help track your progress.

Nod to mods: Connection to main thread: this shows the place of 'religion' in my life, and some might consider my ideas unconventional

Hope this helps,
Zurb

I might have had my settings too blocked. I added you to my "follow" list if that helps. I really don't want to do the Old Testament. It's enough to get me to do the New. I honestly think I have ADHD because I can't even stick with my "fun" activities for long before I'm up doing something else. I'm also very visual and may benefit from a DVD bible set if that's possible?

 

[zurb]

I'm also very visual and may benefit from a DVD bible set if that's possible?

It is available on audio DVD/CD. But if you have an idevice or android device easier might be
Bible.is
There are also various video dramatizations (of various quality) for some parts. If you want to start with an overview, try:
http://www.thehopeproject.com/en

Nod to mod & link to topic. As an as Aspie, I collect things, including resources related to my 'religion'. I find there are times I can help others by pointing them to the right place, or giving them the things I collect.

 

[Ste11aeres]

I was going to PM you, but apparently I'm not allowed to - at least according to the iPhone app. For now I'll reply here, but as we are close to veering off topic I suggest if you want to keep the conversation going maybe we should start a new thread to keep the mods happy.

First I'd say I'm a little wary of televangelists, especially ones who focus on prophecy and end times. They are pretty much always wrong. Main point of the end times passages is God wins. Everything else is conjecture.
To be honest, many if not most people find it hard. To help, make sure you have an easy to understand translation like the ESV or NIV.
If you really want to study the Bible ask God to help you concentrate and understand before you read. I believe God will honour a prayer like that.
Where to start? Many would say the New Testament, but I'd say you can't understand the new if you don't know the old. Besides, there's plenty of murders and mysteries there if that's what you like. ;-)
Read Genesis, Exodus, then for now skip to Joshua through to kings. Read psalms if you like poetry, then go to the New Testament.
You might find it helps to journal. Some things to think about: What do I learn about God? About others? About myself? Who should I tell about what I learn?
If you want something to help, apps like Olivetree's Bible Study app have free ESV and downloadable daily reading guides that help track your progress.

Nod to mods: Connection to main thread: this shows the place of 'religion' in my life, and some might consider my ideas unconventional

Hope this helps,
Zurb

I would add to that, be aware that the Bible is not always easy to understand. Lots of different persons of different denominations read the same texts and interpret them differently.
This doesn't mean that one shouldn't read it...by all means do so.
It's just that I think it helps to start with the acceptance of the possibility of a slight amount of potential future confusion. That being said, the most important things are also the easiest to understand (IMHO).

 

[Grumpy Cat]

It is available on audio DVD/CD. But if you have an idevice or android device easier might be
Bible.is
There are also various video dramatizations (of various quality) for some parts. If you want to start with an overview, try:
http://www.thehopeproject.com/en

Nod to mod & link to topic. As an as Aspie, I collect things, including resources related to my 'religion'. I find there are times I can help others by pointing them to the right place, or giving them the things I collect.

I would add to that, be aware that the Bible is not always easy to understand. Lots of different persons of different denominations read the same texts and interpret them differently.
This doesn't mean that one shouldn't read it...by all means do so.
It's just that I think it helps to start with the acceptance of the possibility of a slight amount of potential future confusion. That being said, the most important things are also the easiest to understand (IMHO).

My friend Julia said to pray first then just open up the Bible and start reading - it should be a passage that pertains to your life at that time. So I did that. In the passage that came up for me, Jesus was telling me to stop drinking my wine. That sucked. So I closed it back up and haven't opened it since.

 

[Structrix]

I read how all of you Aspies have read the Bible and I (NT girl) totally believe in God and would like to read the Bible, but I've only read small parts. I have good intentions (my Bible is out right now with a book about Revelations written by Jack Van Impe to help me make sense of things), but no matter what I do I always find something else I'd rather be doing - like reading a murder mystery, knitting, exercising and even LAUNDRY. Any ideas of how I can get myself to buckle down and enjoy reading the Bible instead of thinking of it like a homework assignment? (I hate parables.)

Rather than trying to read it as a novel a good bible study guide or group is much more helpful.

 

[Grumpy Cat]

There's something about the short, quick maxims that have always appealed to me.

Maybe it's because they're short and quick? (kidding)

 

[Grumpy Cat]

If you want something really dry, try reading Leviticus. They use Leviticus on insomniacs that won't respond to strong medication.

Are you serious or is that a joke?

 

[2aspirin]

I read how all of you Aspies have read the Bible and I (NT girl) totally believe in God and would like to read the Bible, but I've only read small parts. I have good intentions (my Bible is out right now with a book about Revelations written by Jack Van Impe to help me make sense of things), but no matter what I do I always find something else I'd rather be doing - like reading a murder mystery, knitting, exercising and even LAUNDRY. Any ideas of how I can get myself to buckle down and enjoy reading the Bible instead of thinking of it like a homework assignment? (I hate parables.)

This might sound goofy, but: maybe get a decent illustrated children's/junior bible to get the whole overview...and then reference the adult version as desired?

 

[Ste11aeres]

My friend Julia said to pray first then just open up the Bible and start reading - it should be a passage that pertains to your life at that time. So I did that. In the passage that came up for me, Jesus was telling me to stop drinking my wine. That sucked. So I closed it back up and haven't opened it since.

Hmm...which passage? Because I seem to remember him turning water into wine.

 

[Ste11aeres]

Read it some time and you'll see what I mean.

I'm I weird because I enjoy Leviticus? I find it relaxing.

 

[o2tosin]

Did you grow up in a religious household? No. I went to church for a couple of years (as a church organist!) and I attended catholic and uniting church schools. I have studied vipassana mediation (secular).

What role does religion play in your life? None. Sometimes feel something vaguely spiritual but these feelings are ineffable. Religious inspired music is wonderful e.g. Palestrina, JS Bach.

Do you regularly participate in religious life? No. I consider churches to be yet another social club.

Have you been accepted by people of your faith, or largely rejected, or do they just find you "querky"? Well I have no faith, but my ex-wife professed christianity and expressed it by committing adultery with the bisexual son of a pastor. I am happy to judge people by their character, irrespective of their religion.

What do you think of NTs and religion versus ASDs and religion? I am surprised that ASD enjoyers (I for one certainly don't suffer it) are theistic. My ASD manifests as enjoying solitude...

Do you have any unconventional views--like maybe Jesus was an Aspie?! I am certain that Jesus never existed, the bible is a work of fiction like the koran, book of mormon etc. I have reached this authentic conclusion after studying the issue for 37 years. Ken Humphreys has an excellent site that will help those "sitting on the fence" so to speak.

 

[zurb]

Hmm...which passage? Because I seem to remember him turning water into wine.

Actually, as far as I'm aware nowhere in the Bible bans drinking (except for those on a special oath). But it does have a lot to say about getting drunk.

 

[Ste11aeres]

What do you think of NTs and religion versus ASDs and religion? I am surprised that ASD enjoyers (I for one certainly don't suffer it) are theistic. My ASD manifests as enjoying solitude...
.

There is a strong spiritual tradition in which religion is enjoyed in prayerful solitude. Solitude and Carmelite Spirituality : The Integrated Catholic Life™ Perhaps many religious Aspies have a spirituality oriented towards that, more than towards the social aspects of a church congregation.

 

[Loomis]

I'm happy to see this thread active again. I hope and pray it will stay civil.

Hebrews is excellent, especially how it illustrates faith. I have always been partial to Ecclesiastes and Proverbs. There's something about the short, quick maxims that have always appealed to me.

Ecclesiastes is also one of my favorites along with the book of Job. Most people mistakenly believe Job was patient in the face of his misfortunes. In truth he is anything but. He tells his worthless "friends" that he will go before God "like a prince" to defend his innocence to God's face and call Him to account for allowing the unjust afflictions he is suffering.

"Job pushes his attack on God as far as a voice in Israel dare push. In chapter 9 Job asserts not only that God is unreliable, but is in fact a liar (20-22).... Job keeps believing and speaking; he lives for the dispute."
(from Finally Comes the Poet: Daring Speech for Proclamation by Walter Brueggemann, Retired Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminar and one of the most highly regarded O.T. scholars.)

"Job holds on to God with one hand and shakes his fist at God with the other."
(Kathryn Schifferdecker Associate Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary St. Paul, Minn.)

"Job does the unthinkable and stands up to God. Job’s stance consists not merely in the easy and all-too-common question as to why God sends natural disasters. Rather, Job raises the serious questions of who we understand God to be and how God relates to humans in the world." (Steed Davidson Associate Professor of Old Testament, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Berkeley, Cal.)

"In the prose ending of the Book of Job, God salutes Job for having spoken what is 'right.' " (Walter Brueggemann)

 

[Loomis]

My friend Julia said to pray first then just open up the Bible and start reading - it should be a passage that pertains to your life at that time. So I did that. In the passage that came up for me, Jesus was telling me to stop drinking my wine. That sucked. So I closed it back up and haven't opened it since.

Make sure you do not open to Psalm 58:

Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction,
happy is the one who repays you
according to what you have done to us.
Happy is the one who seizes your infants
and dashes them against the rocks.

 

[zurb]

... Then there's the story of the guy who opened randomly and read "Judas went out and hung himself". Not happy with that, he flicked over a few random pages and read "go and do likewise". Flipping back more pages he read "what you are about to do, go do quickly".
Taking verses out of context can create all sorts of strife!

 

[Mary Lyn]

There is a strong spiritual tradition in which religion is enjoyed in prayerful solitude. Solitude and Carmelite Spirituality : The Integrated Catholic Life™ Perhaps many religious Aspies have a spirituality oriented towards that, more than towards the social aspects of a church congregation.

Hi Ste11aeres

Thanks for the link. I have recently become interested in Carmelite spirituality despite being a non Catholic but would convert if need be. I went to a retreat weekend and met lay Carmelites and found them to be the most accepting believers I have ever met so I intend to go to their meetings.

 

[Daniela]

I have a question for you all! Since I have known only a handful of lovely ASD people, I am curious as to how ASD people deal with the issue of religion (Christianity or not; I am a Christian UMC pastor, but I'm not trying to evangelize here, simply interested since it's one of my biggest interests, obviously!). Did you grow up in a religious household? What role does religion play in your life? Do you regularly participate in religious life, and do you do so in community with other people or in a more solitary fashion? Have you been accepted by people of your faith, or largely rejected, or do they just find you "querky"? What do you think of NTs and religion versus ASDs and religion? Do you have any unconventional views--like maybe Jesus was an Aspie?! Any insights, ideas, observations, experiences or opinions are greatly appreciated!!!!

Did you grow up in a religious household? Yes I did, my mom went to a church , i think in english is called the Universal Kingdom of God church,I grew up there it was ...very intensive but after many years I changed my church. I am a seventh day adventist.
What role does religion play in your life? Well I usualy pray to God to make decisions. So I gess all roles ?
Do you regularly participate in religious life, and do you do so in community with other people or in a more solitary fashion?
Yes every Saturday our allmost every (sometimes i cant go) i go to church. Buuuut even thoght i like the seremon and all that stuff ....i dont realy like have to kiss everybody at the ende and say hello and ... my church is realy close i like that thats good. But i wish i wouldnt have to do that every saturday and there are days where i wish i could go just straigth home. Sometimes i dont go becouse i know its gonna be too overwelming for me.
Have you been accepted by people of your faith, or largely rejected, or do they just find you "querky"?
Yes I have been acepted they are realy nice people and they try to help me out with stuff. (they just dont know i dont like to say hi to everybody haha).
What do you think of NTs and religion versus ASDs and religion?
Nice question...I think its the same , but us aspies tend to go to extreams our you belive in it and you live by it our you dont, and i think we tend to go to more rational churches- if that is the right word, maybe logical- and Nt´s tend to go to more emotional ones, like pentecostals our so.
Do you have any unconventional views--like maybe Jesus was an Aspie?!
Hahaha yes i toght about that. But as someone else said here I think He is more like a perfect match between an NT and a Aspie.

 

[karla]

I was raised as a catholic, but in a very loose way. My parents took me to church when I was very young, but then they stop. I think they didn´t really believe but they wanted to give me an my brother a choice. I didn´t care much for religion, but when I was 18 I started to get really intrested. I read books about the life of Jesus and started to go to church by myself, I always choosed a week day, so church wouldnt be full. I had troubles believing but I really envied the faith some people had and wanted to belive that God was me all the time. I really tried. For a short period of time I think I made it, and I can say that I felt great, but it didn´t last much. That interest for religion comes and goes, the last time was maybe 3 years ago. Maye I´m too rational in that sense, I don´t know, but I just can´t, or I troubles make in it reasonable. But I´m not closed to the idea that therer´s a superior being, Many times I think I can feel and I´m certan, but try not to think much of ot because I start to become obsesed with it and fear things, and generally it makes me more anxious than cal. But I think that faith can be a great thing, and I truly admire real spiritual people.