To give a bit of history:

I went to a church school..had 8 years of religion and general studies. I had to attend church every Sunday (my parents demand).

Over the years, I lost the meaning of what it was about. I've never completely lost faith, but I have had questions. Recently Lef and I have been talking alot about this. I've decided I need to find God again.

Last night I had a dream (mind you I NEVER remember my dreams) that I found my Catechism Book, those in the Lutheran Religion may know what I mean (it's a training tool for Confirmation....the acceptance to partake in Communion).

I haven't laid eyes on this book in many many years. The interesting part was....my NAME was engraved on the book....as was the title. Is this a sign that I'm finding the right path in my life? Don't get me wrong, I've never truly lost faith, but over the years I've had questions. I guess in a way, I've followed my namesake....Doubting Thomas. When I grew up with it, I was firm in my beliefs. Not having that same structure has led me astray and led to many questions.

What do you think of my dream? Keep in mind, only recently have I decided to read the Bible again, and this is one of maybe 5 dreams in the past 6 months that I remember.

i think that everyone, no matter how strong their convictions, loses faith sometimes. I don't think its a bad thing, its merely god's way of putting us to the test. I think that the dream could well be a sign that he's calling you back to him. God loves you and wants the best for you. i admit that i have lost faith many times before, epecially when bad things happen, but i just keep thinking that he has a plan for us all. Don't worry doc, don't feel guilty that you lost your way, god will make sure you see it again

I think it was providential, your dream. Have you actually found your missing book? Some place in the bible it mentions that everything has it's "season" which I take to mean that when the time is right your journey in life will lead you back to God. God craves for us to rest on him and lay all our burden's on him, etc. The best way that he achieves this is by letting us "go astray" or to appear as if we've "lost faith". I believe that he knows that we have not really lost faith..... as any parent will tell you, there comes a point in your childs life that all the training in the world won't prevent that child from "experimenting" or excerising "Self". Christ was born as man so that he might be able to better understand how the rest of us are "hardwired" and this information keeps God from becoming hard and unforgiving. At least that's the way I precieve it.

Perhaps you've prayed out loud or quietly to yourself....in some way asked for God's intervention. God works in mysterious ways and we always get what we ask for....never on our time but on God's time. Perhaps this is God's time for you. The questions that you have had and will still have are actually a good thing.... but remember to take them to God, he will answer them as long as you remain open to the "still small voice of God". Good luck, man!

You explained the meaning of the catechism book and what the 'devotions' (or similar things) were for that you had to learn as a child.
You told me that you had to pass a kind of a test before you could partake in communion.
I know with some denominations of the church, children can't partake in communion until they're around 13 years of age.
With that in mind and the age being significant, is it possible that finding the book was a symbol of maturing in your faith and growing up spiritually.
It could also be a spiritual confirmation that if you want to 'find God', He will make sure He is found and available to you to administer to your needs.
Miss Grrl, I would have to agree with what you said. It's very sound.
Ultimately dreams can have many meanings; what do you feel it means?
I heard something a few days ago: "All the answers to all your questions lay within you. God has placed them there for you to know them."
In essence what this would mean is that everything that puzzles you, causes you to question etc, all those answers lie within you in the spiritual, but it's getting close to Him that will help you unlock the answers so you will identify and know what they are.

[ December 10, 2002, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: Lefora ]

I think it was a very powerful dream. I'm in agreement with the others, Doc. And what Lef said about "what do you think it means?" is the most important part. And I also think you answered your own question.

I say go with it... if it seems like the right thing to do, do it. Funny things happen as we age (I'm 34, so I know these things ), we see things in a much different light - things that weren't quite so important to us when we were younger become more important as we age.

Good luck in whatever you choose!

Kell

Hi Doc

I'm fascinated by dreams anyway, so I went to the DreamMoods site to see what I could find on your two dream symbols (bible & name). You asked if this was a sign? Well, check below and see what you think

Bible:

To see or read the bible in your dream, symbolizes truth, belief, inspiration and knowledge. You are seeking some form of comfort. The bible may also refer to your fundamental belief system. Perhaps you need to turn to the bible more.

Name:

To see a familiar name written in your dream, symbolizes the way you feel about that person. Your intuition about them may turn out to be true.

Pretty interesting huh!

Thank you all for your replies. It has given me something to think about. I really appreciate your insight.

I hope I'm not too late with my 2 cents.

34???? Kell, you're gettin on in years!

My 2 cents is that you follow your path. If you feel your path is to move back to the Lutheran Church then follow it.
I'm a big believer in dreams. Dreams can tell you so much. And I've found that you are the best interpreter of your own dreams. Maybe you can't figure them out right away but just work at it. It took me several years to figure out this one repeating dream I had.
I was raised Roman Catholic. I've found that I have plenty of doubts and conflicts with the Church. Since I've gone in search of God for myself I've gotten to know God better than I ever have. It's difficult following your own path as opposed to taken a religion as proscribed to you.
Searching and following your own path, as I'm sure you know, helps you to appreciate other faiths also.
I don't follow any religion. I take up practices and forms of worship from many different faiths. I pray to God in thanks several times a day. I worship in Christian churches, Bhuddist temples, at work, in the woods, during yoga, while meditating, anywhere, all the time, doing whatever.
I believe whatever it takes to get you there or here.