I can't decide, ...

[Banned4Life]

I can't decide if my problem stems from a lack of faith in the existence of God
or if my faith has been stolen by the actions of Mankind with regards to matters of Religious and/or Spiritual guidance.

I've been told to not look at the flock of fellow worshipers to find the value/fruits of the words given to Mankind by God because most people do not live up to the standards set out in the Holy Books.

I read the texts, an entire cornucopia of lessons of which are purported to be derived from God.
I live my life accordingly, I offer prayers to the God I find in these pages yet, the conduct of those respected leaders of the various churches, synagogues & mosques do not always reflect the teachings I read in their Religious texts. I believe the measure of any person is found in their daily actions.

Question:

Is it possible to live life to the fullest, according to what has been revealed to Mankind by God and yet,
not allow those who do not adhere to those same principles to cause a misdirection of my faith.
Is it possible to cling to the lessons given by God without the ability and benefit of the Human Religious Leadership?
How can I come together with a group of faithfilled individuals when I view these groups of believers {of the various} Religious factions as being apostates of the Religion they espouse?
I'm lost, where should I look for the answers I seek?

[aly]

ok ... i have an answer to your Question ,

you are talking about respected leaders of the various churches, synagogues & mosques , Following them .

from islam point of View you must not Follow any one but the Prophet , the Imams ( respected leaders ) are just a people had a knowledge about what you are ignore in your religin , they give you the knowledge , and give you thier opinion , you may take the knowledge and ignore thier opinion ( which mostly build on this knowledge ) when ever you feel that thier Opinion is wrong .

those respected leaders in any religin is just human , and human do mistakes , sometimes it is small mistakes , and sometimes it is a big mistakes , will you follow them on thier mistakes ?!

i islam we believe in just to sources for our Rules , the Quran ( the Words of God ) and Sunnah ( the prophet PBUH teaches ) which descripe to us how to practice islam and uderstand the Quraan in the right way.

what is your first step ? i Recommend to you to read Prophet Mohamed PBUH Biography

you can find a trusted one here

http://www.islamway.com/mohammad/?lang=eng

May Allah Guide you to the truth

[BHAI]

dont look at humans as all are by nature sinners

look to the koran and hadith or scriptures
aim high ...with prayers ..dua
dont expect anything from infallible humans
carry on your own journey