THE FEAR FACTOR ...
The main factor that held me back from making the decision to convert earlier was based on fear.
The main thing I feared was being rejected or being isolated. Everyone I knew, including myself had been Christians, or raised with the basic Christian ideas on G-d. I was about to go against all that they had believed in. -
What would they think of me, especially my parents?
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I feared losing their love and acceptance if I were to make this decision.
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I knew my family would not agree or support my decision.
I feared not being able to fully explain my reasons for converting.
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I feared the confrontation by anti-Semites or missionaries.
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I questioned the safety of my family and myself.
And lastly, Although I thought Judaism made sense, I had trouble letting go of the fear that what if all the talk of Jesus was true. I would be rejecting him by doing this, then what?
Was I ready and willing to make this huge leap?
Though I had insecurities at first, I knew Judaism would have the answers. I had to, in a sense, forget the things I had been taught about religion previously.
I had been baptized as a young teenager, attended church and involved with the church youth group and choir. Basically, I labeled myself a Christian because I was too scared not to be a Christian. Living in a Christian society, it is easy to call yourself a Christian and just go along with their beliefs and ideas about G-d and life as many people do, rather than get educated on the history and background of whatever religion you are.
We do this to fit in, gain acceptance, and we may even sincerely feel that it is the right thing to do. However, sometimes things are not what they seem.
Note: This website is not intended to offend or place judgement on anyone of a different religious belief. This is merely a collection of writings about my personal journey and things I have I seen.
