Vincent van Gogh faced various challenges and difficulties in his efforts to serve his religion. Some of these problems include:
1. Spiritual Seeker: Van Gogh was a deeply spiritual person who had a strong desire to serve God. However, he struggled to find his place within organized religion and often had difficulty reconciling his own beliefs with the established teachings and practices.
2. Rejection by the Church: Van Gogh's unconventional approach to life and art often clashed with the conservative values and traditions of the church. His ideas and lifestyle were seen as radical and inappropriate, leading to his rejection by the church and its officials.
3. Difficulty in Finding a Religious Community: Van Gogh had a desire to join a religious community and live a life of service. However, he struggled to find a community that aligned with his beliefs and values. This made it challenging for him to actively engage with a religious community and serve in a meaningful way.
4. Mental Health Issues: Van Gogh's mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and episodes of psychosis, made it even more challenging for him to find peace and fulfillment in his religious pursuits. These issues often exacerbated his feelings of isolation and made it difficult for him to maintain stable relationships with religious institutions.
Overall, Van Gogh's dedication to his faith and desire to serve his religion were hindered by societal and personal challenges, ultimately contributing to his struggles and inner turmoil.