A topic that has been on my mind quite a bit lately is the difference between religion and spirituality. I often am reluctant to speak about these things because I don't want to offend anyone. My personal background is that I was raised without religion, joined a church in my late 20's and left in my late 30's. I think that for many people religion and spirituality can go hand in hand. If an organization helps you develop the spiritual side of your being then I am thrilled for you. If on the other hand, going to church hinders your spirituality and sense of self maybe you should reconsider. Do you allow yourself to be defined by what others tell you to be like or do you stand proud knowing that you are a beautiful expression of creation and diversity, perfect exactly how you are in this very moment? To me spirituality is developing an awareness and living in alignment with God, Spirit, Souce, Creation, The Universe or whatever term you use to describe a greater force. It is alligning your inner purpose with your outer purpose. And of course, if you don't believe in a higher consciousness that is fine too. There is no formula. There is you. And me. And him. And her. And them. And I really like to think we can make this whole thing work out. I love the idea of conscious evolution.
To be honest, I am not sure what is out there. I know what I feel and experience and what I have seen in the past but I am pretty sure I will never let anyone tell me what to believe again, no matter who they profess to be.
Here are some questions:
Is world peace possible with religion?
Each religion or church thinks it is "The One True Church". With so many people determined to make others believe what they believe, to prove that they are right, is in my opinion disrespectful and self centred. A peaceful earth requires compassion, understanding and acceptance. I think it is nearly impossible, although there is a remarkable group called Women of Spirit and Faith: www.womenofspiritandfaith.org which works towards feminine spiritual leadership and healing through compassion.
Is there such thing as "The One True Church"?
My feeling is the true church is the one that brings you closer to god/spirit/the universe. Given the huge differences in humanity, there is no one religion that would be right for everyone. For example, religions that preach to have many children or speak out against birth control - is this a good and fair instruction in countries where AIDS is rampant, rape is common, health care is poor, and starvation is a fact of life? Would that truly be the way of god? Many world religions place the man above the woman or demand obedience to the husband. This does not speak of equality to me. Men and women have many gifts to offer the world.
Does God/Spirit/Universe have a manual and rules?
As I was downloading irresponsibly from itunes, I was reflecting on Ricky Martin, an amazing humanitarian who has rescued many little girls in impoverished areas from a life of sexual slavery but according to most religions would be cast out for being homosexual. He is only one example of many doing incredible work to uplift and help heal the world who do not conform to religious convention.
Members of any organized religion what do you do when what you feel is right is not what your church authorities feel is right?
Do you ignore your own feelings and inner knowledge and give up your power to someone who doesn't know you? Do you conform to someone else expectations? Do you push those feelings aside and dismiss them as hormone imbalance, bad mood or something else?
Is the ultimate goal of religion following the tenets of that religion in hopes of being rewarded or is the goal to learn about your spiritual self and develop an understanding of where you need to go in your life and to understand how your particular gifts can help humanity?
Is it possible to live in complete allignment with god ad belong to a church?
For me, no. For others, maybe.
Please discuss politely:
P.S. - We will understand why these rules don't make sense when we die is a cop out. What do you really think?
