[QUOTE=javababe;16070]That's interesting. In practice it seems that way as well; there are cliques within the religious network of church and folks usually are discouraged from 'mingling' with those of other groups. Folks who are former churchgoers know exactly what I mean.  That is why I turn down offers to attend church. Im now seeking other methods of spiritual expression in solitary and with others, if I can find those of likeminded seeking. (no luck thus far)[/QUOTE]


I understand exactly what you are saying here.  I tried that for a time, because I rather missed the grouping-together.  I then, had a full understanding that I would never find a group of like-minded believers.  Why?  Because we are SOOOO individualistic.  I am now okay with this.  This is one of the reasons that I like coming to BN, because there are more people who are close enough to my beliefs than are not.

Hi everyone....

This caught my eye. I am spiritual but not religious.

I am a Buddhist but I also believe in God, Angels and Saints. I do chant but not as often as I should. I do meditate and I often speak to God.
I was raised Catholic and once I became an adult I realized I did not agreed with the Catholicism teachings.


I do not agree when people say that if I am not saved I will go to hell. I believe that hell and heaven exists right here right now. It all depends on one's life condition.
I also believe that the actions we make today will have consequences tomorrow.

Am I making sense? I hope so.... BTW: First time posting on here. I usually hang around the singles board.



AP

[QUOTE=nahwal;39173]I like that question, and it's been a while since I ve jumped into a thread or forum or whatever............
Spiritual but not religious.  To me that means not moving around filled with convictions & beliefs that are not my own.  And being open-handed , with an empty dock allows me to receive new & fresh information & knowledge and keep that which touches me & discard the rest.  I find belief systems quite limiting.  Personally I love pragmatism.

"Truth & meaning are determined by one's actions and the consequences of those actions." Unknown

"Religion is for people who don't want to go to hell -
Spirit is for those who've been there."    Anonymous[/QUOTE]


Love the quote in the end

Hi there everyone!  I officially joined BN...um...yesterday, I think.  Though I've been poking around here for a couple weeks.  I stumbled across this forum today, and thought that my Daily Buddhist Wisdom for today was appropriate.

"I believe there is an important distinction to be made between religion and spirituality. Religion I take to be concerned with belief in the claims to salvation of one faith tradition or another--an aspect of which is acceptance of some form of meta-physical or philosophical reality, including perhaps an idea of heaven or hell. Connected with this are religious teachings or dogma, ritual, prayers and so on. Spirituality I take to be concerned with those qualities of the human spirit--such as love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, a sense of responsibility, a sense of harmony, which bring happiness to both self and others."

--His Holiness the Dalai Lama


I was raised in the Church of Christ (not LDS).  My father was a minister, so I am a preacher's kid!  :-O  I've been interested in other religions my entire life, because what was taught in Sunday School just didn't seem to be the whole picture, if that makes any sense.  I fully understand the widespread sentiment against organized religion, I share it myself.  Things have gotten interesting in the last few years, as my husband is Catholic, and I, obviously am not.  Hmm...I think I got a little off topic there.  Sorry!  :-D

Sites like Beliefnet and other spirituality groups on the internet have become the religion of the modern era.  They have replaced the churches in drawing a crowd.  People have turned away from the old and tried in churches. 

There are more modern religious groups meeting to examine individual spirituality in a holistic manner.  They have replaced the old and tired.  They, too, are drawing the attention of those who like to meet in groups.