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Living A Meaningful Life
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 22, 2007 - 5:11PM #11 | |
javababe
Posts: 40
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Ive always understood 'religion' to be a system of beliefs and activities that are followed with little or no question. I remember once that we were told of a temple (eastern system) that had a sign above the door which read , "leave your mind outside". The person who told us this was a christian pastor who was using the image to explain how christianity is one of the few faiths that allow and even encourage questions. As my years in the christian faith grew, I noted that this pastor's sentiment was rare indeed. I left the 'church' due in large part to the dogmatic religiosity. What struck home was realizing that when I dutifully attended services, helped out periodically, and hung out with the other christians, then I was 'ok'. When I chose to stop helping so much, attended fewer services, and I spent less time with them, my FAITH was suspect. When I finally stopped attending altogether and didnt have much contact at all with the others, except running in to them in public places, no one called, or seemed concerned and pretty much wrote me off. THAT is religion. There is no heart.
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 22, 2007 - 10:13PM #12 | |
deshunda3333
Posts: 197
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I love this Holistic faith. Everything makes more scense to me...
Meketa |
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 23, 2007 - 8:07AM #13 | |
religionfree
Posts: 5,117
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[QUOTE=javababe;14627]Ive always understood 'religion' to be a system of beliefs and activities that are followed with little or no question. I remember once that we were told of a temple (eastern system) that had a sign above the door which read , "leave your mind outside". The person who told us this was a christian pastor who was using the image to explain how christianity is one of the few faiths that allow and even encourage questions. As my years in the christian faith grew, I noted that this pastor's sentiment was rare indeed. I left the 'church' due in large part to the dogmatic religiosity. What struck home was realizing that when I dutifully attended services, helped out periodically, and hung out with the other christians, then I was 'ok'. When I chose to stop helping so much, attended fewer services, and I spent less time with them, my FAITH was suspect. When I finally stopped attending altogether and didnt have much contact at all with the others, except running in to them in public places, no one called, or seemed concerned and pretty much wrote me off. THAT is religion. There is no heart.[/QUOTE]
I've always thought of religion to be like a social club. If you pay your club dues (fealty) and attended functions (church) you are accepted. If you question or slack, your membership is suspended. That's just me.
"When I don't know who I Am, I follow You
When I know who I am, You & I are One" Namaste |
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 23, 2007 - 10:06AM #14 | |
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javababe
Posts: 40
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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)
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 24, 2007 - 12:08AM #15 | |
ArtistSpirit
Posts: 46
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[QUOTE=hithrael;860]
"What does Holistic Spirituality, or Spiritual but not Religious mean to you?" ~N[/QUOTE] I meditate but I do not like the rules of set religious organizations telling me what is and isn't true. I use to follow "Christian religion" but I feel I out grew the evangelical rules. I do believe in Christ spirit but not systems rules. Christians use to tell me to be careful don't meditate as it could open me up to devils....I just can not live under such nonsensical restrictions. I also read about many other faiths and take what rings true with my spirit. Spiritual but not religious. |
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 24, 2007 - 12:40PM #16 | |
Nightowl35
Posts: 50
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[QUOTE=GreenEyedLily;11332]
I dont like the confines of religion either - I am nothing, yet I am everything...and although Atheists dont believe in anything that in itself is a belief isnt it? I dont judge or critisize anyone for what they believe in (or dont believe in)...that is our right as humans to believe or not believe in whatever we choose. If we all believed the same thing what a boring world we would live in! [/QUOTE] Hey GreenEyedLily. I'm with you (on being nothing and everything)! As for Atheists, I think it's a common misconception that they don't believe in anything. It's been my understanding that the *only* thing Atheists necessarily have in common is their lack of belief in gods. That's why I've really avoided that label ... it just seems like a reactionary label to theism and doesn't mean much else (to me). |
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 24, 2007 - 12:43PM #17 | |
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Nightowl35
Posts: 50
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[QUOTE=javababe;14627]When I finally stopped attending altogether and didnt have much contact at all with the others, except running in to them in public places, no one called, or seemed concerned and pretty much wrote me off. THAT is religion. There is no heart.[/QUOTE]
That was fairly similar to my experience, too. But I hope it isn't that way for everyone! |
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 24, 2007 - 12:45PM #18 | |
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Nightowl35
Posts: 50
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[QUOTE=religionfree;10338]
I think of Holistic Spirituality as encompassing the ALL without attempting to dissect or take apart. This does not mean, however, that I agree with religious teachings. I don't.[/QUOTE] I think that's an excellent definition of Holistic Spirituality! |
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 24, 2007 - 12:47PM #19 | |
GreenEyedLily
Posts: 604
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Hehe ya know...not to be disrespectful to anyone or any belief...but whenever I meet someone that goes to church and they find out that I dont go to church and have never been (other than weddings/funerals) its like they are a dealer - a church dealer! "come on! you so have to come! its so fun and everyone is so non-judgemental"...to me I figure if someone mentions judging in their opening statement it makes me a little heedy lolol...
I have nothing against religion other than those who LOVE to tell me Im going to hell or that they want to save me! Once I asked - save me from what exactly? And they just left hehehee |
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| 6 years ago :: Oct 25, 2007 - 12:16PM #20 | |
Urukai
Posts: 1,048
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