Religion ?
Formerly Religion vs Spirituality
older post below in Red.
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Religion is a strong and personal topic that illicits powerful emotions and reactions. Throughout history, millions have died in conflicts and wars that center around ones belief in God. Knowing that one has the righteousness of God on his side provides a moral high ground that so many believe justifies their means. Unfortunately, often times that means can be made up of countless deaths to innocents. The real paradox here is that the basic foundation of most religions consists of a connection to a deity that promotes peace, love and brotherhood. This is contradicted by actions that often turn to control, guilt and feelings of superiority or inferiority.
This is not a diatribe against those who choose to practice a Religious tradition, rather a call to the faithful for a real understanding of the meaning of the message. People have a tendency to take things out of context and twist words to fit an agenda or justify their actions. Sacred texts, words and ideas from other periods that are regarded as fact today explain and show the concepts of spirituality, unity, connectedness, belief, faith in self and one another. Soon, I will further explore the concepts of religious faith and beliefs. Why do we believe what we believe? How did this all begin? Who and what is God? Why do we need religion? This is a respectful study of one of the most powerful driving forces in our human history.
...will continue in the next few days
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Written 5-10-09
It is so easy to identify with things in our lives, things of the world. Whether it is our possessions, our appearance, demeanor, religion, work, health, wealth or lack of wealth, the people we associate with, where we live, whatever, we tend to identify to the point that we see these things in essence, as ourselves.
If someone asks , who are you? What would would be your response? How do you see or identify yourself? Are you just a name? Are you a collection of experiences that make up your lifetime on this world? Do you see yourself as the objects that you have accumulated over your lifetime? Do you see yourself as a member of an organization, could that be your identity? Are you a political party enthusiast or member of a particular religion? Is that truly who you are?
Ask yourself this simple question, who am I? What Am I?
If you see yourself as religious you are not necessarily spiritual and being spiritual is not necessarily religious. We often grow up with a religious tradition handed to us by our parents, we follow a collections of rules and obligations. Some people really try to use their religion as a path to closer relationship with the Divine while others seem to go to church out of a sense of obligation or fear of punishment. Most religions stress the idea of spirit, yet many cannot look beyond themselves as flesh and blood. Often times, we get so caught up in the intricacies and details of the many rules and customs of a religion that we forget or overlook the real morals and meaning behind the faith. Some take things out of context and promote their own agenda. This can bring about prejudice and intolerance. There can be a feeling of superiority where the members feel their way is the only way to salvation and all others are somehow less than they. In other cases, some religions find their non members to be somewhat less than human and ready for the slaughter.
Religion is primarily a belief system that a group of people agree to as a way to achieve a closer relationship with their Deity. Most religions provide a set of morals and beliefs based on living a good life of peace that is free of sin. Remember, a belief is merely an idea that has been told and embedded in your mind to the point that you accept it as fact. Most ideas are made by man, therefore you are just accepting another mans point of view as doctrine. If you are part of a religion, it must be a path to your spirituality. Question your beliefs, challenge your faith. If it is real, this can only strengthen it, if not, you may save yourself much pain.
Spirituality is knowing that you are an eternal being, knowing that your spirit or energy or soul is a part of so much more. Exploring your spirituality can help you find perspective, help you find peace. Exploring your spirituality can help you learn your potential and purpose. There is so much more to us.
Will return for more later.
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