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I have heard a number of times someone state that they are not "religious, but are spiritual". What does this mean?
My initial thought is that when a person states that they are spiritual, as opposed to being religious, they are merely excusing themslves from the fellowship of believers. Meaning, it is an excuse for not going to church.
I realized this may not be true at all. It is just an initial theory of mine on the subject. Our salvation is not based upon church attendance, but it is something our Lord asks us to do (Hebrews 10:25).
I have heard a number of times someone state that they are not "religious, but are spiritual". What does this mean?
My initial thought is that when a person states that they are spiritual, as opposed to being religious, they are merely excusing themslves from the fellowship of believers. Meaning, it is an excuse for not going to church.
I realized this may not be true at all. It is just an initial theory of mine on the subject. Our salvation is not based upon church attendance, but it is something our Lord asks us to do (Hebrews 10:25).
Any thoughts?
There are many different religeous doctrins in the world. Some people believe in one doctrine and get their "spirituality" from that. Some chose to study more than one tradition and develop their spiritual nature in THAT fashion. We should never make the mistake of thinking that OUR way is the ONLY way. The fact that you are asking this question is a very good indication that you have a strong seeking spirit.
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Religion is the following of a man induced system of belief...
Spirituality is a connection with the energy that is all around in the universe for all to share.
Yes it is that simple.
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One can not profess to be of "GOD" and show intolerence and prejudice towards the beliefs of others.
Am fear nach gleidh na h–airm san t–sith, cha bhi iad aige ’n am a’ chogaidh. He that keeps not his arms in time of peace will have none in time of war.
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"Without food we are nothing, without history we are lost." - SHADOWS
Is iomadh duine laghach a mhill an Creideamh. Religion has spoiled many a good man.
When I looked up Hebrews 10:25, here is the NIV version:
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another?and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Could it be an excuse not to go to church? Quite possibly. Many people think they are doing okay and following the Christian way, when sometimes they are not. And they don't want others telling them that. Also, Jesus said at the Last Supper "Do this in remembrance of me." That communion is commanded by Jesus for us to do. Religion I see more as something studied, a classification for us to use. Spirituality as your relationship with God. external versus internal.
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I myself find that I am both religious and spiritual but I do not go to church. I practice the wiccan religion and I have found that there are wiccan churches for people who practice in a coven but I choose to practice solitary. So just because someone may be religious doesn't mean that they have to go to church.
In Christianity, we are taught that religion is man/woman trying to seek and please God through their works. Spirituality, on the other hand, is God seeking relationship with His creation and, thus, us having fellowship with the Creator. God is not seeking our works, He is seeking our heart and we are saved by His grace.
Once again, this is the Christian point of view so as to not offend others.
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Not offended!
One can be Spiritual without being Religious.... As I stated before religion(s) is/are the creation of mankind...
Spiritualism is the recognition of the forces ( the Creator ) all around us.
One can be religious without having one ounce of spirituality in their body or soul... the folks that followed Jim Jones were religious, but had no idea about Spirituality... that is why they are gone....
Yes Jim Jones called himself christian, as well as many others that have been called cults... def: cults : the following of beliefs not common to the norm... christians were once called a cult.
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I do not try to admonish one belief or another... I just want all to look with eyes wide open and see what is truely there...and follow their hearts and spirit to what is right for them and all mankind...
Believe with your heart, praise that which made you and do not fall victim to the teachings of man... look to the creator and all around you for the answers...
One can be Spiritual without being Religious.... As I stated before religion(s) is/are the creation of mankind...
Spiritualism is the recognition of the forces ( the Creator ) all around us.
One can be religious without having one ounce of spirituality in their body or soul... the folks that followed Jim Jones were religious, but had no idea about Spirituality... that is why they are gone....
Yes Jim Jones called himself christian, as well as many others that have been called cults... def: cults : the following of beliefs not common to the norm... christians were once called a cult.
Sir Shadows, thanks for pointing out the "limited" nature of that definition of cult. Too many folks consider that to be it's true definition and use it to justify religious biggotry. Your message of tolerance is RIGHT ON THE MARK. There is room for many belief systems in the world. Tolerance is a VERY good idea.
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QUOTE (maryellen @ 18-Jan-2005, 06:34 PM)
"Once again, this is the Christian point of view so as to not offend others. "
Why must we apologize for having a Christain view in a Christian forum (Kirk and Chapel)??!
I find this very disturbing. (I am not blaming you CelticRose at all. I think it has more to do with the audience.)
Agreed One should never have to appologise for their beliefs, even if they *DO* offend IMHO.
Everyone has a right to their opinion. Voice it proudly!
I just double checked, and Maryellen is in error on what forum she is in, but what she says still applies here. We are all of varying faiths here, Christian, Wiccan, Shaman, Druid, I don't doubt Buddhist, Muslum, etc... And in the end we are all human. One of the nice things about this world in which we live, and a nice thing about the Internet is that people of all different races, nationalities, religons and creed can come together and share without shame.
No need for appologies I know I certainly am not offended. Keep telling us what you think everyone
/me gives CelticRose a nice comfy seat to stay in the conversation
There are warnings of entering this forum at your own risk on this perticular forum for those who might be asilly offended. I'd say don't worry about offending those here
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Thanks Aae I was going to point that out to maryellen, but I decided to leave it be and let someone else say something or for her to realize her mistake.
Tolerance is needed world wide for all beliefs and practices!!!!!
Persicusion and intolerance have no place in this world today.
In Christianity, we are taught that religion is man/woman trying to seek and please God through their works. Spirituality, on the other hand, is God seeking relationship with His creation and, thus, us having fellowship with the Creator. God is not seeking our works, He is seeking our heart and we are saved by His grace.
Once again, this is the Christian point of view so as to not offend others.
I like your answer CelticRose! So many times we try to be religious and completely forget the spiritual side.
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