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May 2009 
What's religion got to do with it?
Posted on Nov 11th, 2008
by 
Gloria
Gloria
.....This is something I write to the world, as I am more grounded in what I know and in who I am. It is especially aimed at those who avoid growing themselves by pretending that God does not exist inside of us, among us, and all around us.....
I am a Christian Mystic, and that incites conversations about religion. I wonder, what role does religion play today? In my life, thus far, it has been confusing. I have wondered, "They talk about God (good), they have Jesus and Mary around (good), but they just don't feel transformed, peaceful, or even hopeful for me (not so good)."
I definitely do not call myself religious, but rather someone who is committed to God overall, despite dogma. I am spiritual in that I seek a personal relationship with God and for all else to fall away. It's really that simple, and by any name, it is my path. But I am sure it is not a religious path.
Growing up in an alternative quasi-Buddhist household, there were no crosses on the walls and no prayers on Sundays. But what we did have was a consciousness about coming together, around giving thanks, and searching for higher knowing.
Against their best wishes for me, I searched my way out of my childhood community of artists and liberals, and those who pride themselves on knowing a lot, having traveled much, and taking morsels from each religion that they fancy in order to create their own path.
I do honor the right that we all have to be weary of authoritarian individuals and to test each community that we explore as to protect ourselves. But I find it very prideful to each create our own religion. It definitely separates us from others, as opposed to bring us together. It tells each faith that it's not good enough and this is usually done without giving the teachers or the path a chance (of our time and experience). These decisions are often made before we even know the path we are experimenting with. We know, I will not do this if they... (ask me to do things I don't want to do) or (push me when it feels uncomfortable) or tell me to (give up my cat)…etcetera (and you can see how many different ways we draw out these parameters).
So, needless to say, I found this approach to be confusing to me. I couldn't find how God could fit into that equation. It doesn't give God space to move and reveal Him/Her Self to us.
So, if we want to talk religion, I think I may not have much else to say. And if you want to label me with being one who is religious, I would ask, "How does that help you? Does it discount my experiences and my joy from being real to you and cast me aside in an unpopular and creepy category of 'religion'?"
If we want to talk about real personal experiences of peace, of inner dialogue and deeper questions within us, and of a strong desire to serve and to know God, then I could go on and on and feel life moving in that.
Does that start out any conversation between us?
I am open to what you may have to share…
I am a Christian Mystic, and that incites conversations about religion. I wonder, what role does religion play today? In my life, thus far, it has been confusing. I have wondered, "They talk about God (good), they have Jesus and Mary around (good), but they just don't feel transformed, peaceful, or even hopeful for me (not so good)."
I definitely do not call myself religious, but rather someone who is committed to God overall, despite dogma. I am spiritual in that I seek a personal relationship with God and for all else to fall away. It's really that simple, and by any name, it is my path. But I am sure it is not a religious path.
Growing up in an alternative quasi-Buddhist household, there were no crosses on the walls and no prayers on Sundays. But what we did have was a consciousness about coming together, around giving thanks, and searching for higher knowing.
Against their best wishes for me, I searched my way out of my childhood community of artists and liberals, and those who pride themselves on knowing a lot, having traveled much, and taking morsels from each religion that they fancy in order to create their own path.
I do honor the right that we all have to be weary of authoritarian individuals and to test each community that we explore as to protect ourselves. But I find it very prideful to each create our own religion. It definitely separates us from others, as opposed to bring us together. It tells each faith that it's not good enough and this is usually done without giving the teachers or the path a chance (of our time and experience). These decisions are often made before we even know the path we are experimenting with. We know, I will not do this if they... (ask me to do things I don't want to do) or (push me when it feels uncomfortable) or tell me to (give up my cat)…etcetera (and you can see how many different ways we draw out these parameters).
So, needless to say, I found this approach to be confusing to me. I couldn't find how God could fit into that equation. It doesn't give God space to move and reveal Him/Her Self to us.
So, if we want to talk religion, I think I may not have much else to say. And if you want to label me with being one who is religious, I would ask, "How does that help you? Does it discount my experiences and my joy from being real to you and cast me aside in an unpopular and creepy category of 'religion'?"
If we want to talk about real personal experiences of peace, of inner dialogue and deeper questions within us, and of a strong desire to serve and to know God, then I could go on and on and feel life moving in that.
Does that start out any conversation between us?
I am open to what you may have to share…
Gloria
Access: PublicTagged with: God, religion, spirituality, truth, change, community, transformation, peace, love, judgment
it is quite interesting a read for someone whom just yesterday chose to leave the world of Christianity (at least, that “Christianity” that i had been “taught” as to what it is for the past 46 years of my life) & find GOD in myself, my own way, the way that my spirit has been telling me for the past….i don't know if i can even “know” how long it's been screaming inside of me, to choose THIS path (the one i have now taken). i guess for awhile, gloria, i had been apprehensive about going off on my own, separate from anyone else's beliefs, to discover my own identity within, my own beliefs, that truth that applies to my life, so as to become at one with GOD Whom Dwells inside of me, as HE/SHE/THEY Always Have/Has. I Do STILL believe in what Jesus spoke of, his ways, the way he lived his life, and he IS STILL my hero, one of whom i would most desire to fashion this life a resemblance of. The Voice within told me that i would walk this path alone, with no other to walk beside me, staying focused on (HIM) within. I had for a few years past wondered the same as you, my sister. I could not understand how anyone believing in what Jesus spoke of could NOT have their lives transform into something where as they themselves became free from the dogma of man's religions. i am becoming more at one with (HIM) Within myself, more content in ALL situations, becoming more so at peace within, and growing more now than i have ever in those past 46 years. I look forward to what this shall bring my way, & how GOD Shall Reveal (HIMSELF) to my soul, int his life to come. There is So much more out there, & all that (HE) Has Purposed for THIS my life, I desire to experience it in The Fullness of (HIM) that lives within.
this i care to share with someone that i feel would somewhat, somehow have an understanding of at least the journey i partake of now in this life i live.
sincerely
rich