I've been reading your journal off and on, since finding you through some of our mutual communities. This is, I think, the first time I've been moved to comment on your journal.
I don't know why I believe, or even WHAT I believe. I know that there is something out there, I'm just not entirely sure what that something is. Sometimes, I will hear/feel it calling to me, other times I don't. I think that my basic beliefs boil down to being some flavor of Christianity. I've attended a few different churches during my lifetime (Baptist, Southern Baptist, Nazarene, Brethren and Methodist), some regularly, some just one or three visits. None of them has felt like "home" to me, so I know I need to keep searching
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Searching for a hometracerooJune 8 2007, 13:39:52 UTC
Samantha, welcome! I appreciate the visit, and thank you so much for sharing this part of yourself and your search with me. I appreciate hearing from you.
Do you think your call to the divine is through community? That you feel closest to God while in the community of his worship?
I ask not in any way as a challenge to you. Ian and I are strongly envious of the community of organized religion (some more than others, and this may have to do more with congregation than religion, per se). For us, there's just that little detail of not believing in God! Organized religion has its obvious flaws, certainly, but so very much positive to lend to people to embrace it, and desire it.
I can easily see how being a part of such an environment could prompt one to be a better person, more open, and strengthen their relationship with their faith, make them more active. I'm always interested in the stories of people who dwell in such a place spiritually.
I wish you good fortune and peace in your continued search!
Look, I know that it's awfully arrogant to say that I think I know something other people don't or that I'm right and they're wrong. And it's especially problematic when part of my issue with organized religions is that many dogmatically claim to be the "truth." My science, my history, my anthropology - my edumacation - gets in the way of faith. And yet, as arrogant as I know it seems, I still think I'm right.
As far as the message, I believe that all major religions and philosophies come down to the same thing: be good to yourself; be good to others; don't be an asshole. Beyond that, the specifics of what one religion or another claims to be God's plan seems, to me, to be crap invented by well-meaning and not-so-well-meaning folks for various reasons, none of which are the definitive word of a higher power. The problem then is not just the vehicles for these strictures, but the strictures themselves.
With all of that said, I commend you for your exploration.
But as the word, even as short-hand, is far more recognizable and accepted as 'the name', and as a result deserves reverence. Because serious At least, that's what Rabbi inferred in his class. Same concept as to why using the short-hand version in vain is commonly frowned upon.
One of the great ironies of my life. I started my life with a very similar background as Robert. As I changed my spiritual beliefs I became even more open to the nature of God than defining it to one set of beliefs or some sort of organized religion. Now, as I grow older and I encounter more of what life has to offer I am scared sh!tless as my experiences lead me to believe that our lives are nothing more than self important insects.
I am glad that you are exploring faith. I always felt better about life when I was exploring my own beliefs. I am not sure what is causing my current bout of cynicism - but I am glad that you are asking yourself not to doubt, no matter what it is you find yourself believing in.
With all the upheaval in your mortal life, maybe now might be indeed the ideal time for you to look to your spiritual side as well. You never know what's waiting out there for you, in any world!
Comments 68
I don't know why I believe, or even WHAT I believe. I know that there is something out there, I'm just not entirely sure what that something is. Sometimes, I will hear/feel it calling to me, other times I don't. I think that my basic beliefs boil down to being some flavor of Christianity. I've attended a few different churches during my lifetime (Baptist, Southern Baptist, Nazarene, Brethren and Methodist), some regularly, some just one or three visits. None of them has felt like "home" to me, so I know I need to keep searching ( ... )
Reply
Do you think your call to the divine is through community? That you feel closest to God while in the community of his worship?
I ask not in any way as a challenge to you. Ian and I are strongly envious of the community of organized religion (some more than others, and this may have to do more with congregation than religion, per se). For us, there's just that little detail of not believing in God! Organized religion has its obvious flaws, certainly, but so very much positive to lend to people to embrace it, and desire it.
I can easily see how being a part of such an environment could prompt one to be a better person, more open, and strengthen their relationship with their faith, make them more active. I'm always interested in the stories of people who dwell in such a place spiritually.
I wish you good fortune and peace in your continued search!
Trace
Reply
As far as the message, I believe that all major religions and philosophies come down to the same thing: be good to yourself; be good to others; don't be an asshole. Beyond that, the specifics of what one religion or another claims to be God's plan seems, to me, to be crap invented by well-meaning and not-so-well-meaning folks for various reasons, none of which are the definitive word of a higher power. The problem then is not just the vehicles for these strictures, but the strictures themselves.
With all of that said, I commend you for your exploration.
Reply
But as the word, even as short-hand, is far more recognizable and accepted as 'the name', and as a result deserves reverence. Because serious At least, that's what Rabbi inferred in his class. Same concept as to why using the short-hand version in vain is commonly frowned upon.
Reply
I am glad that you are exploring faith. I always felt better about life when I was exploring my own beliefs. I am not sure what is causing my current bout of cynicism - but I am glad that you are asking yourself not to doubt, no matter what it is you find yourself believing in.
Reply
T.
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