“It is a great idea to be born into a religion, but for God’s sake never end up dying in one!”
and this was not said by a Jesuit!!!
Maybe it depends upon the religion.
Regardless, this quote does not resonate with me in the slightest.
I chose my religion for the purpose of dying in it.
OK Thomas, let me just explain what this means.
To come into the world and benefit from the guidance and support of a structure that develops the spiritual being is essential.
That the guides may be parents mentors, great exemplars of the spiritual way is a bonus.
However at some time or other growth demands breaking free from constructs, organisations that demand adherence to a particular line. It demands stepping onto the path of unknowing. That this path ultimately leads to enlightenment is the very reason for us to drop the word and say so of others.
Religion is a step on the path. The spiritual being is the road less traveled.
By its nature it cannot be dictated by others. Therefore if we are to die in a religion we die having been unable to grow out of others’ dictates, no matter how well meaning they may be.
To take just one example. The Christ did not say you have to be in a church or religious organisation - just live Love Be Love and walk the truth within.
Many people are not that strong to venture into this territory and will always depend on the nurse strings of a church to shelter within. A belief system that is built more upon say so than direct experience. That is perfectly OK.
However one day we have to ascertain who we really are and live it on its own terms.
That my friend is true freedom.
I once believed similarly as you stated, but no longer
I believe Jesus started a Church, and I believe that it was intended to be with us for our entire earthy existence.
The purpose of the Church is to help the soul get to Heaven. The Church is of God. The “dictates” of the Church come from infallibly from God through men, so we cannot “outgrow” God’s instructions.
The Church dispenses “Sacraments” which are the means by which God imparts Grace, a spiritual power, to the soul. Once this is understood, only a fool would deny himself this spiritual nourishment and walk away from the Church to do his own thing.
Sounds like you have found your niche. I am happy for you.
All paths lead to the Source. None is better than the other. None is worse. Each one’s journey is tailored for their precise needs.
Go in Peace!
[QUOTE=YogaDays;39565]Sounds like you have found your niche. I am happy for you.
All paths lead to the Source. None is better than the other. None is worse. Each one’s journey is tailored for their precise needs.
Go in Peace![/QUOTE]
Everybody is right. Nobody is wrong.
Every religion is right, even the religion that says the others are wrong.
Everyone should die outside of religion except those who don’t want to.
It’s kind of frustrating to have a discussion when the sands keep shifting, and this does not apply just to you.
No personal offense intended.
[QUOTE=YogaDays;39565]Sounds like you have found your niche. I am happy for you.
All paths lead to the Source. None is better than the other. None is worse. Each one’s journey is tailored for their precise needs.
Go in Peace![/QUOTE]
None is better that the other, none is worse?.. call me arrogant, but I hold the view that Muslims flying planes into buildings for the sake of Allah, is worse than many others. This world is not a place of equality and fairness.
Two points:
If you believe that the ‘planes’ flew into the buildings and were flown by nutters (whatever their persuasion) then it can be an option to stigmatize the whole religion they purport to represent through these actions. Though not a particularly intelligent one, in my opinion.
Of course there are acts that are destructive and constructive, they determine the path for those individuals who take such action. These actions also hold a responsibility that each individual is answerable for…
Destructive ones are naturally contrary and not conducive to positive growth.
However even though they may be judged by others they still are created learning curve of the perpetrator and to judge an individual’s process towards the ultimate goal as good or bad, does nothing except assuage the perception of those that judge. Actions can certainly be considered bad and good, however paths are the very journey someone chooses. Choices are certainly up for questioning, however we are in a plane of choice and with those choices comes the acceptance or not of the responsibility that goes with them.
May he who is without sin, cast the first stone…
The world may not seem to be an equal place. There are those that wish to affirm that judgment, in pursuit of the control over others, yet in all Nature there is inherent balance. It is us and our actions that distort this truth, from our own perspective and inter-relationship to the whole. It is each of us that needs to work on our iner and outer balance.