1. Simply, what is your religion/religious beliefs?
I grew up being exposed to both Methodists and Presbyterians. My exposure was limited as I rebelled against the formal nature of organized religion. However, I was fortunate enough to have a "God Presence" and discover the power of faith from then on. I don't frequent church, but I do frequent God.
2. Do you feel comfortable with this belief or believe you should walk a different path? If you feel your path should be elsewhere, where do you feel you would be most comfortable?
I feel comfortable when I am living right (ethically, morally, spiritually). I am on the path meant for me although I often stray and have to find my way back. God did a fine job putting us mortals together with an arsenal weapons to get our attention when we stray. Let's say our conscience is the jukebox and the myriad of emotions are the selections. (Guilt, Shame, Remorse, and the list goes on) Free of charge so they play and play an play until I listen.
3. Describe in a short paragraph what you feel is the difference between religion and spirituality.
Religion to me is social conditioning from a young age and through its development an individual loses the option of ever knowing freedom of choice.
Spirituality provides true freedom of choice and enables me to develop a relationship with God based on my interpretation of scripture. I would give organized religion more consideration if there were not so many religions in the world. That is enough for me to know that groups simply buy into the beliefs set forth long before their arrival.
SPIRITUALITY IS FOR ME!!!!!!
4. How do you feel about religious intolerance? Is there only one set of beliefs that should exist; or do you accept that each individual is entitled to their own beliefs? More-so, would you accept that person into your life even with a different view?
In my opinion religious intolerance is display of ignorance to the same extent an atheist will not consider the possibility that it can't be any other way. It is not right or wrong until someone feels the needs to enlighten me as to how I should believe based on their own self conviction. I have no problem with any persons belief as long as they understand considerate behavior.
5. I would like for you to quote me one religious/spiritual quote (does not have to be biblical) and interpret it into your own thoughts.
God is the ultimate Father demonstrating love, patience, compassion and forgiveness.
God is wise enough to practice tough love knowing failure is life's only true teacher.
God is always ready when you are, but even he can't drive a parked car!
A contest entry
- Survey on Religion (for thesis )- 5 questions only by StormGoddess.
700 points, ended November 2, 25 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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I found your answers to be interesting. I have my own opinions about religion and spirituality. For a long long time, I was in search of something, though not quite sure of what.. this past year, a lot of things have changed for me and for the good, I might add. :-) I had a conversation with my father last summer about some views and religion. my main one was this.. btw he is a deacon in the catholic church. yes I'm aware that I put it in lowercase letters, that was done on purpose. the way I was raised was that as a catholic was we had to go to confession.. well I brought this up to him and said why? why do I need a middle man? why do I need someone between me and God... God knows what I've done wrong and so do I .. so there is no need for anyone else to be in the picture. valid point, but ignored as per usual.. anyway... I prefer Spirituality to man's religion.. I've learned that God never gives up, He didn't give up on me, and I figured at one point I was a lost cause.
So much has changed with me in fact that next Sunday I'm getting Baptised at where I attend service. I'm a Christian and I'm working very hard on my relationship with God.
that for me is what is important.. and at some point we all stray, we're human, it's in our nature to sin.
Congratulations on the HM. Thanks Rhon I'm glad that I read your entry.
Kat
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This was really good on your part. I am not religious and this was a hard piece for me to read but I did so and found your answers true to yourself. Although I may not agree with you on all, it was a piece that spoke your feelings and that is really good. I could make many comments here but I won't. I think you stated yourself quite well.
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I DO LOVE YOUR ANSWER!!!!!
God bless you my friend...
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I think your last line in number 1 says most of what matters.
As for 2, I think the majority of people are not always perfectly seated on the paths we should be. I often feel that if we didn't stray even just a tad, does His guidance have the same meaning or power?
3 is good. I like how you state the spirituality allows you to base things on your own interpretation- to me that is important.
Thank you Rhon for adding to my research. Please leave your entry in so I have time to write my thesis.
Stor
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