Date: 10/12/2002 2:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 15675
awww sur5er so true! I guess wicca/paganisim is more of a spirutal thing then a religion by this lol!  |
Date: 10/12/2002 2:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 30630
This is an awesome post!! Definately bookmarked. Thank you Sur5r for sharing. ~Brightest Blessings~  |
Date: 10/12/2002 3:16:00 PM
From Authorid: 23610
Wonderful post. There is much to reflect on here. Thanks for sharing this...it touches a real cord with me.  |
Date: 10/12/2002 3:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 50864
Great post and on so true what a hearfelt message  |
Date: 10/12/2002 3:21:00 PM
From Authorid: 49539
This makes so much sense! I love this post, thanx! :)  |
Date: 10/12/2002 3:32:00 PM
From Authorid: 21867
While I say I have a faith but not a religion, and that I hold little faith IN religion...I would also say this is all merely an opinion...a viewpoint, and viewpoints are coloured by what experiences we have. The viewpoint expressed here is that Religion is wrong...oh yes, sure, peeps will no doubt leap on me and say stuff like "Geees...anything gets taken as knocking religion these days" But face it - this view IS. And correct me if I'm wrong here...but true Spiritualism has NOTHING to do with knocking or 'oneupmanship'...it has more to do with what YOU do...not the actions of another set of beliefs...in this case 'religion'. Peace,  |
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Date: 10/12/2002 3:42:00 PM
From Authorid: 54259
i like this post but what this person should have posted is spirituality vs. christianity because those religious beliefs are specifically christianity not all religions. but i understand what this person is saying. religion has man made beliefs in them but there are some religions like buddhism and hinduism which has more spiritual truths than others. |
Date: 10/12/2002 3:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 43586
I follow God, i am a christian, i have a book to look in, to help me find my answers, that is what interpretation is for. I dont follow my preacher, my church, my bible. i follow God. I think that there is hell, but i dont need to worry about that. Foolish men have taken something good, and turned it into a source of power or wealth or control for them, that, my friend is what is wrong with the religion.  |
Date: 10/12/2002 3:51:00 PM
From Authorid: 14780
spirituality rocks...Ive never felt comfortable with religion...I went to church for many many many years and always felt pressured in one way or another...oh, and dont you ever miss a day thats sinful in itsself..lol...Now, that I have felt the true feelings of spirituality my heart does tell me whats right.. the truth is out there you just have to seek and find what it is your ready for.  |
Date: 10/12/2002 4:25:00 PM
From Authorid: 17275
great post sur5r, tho I believe in god with all my heart I have never felt right in a church, and oh don't you know if you are a new person in their church today most people won't look at you twice. thanks for the post!  |
Date: 10/12/2002 4:30:00 PM
From Authorid: 48993
This is one of the BEST posts I have ever read here at USM .. this is wonderful , thank you sooooooooooo much for sharing it!!!!!!!  |
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Date: 10/12/2002 4:38:00 PM
From Authorid: 54247
Spirituality exists in churches. Many people need the on earth support and guidance provided by that group. Yes, some are a bit overboard and I know when I get to heaven I will be shocked at all the people there that I didn't think would ever make it! Even a church cannot give you the Spirit. Better for me? Both! RAT |
Date: 10/12/2002 4:47:00 PM
From Authorid: 609
Great post Sur5R, I am definiatly Spirituality, I turned away from a religion because they told me I could not be spiritual. Never have I strayed from my heart, so if my choices have been wrong then at least I can say I never was a hypocrite and always believed with unwavering faith in all I practiced and felt. Thank you for sharing this, its so enlightening!  |
Date: 10/12/2002 5:16:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 3835
Thank you for all of your replies. Whether or not you agree with this post.. the fact that you took the time to give some of your thoughts to this, is great satisfaction for me.. thank you all so much !!  |
Date: 10/12/2002 6:23:00 PM
From Authorid: 48812
excellent post. definitely bookmarking....this is told truly and with a sense of passion......very good....thanx for sharing  |
Date: 10/12/2002 7:47:00 PM
From Authorid: 34810
So ture. This is why I quite going to church. I was tierd of being told that if I did not give to the church that you were pritty much turning your back on god. And as a child I was bribed by them to go to church with candy every week. they would come to my house and say here is some candy in a littly bagy if you will ride our buss to chruch on sunday. NOT COOL.  |
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Date: 10/12/2002 7:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 34810
YOU GO GIRL!!! I have learned a lot from you and your web site. Sisters of the light unite. Bright blessing to all. |
Date: 10/12/2002 8:13:00 PM
From Authorid: 1631
Bookmarked :)...  |
Date: 10/12/2002 10:21:00 PM
From Authorid: 54987
It's a bit long-winded but I'll go along with that. It's been my experience anyhow. Thanks for posting it.  |
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Date: 10/12/2002 10:22:00 PM
From Authorid: 61311
I love this post! I totally agree with you! |thefinalseraphim| |
Date: 10/12/2002 10:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 11723
I like the post. But, just like it was previously said, Religion seems to be specicially aimed at Christianity. Not ALL relgions are this way. For the most part, I would have to agree, but I personally have a problem with generalizing and fitting everything into very broad categories. After all, I've known a few "spiritual" people who were very 'Holier than thou'.  |
Date: 10/12/2002 11:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 12341
It's good to see a post from you again, I miss them. I think this sums up pretty much where I am. I'm finally old enough to not listen to anyone but my own common sense. It has taken a lifetime, but I follow my own heartfelt feelings.  |
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Date: 10/13/2002 2:21:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 3835
Mydnite Son, that is a very good point to ponder on... thank you. I must say that can go for either verses or as well... |
Date: 10/13/2002 6:52:00 AM
From Authorid: 48809
I will always choose spirituality...hands down! Thank you for the great post...I am sure it will be a real help to those of us who are seekers on the path!  |
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Date: 10/13/2002 7:31:00 AM ( Admin-JGB )
I really enjoyed this very much... Sure does explain many peoples feeling about how they are close to their highest power without belonging to an organization... and just because one isn't part of an organized religion doesn't negate their spirituality :) Thanks so much for the post! |
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Date: 10/13/2002 2:25:00 PM
From Authorid: 17252
Thanks for posting this! |
Date: 10/13/2002 8:42:00 PM
From Authorid: 177
Excelent post . We are part of God, and God is part of us, & we are all part of each other. God is unlike the depiction that one gets from the Bible, or Koran. If we play the game of karma right, eventually we will know longer need to keep comeing down here to earth.  |
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Date: 10/13/2002 9:04:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 3835
Well stated Gorm !! I do like the way that you worded that (-: |
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Date: 10/14/2002 4:42:00 AM
From Authorid: 55985
Wonderful post. Whoever wrote this obviously feels the same way as most of us do...frustrated when it comes down to religious beliefs versus modern society. Thanks. ~*Megan*~ |
Date: 10/14/2002 6:09:00 AM
From Authorid: 25828
that's great 8-)  |
Date: 10/14/2002 1:08:00 PM
From Authorid: 53500
I agree with Agent Smith here. This post is extremely biased and never goes beyond a elementary understanding of religion or spirituality. They are basing religion on a group of people, and spirituality on emotions. Both are bad things to place "truths" in. People can lie and what makes one glad, may make someone else sad. So neither of these is "correct". To me this post reeks of Anti Christianity, a wolf in sheep's clothing. SUEDE  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 4:05:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 3835
In not one sentence do I see where the word Christianity is written here.. for those that feel that it is, then perhaps it is the thoughts that are within you that make you feel guilty enough to want to believe that this is talking of one certain segregation... it is your right, but no where does this claim to be about one religion at all... I do not see it the way that you do, and for once, I can say "Thank God".. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 7:43:00 AM
From Authorid: 53500
Survior< You've got to read between the lines. If you take all things at face value...Oi Vei! SUEDE |
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Date: 10/15/2002 7:45:00 AM
From Authorid: 25828
taking things literally is not bad ----trying to warp something into the meaning you see fit, that is bad. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 11:06:00 AM
From Authorid: 53500
Heather, I'm certainly not trying to warp something here. I know a lot of non Christians are all hung up on translations or interpretations, or have a hard time seeing between the lines on issues. Unfortunately, people like the original author of this have placed a barrier between religion and spirituality. Instead of reclaiming something, they reject it. How typical. If they feel that there truly is a barrier, they need to break it down. Go to another church, do independent study, whatever it takes. Stop putting up barriers. There is one God, one way, one truth. God doesn't conform to you, you conform to God. If it were the other way around that would remove God altogether, you in essence would be a "god" since it would be you establishing the terms and the truths. God loves everyone, and He has established a plan of grace for all. It is up to the individual to go with it or not. Ignorance, pride, ego; these are the things that place barriers between one and God. Most of the things listed here under spirituality, actually apply to Christianity. Of course with this post being biased, no mention was made of that. And I don't see anyone saying, "you know, that's a neat post, BUT..." Everyone just falls into place and complacancy with it. SUEDE |
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Date: 10/15/2002 11:23:00 AM
From Authorid: 23610
I don't see anything about this being anti any religion specifically. I see it as a beautiful sentiment regarding spirituality....something you can carry with you where ever you go....not just in a specific organization or location. I agree that pointing out Christianity as being targeted is warping the intention of the message and, yes, maybe even a reflection of a person's own thoughts onto what others say or think. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 11:30:00 AM
From Authorid: 53500
Crude, I forgot my last point. Note that on the 36th line, it reads, "I never once heard any religion say stop slaughtering millions of trees every year for Christ's birthday." There you go, DIRECT reference to Christianity. Not so hard to read between the lines now is it? Oddly enough though, the "Christmas" tree is a pagan tradition, not a Christian one. Whatever though, right? I mean who really cares? It doesn't matter. SUEDE |
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Date: 10/15/2002 11:56:00 AM
From Authorid: 23610
Uh...is the Philosophy section or the Debate section? If it makes you feel any better, I've never heard anyone say not to kill trees in the name of Buddha or Allah either. I still believe that the philosophical topic that Spirituality is a higher form than an organization (any organization) is what is most important is a valid and important message. And...I like a quote I once read that says, "When no one is attacking you, being defensive comes across as offensive." I see no attack in this post...only a loving message. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 12:02:00 PM
From Authorid: 53500
Lady Nyx, Sorry, but I do see an attack, so I will defend myself. I'm not trying to be offensive to people, and since this post was originally written by who knows, I don't see how anyone here can be "offended" by my response. Trust me, offense is not meant. And just because I offer a counter view, don't think of me as trying to open a debate, I'm just responding. Oddly, if I would have said, hey great post and went along with it, no one would have paid any attention. But oh the horror of a counter view. Sorry, I respect your opinion, now respect mine. SUEDE |
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Date: 10/15/2002 12:10:00 PM
From Authorid: 23610
I don't think anyone minds a philosophical counter view...I think the defensive part came in when you wrote "To me this post reeks of Anti Christianity". I don't see that as a counter view of the topic of the importance of spirituality....I see it as an accusation. Why not try to put your thoughts into more of an "positive" thought on why your philosophical views are different? |
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Date: 10/15/2002 12:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 53500
Lady Nyx, I would love to see this in a positive view. I really would, BUT, there's just not much "positive" stuff here. This post is biased, anti, misinformed and full of hate just below the surface. Just because the author didn't come out and name names, doesn't excuse the actual content of the post. If you see what I say as a accusation, that's fine, counter it then. This post is what it is, there's not another direction, though I wish there were, take care Lady Nyx. SUEDE |
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Date: 10/15/2002 12:28:00 PM
From Authorid: 23610
Suede, I'm not going to tarnish Sur5r's post anymore than it has been. If you can respond to this post regarding your philosophy of religion versus spirituality I would be to keep replying to you. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 12:46:00 PM
From Authorid: 53500
Lady Nyx, Sorry that you see what I do as "tarnishing". That's too bad. Anyways though, I will respond to this post with another post due to length of my reponse. I'll throw it in the debate section to appease everyone and I'll let you all know when it's up there. Give me some time, take care, SUEDE |
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Date: 10/16/2002 7:28:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 3835
Lol... I guess I placed one or two of you in a knicker bunching match.. I see no real anti-anything here really.. I think that it shows a good example of what the differences are in the way people view things.. to put the word Christianity in this post (because it is not there) tells me that those that do feel it is bashing a branch, must be aware of the absolutes in truth that are out there amoung some branches of the tree we all grow on. IT was you that labeled it as one branch.. not the post itself. This is good.. this shows me where the heart of man truly is alive the most. Thank you. |
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Date: 10/16/2002 12:29:00 PM
From Authorid: 53500
This post isn't necessarily out in the open as far as being Anti anything, but it's there. Points to look at are these. The talk of the Crusades, this was between Islam and Catholicism, so there's two groups being referenced to. And the one about trees being cut down for Christ's birthday. There's your DIRECT link to Christianity. The "Be fruitful and mulitply" is a quote from the KJV Bible, DIRECT to Christianity once again. The inclusion of the Inquistion, reference to Catholicism. Born with sin, another Christian doctrine. But yea, I'm just looking too much into things. Oh well, I'll post a in depth look into this later in the debate section. Take care everyone. SUEDE |
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Date: 10/16/2002 12:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 25828
so what if a spade IS a spade....i'm not saying this post is directly pointed at christianity - but if it is, and every thing up there is truth, then what is the big deal? i don't understand it... |
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Date: 10/16/2002 12:35:00 PM
From Authorid: 25828
because it's not being 'anti' if you're only stating facts....right? |
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Date: 10/16/2002 12:37:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 3835
well, trees do not mind that I am sticking up for them and voice out how they must feel to be chopped down every year and yes, usually only one RIGHT AND TRUE WAY does this act... so again, I am guessing the truth is not always comforting to some.. I stand corrected about the part of the trees, but it does not say Christianity as you first claimed !! |
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Date: 10/16/2002 12:44:00 PM
From Authorid: 25828
it's just that i read everyone of those suede, and i grew up southern baptist, and every one of them, is true ----but i'd like to read your post 8-) so type away! |
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Date: 10/16/2002 12:45:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 3835
I should add, chopped down every year and stood indoors for a few weeks or less then to the dump that tree goes, right along with the oxygen it supplied to the earth. I thank you very much for this act of unselfish love to worship as you do, and take away supplies of oxygen for others. That is so nice to know that you care so much for us that decorate our trees, in their own environment and still live to be garnished the next Yule Season (-: Recycle I think that would fit into, eh ?? Or, perhaps.. respect that may be felt that Christ would not have you cut the life from the tree on his behalf.. Hmmm, WWJD???????? |
Date: 10/18/2002 6:27:00 AM
From Authorid: 21847
I disagree with some of the belittling the author does to religion, but on the whole I would say I agree  |
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Date: 10/18/2002 4:37:00 PM
From Authorid: 54987
Suede I look forward to your post. However, don't do it with anger... do it with love. I noticed you have anger about some things on here, but I don't think anyone meant to offend you or anyone. Walk in peace. |
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Date: 10/18/2002 8:39:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 3835
Thank you Koolade !! (-: Now I am thirsty, Lol ... |
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Date: 10/20/2002 9:18:00 AM
From Authorid: 53500
Koolade, Yes love is the only way to go, but thanks for the reminder! I'm not angry, just frustrated, I get like that after seeing stuff like this over and over and over and over.....You get the point. SUEDE |
Date: 11/28/2002 5:24:00 PM
From Authorid: 23367
Exactly why i am spiritual!  |
Date: 2/2/2005 5:59:00 AM
From Authorid: 28946
I got this link from a post you just replied too and want to thank you - I am getting close to leaving here because of the animosity I seem to keep finding here at usm.  |
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Date: 2/2/2005 6:20:00 AM
From Authorid: 28946
BTW, I appreciate your post and thank you for it. You are sweet and someone I look up too and also admire. |
Date: 2/2/2005 8:47:00 AM
From Authorid: 44960
Let the truth be known. Great Post!! :)  |
Date: 2/2/2005 10:26:00 AM
From Authorid: 16671
SPIRITUALITY SAYS THAT GOD IS WITHIN US AND THAT WE DON'T NEED ANYONE ELSE TO MAKE THAT DIVINE CONNECTION FOR US
I agree with that, because God is spirit. God doesnt say we have to connect to *them* to make that devine connection. But by connecting to them we have the free will to connect or not connect. God has dealt with many that were not believers. We also are free to make our choices because in the long run it is us that is responsible for those choices. Doctrins of MAN say we must do this or that Gods doctrin says we are saved by grace. A FREE gift. The theme of God is also unconditional LOVE, the theme of religon is not gult, is not fear for there is nothing to fear. Just as I said on the other post, Any actions even if a person is not a believer, will cause consensquence. If you run a red light you get a ticket. If one doesnt follow the guide lines that God has set out for us, its us that wont recieve some of the blessings that we could have recieved if we did things Gods way. Its our choice our free will, God does not demand. I agree that man has made religion a big bussiness and that is wrong, the reason God asks us to give is so that we will be given back. Like the old saying what goes around comes around. It is not manitory that we give. We too are free to choose our path to God. Im sorry but so many of the things posted here are dead wrong. We go to God to lighten our burden and give it all over to Him so that we can have peace. As for our sexuality, no God doesnt condemn us, only asks that we choose a partner and not go straying, with the aids and things like this in the world, its a right choice not to go bed jumping. What it means by subdueing the earth, means to have it work for us, not against us. religion teaches unity not disunity. Religion does NOT say God is just in heaven, His word tells us point blank that God is with in. Man and his misuse of religion gave the Inquistion and the crusades thank the catholic church for all that mess as that is NOT what God said, nor what HE wanted. In the name of unbelievers many christians were killed, fed to lions thrown into fires, so we need not go there. Look how many Jews were killed by Godless people. MAN made words said that Indians were savage, NOT GOD> IT is false idea and opinons like this person you have quoted from that keeps people from knowing the truth. They listen to these preconcieved ideas that are wrong, they can't discern the differnt between what MAN has done with Gods doctin that was wrong of them to do and what God really wants. They need to discern the difference here.  |
Date: 2/2/2005 6:00:00 PM
From Authorid: 62915
I loved this post :) I think that that one line may have been against christianity but the post in whole was about religion. :) Great post once again. Ghost-Chick  |
Date: 2/2/2005 8:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 4309
The same evils that started the Crusades are the same ones that rewrite the killing of Squanto's tribe, made him into a novelty, and left him no other choice but to live with them. Calling them savages was (Here comes one of my favorite words again) Cognitive Dissonance. To fool themselves that killing them off was ok. Same Dissonance comes into play when it came to slavery and any other act that was backed by these evil people like manifest destiny. Its the "American" lie and the lie of all Evil's of this world. Not god. Government and greed yes. God no. Fighting eachother is what keeps these people in their evil places of power. They feed you poison (Heh well not you Sur5r haha.. You I believe are smarter then going to a supermarket) everyday and nothing will be done. They will get rich while you get sick and their second industry kicks in feeding you more poison in the form of drugs. They will debunk natural healthy things on both sides of eighther food or drugs and people will sit idly by as they call these things snake oil or unimportant. At the same time people will continue to listen to their lies that their food is safe and that their drugs play God and save lives. All is about money and greed. Im still ashamed of this world because of it but go ahead and eat your Aspartme, Monsodium Glutamate, or any other ExcitoToxin. Go ahead and eat the food with up to 15,000 different chemicals in it because the CEO's of these companies do not. Do not worry that soon there will be no way to even create your own food that is not genetically manipulated and its parent plants where fed pesticides. Its getting to where we can never go back and these evils will just get rich up to their death bed because they do not care about people. Ah well. Continue to fight who is more evil then the other person while the real evil continues to do what they want to the Earth and the people in it.  |
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Date: 2/3/2005 4:51:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 3835
Wiley, that was written precariously well (-: |
Date: 2/25/2005 6:34:00 PM
From Authorid: 62914
Spirutuality forever!!! Whenever I hear of religion I think of rules and regulations while when I hear of spirituality I think of freedom...:)  |
Date: 1/17/2008 6:51:00 PM
From Authorid: 17290
I remember the 'conversations with God' author in a video once. He told the story of when he asked a priest once about a few things then said ..."well what about a 2hour year old baby? would he go to hell?" -- "if he had not been baptized, yes he would" A 2hour year old baby would go to hell because a ritual hadn't been performed!! thanks for the post, it's bookmarked :)  |
