How did you formulate your beliefs about life and the meaning of life?

[gandpsmommy]

Whatever your religious persuasion, spiritual belief system, etc., I am curious to know how other people have found meaning in life. If you believe in a holy book, why do you believe it is holy and inerrant? If you belong to a church, synagouge, mosque, etc., why? If you pray, what does it mean to you? If you believe in an afterlife, what do you think it is and why do you believe this? If you don't believe in God or don't really care if there is a God, what led you to this?

 

And, how does this affect the way in which you educate your children?

I used to have firmly-held beliefs, but now I am really searching. I am honestly interested in answers; I am *not* trying to start controversy. If you wish, you can pm me with your answers.

[Retired]

it a try.

I am a born again Christian. This means I

I believe in Jesus Christ who died of a crucification for the sins of mankind. His crucification represent our depravity if we believe in him. The bible my favorite is the New King James Bible is my guide book for my life. Men inspired by him wrote his word to help me to live a faithful life.

 

My faith gives me such a complete feeling of peace. I have joy and do not worry. I have all the other problems in the world but I have such an internal peace. I pray to Jesus about problems and worship him for all his had done for me.

 

My faith guides me in my homeschooling. My number one goal is for my children to accept my faith. I do this trough my actions. I present the bible as a book of knowledge, not a book of rules. I don't just use Christian curriculum, we read secular stuff and usually discuss stuff that the holy bible or our personal convictions disagree with. The greatest part of being a Christian is this feeling of love for everyone. I want everyone to believe in Jesus and I will share my faith when ask but I don't try to bully someone into believing.

 

My hair dresser is a gay. I have had many good Christian's tell me not to do business with this person. I hear this then wonder why if they are reading scipture, Jesus would not isolate. He was with all walks of life. I for scripural reasons think this is a sin. I don't think there are levels of sins. All sins grieves Jesus. He and I have had wonderful discussions and my sons see me treating everyone with love. They are seeing my faith in action.

 

I hope that my post was not offensive to anyone. I only hope that I articulated my love for people and Jesus as my savior.

[WTMindy]

Well, if you are asking how I formulated my beliefs, I would say that I am still forming them. I was raised as a Christian by my two amazing parents that I want to be like. So, it is natural that I would emulate them in their walk with God. But, the specifics, are still be worked out as I mature, and as God works in my life. I find that things I once thought were black and white are more shades of gray. I hold firm to salvation through Jesus, but hold loosly to how that plays out in other's lives. I strive to follow the Bible whole heartedly, but am open to other people who arrive at different conclusions about what the Bible means on different issues. It really comes down to faith in the end. I believe that God spoke to us through the Bible. Can I prove that? Nope! But, that is where the faith comes in.

 

I pray that you will find the things you are searching for!!

[Harriet Vane]

In my case, I was raised in a religious home that was very, very unhappy and highly dysfunctional.

 

My siblings rejected faith in God because of the hypocrisy inherent in our family.

 

I chose differently. As I read and studied the Bible (through church and through the encouragement of my aunt and grandmother) I saw the differences between what my family lives and what the Bible preaches. I chose to reject the negative values of the people around me and embrace the truth I saw in the Bible.

 

I hope this doesn't sound holier-than-thou. It's hard to sum up in one post a process of many years.

 

What bolstered my intellectual faith was God's real presence with me. There were some very, very difficult times in my life. I would not be alive today if God had not walked with me. It is hard to quantify this or explain it--I have sensed God's presence with me.

 

I believe that balancing fearless study while in relationship with God has made my faith stronger. In studying, I continue in prayer, in worship, and in comparing what I study to the Bible. I have always found that the truth of the Bible stands.

 

May God bless you as you search.

[The Governess]

I was raised in a Christian home and didn't really question my beliefs until I moved out on my own. Then I had a period where I questioned everything and went through the process of examining my beliefs so that I could feel a sense of ownership - knowing that I believed what I did because I decided it was worth believing, not just because my parents believed it and that's how I was raised.

 

It was a scary but ultimately good experience for me. I questioned so much, like you are, about the meaning of life, etc. The process led me to several conclusions: 1) there HAD to be a God - it was impossible for me to believe that the beauty of this world, the complex emotions, the intermingling of joy and pain, the amazing experiences, were simply random and purposeless; and 2) (based on my own experience), that God loved me and was active in my life.

 

With these two things in mind, I examined several religions and ultimately decided that Christianity did make the most sense to me. It has a lot of historical support. But most importantly, the teachings of Christianity make so much sense to me. So many religions are self-centered, or inward-focused, and send people on this search of finding peace, happiness, etc.... but Christianity is very much about putting yourself last, which ultimately does bring those things. Serving others, love above all, a God with incredible love for us, and not being able to earn my way to heaven (but instead relying on God's grace to cover my imperfections) are themes that really speak to me.

 

Not to say that I don't ever doubt anything. I am not always 100 percent sure about the perfect accuracy of the scriptures. I always have questions that I don't know the answers to. But then, I feel a lot of peace about it. I don't feel like it is necessary for me to have all of the answers. I don't think we were meant to.

 

About church, we belong to a church because I think it is important to have connections with people who share your beliefs. I have had so many amazing conversations with others, about deep, meaningful things. We question things, we support each other, we are an extended family to each other. To me, this has been so important. I think our church also serves as a group of people who can provide service to the community, to the rest of the world, through monetary contributions and through service projects. And our pastor is a good teacher, although I think that I have learned just as much from other church members in our get-togethers as I have from his sermons.

 

About prayer, I believe that a huge part of prayer is simply putting you in a place where you are willing to listen to God. During this whole experience, I prayed continually for God to show himself to me. Sometimes when I am doubting I ask for him to help me believe. And he does.

 

Finally, with schooling my children: I want to and will teach them our faith. But I also believe it is incredibly important for each person to make their own choice. So I will allow them to explore other religions if they are interested. I don't want to guilt or force them into a certain belief structure, because I know that in the long run it means that they will never really own their beliefs. I am sure that there will be much theological discussion in our home as they get older. I don't want them to be afraid to ask questions or to doubt.

 

Sorry this is so long! Those were all very big questions. :001_smile: I hope that you find what you are looking for and that God reveals himself to you as you search, like he did for me.

[Jenny in Atl]

I'm still looking for it. Don't think I will find it in this lifetime but who knows. Great question!

[Alenee]

Whatever your religious persuasion, spiritual belief system, etc., I am curious to know how other people have found meaning in life. If you believe in a holy book, why do you believe it is holy and inerrant? If you belong to a church, synagouge, mosque, etc., why? If you pray, what does it mean to you? If you believe in an afterlife, what do you think it is and why do you believe this? If you don't believe in God or don't really care if there is a God, what led you to this?

 

And, how does this affect the way in which you educate your children?

I used to have firmly-held beliefs, but now I am really searching. I am honestly interested in answers; I am *not* trying to start controversy. If you wish, you can pm me with your answers.

 

I had no idea what my purpose was until I was 24 yo. I knew about God, I knew that Jesus died on the cross. But I didn't know He had a plan for my life and I thought He was just a big mean old man waiting to shake His finger at me when I messed up. There is so much out there that proves the bible is real and inerrant that I can't even begin to go there on this forum. A great book is The New (meaning updated) Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. I see the truth in my life as I live it. I've seen miracles no one can explain but by the grace of God. No one forced it on me. I was searching for The Truth. I gave God a chance to show me if He was real. He did. (And I had no idea of the verse that says this: Jeremiah 29:13 "If you seek Me, you will find Me, if you seek me with all your heart.")

 

 

I belong to a church because of what the bible says about meeting together. It makes us stronger when we're surrounded by those who believe as we do and are willing to share their lives to lift us up. I hear His Word spoken and that translates into me being stronger in my faith. It challenges me to be in the Word so that it can be lived out in my life.

 

My prayers are me talking with and spending time getting to know God. It's not a religion. It's no man's idea of what I should do or someone else should do. I believe the afterlife if you believe the words of Jesus is Heaven with Him for eternity. If not, it's eternal hell. I don't believe you can DO anything but *believe* to get to Heaven. Not because I decided that's what is true on my own but because I believe what God says in the Word.

 

It translates in educating my children first and foremost in who God is. His mercy is awesome! He loves them and every single person and wants the best for them. That leads to how I choose curriculum; based on what will teach my children what they need to know so that they can use their intelligence, gifts, talents to serve the Lord. My kids are some of the happiest kids I've ever known and that not of myself, but because of their faith in God. And I wait expectantly to see how God is going to use them for His glory.

[Alenee]

 

My hair dresser is a gay. I have had many good Christian's tell me not to do business with this person. I hear this then wonder why if they are reading scipture, Jesus would not isolate. He was with all walks of life. I for scripural reasons think this is a sin. I don't think there are levels of sins. All sins grieves Jesus. He and I have had wonderful discussions and my sons see me treating everyone with love. They are seeing my faith in action.

 

I want to add my thoughts on this. Unfortunately and Fortunately God takes us right.where.we.are. That's the fortunate part. What that translates to being is that each person grows at a different rate. Some people that are Christians believe as you said, no doing business with a gay person. Others are not in the same place, have humbled themselves and God has revealed to them what you have realized. What I find unfortunate is that a large group of non-believers have been led to believe that because a person claims Christianity, that they're supposed to act perfectly from then on out. Even if a person doesn't want to believe what the bible says is true, if they were to look at it merely from a literary standpoint, they would find that the perfection is in Jesus, not in people.ever.

 

Another thought I wanted to add. I just realized this recently after reading a section in the Memoria Press catalog. No other religion/faith in the world looks at the heart. Christianity, to my knowledge, is the only one. Everything else is based on actions.

[Greta]

I was raised in a cult-like branch of Christianity which I found suffocating and oppressive from an early age. I worshiped God. I feared him. I did my best to obey him. But I did not love him at all. Didn't even like him. Not surprisingly, that led me to atheism as an older teen and young adult. (Both of my brothers too.)

 

When I was in college, there were two occasions whereby I was exposed to Buddhism or Buddhists. Though both "brushes" with Buddhism were minor, they made a big impact on me, and I decided to look into it further. I was awed by this tradition which focused on reason rather than fear, and compassion rather than legalism. The religion I was raised with made me feel like someone had bound a hot damp towel around my head and I could barely breath. It felt heavy. But when I read Buddhist wisdom I feel light as air, uplifted, freed, inspired, and at peace.

 

So that's the very short version of the story of how I came to be where I am, and I will try to answer your specific questions.

 

If you believe in a holy book, why do you believe it is holy and inerrant?

 

There isn't really one text in Buddhism that is equivalent to the Bible. But I do believe that a person who has attained enlightenment is "holy and inerrant" because they have perfect wisdom and perfect compassion -- they are not limited by the delusions of anger, fear, jealousy, and ego like the rest of us.

 

If you belong to a church, synagouge, mosque, etc., why?

 

Not currently. There is a sangha nearby that we have attended sporadically for years. I like the sense of community and the support that it brings to spiritual practice. But this particular sangha is of a "denomination" (not the best word, but I don't know of another one) that I would not chose if other options were available to me.

 

If you pray, what does it mean to you?

I heard Deepak Chopra once say that prayer is when we talk to God, but meditation is when we listen. Buddhist tradition focuses on meditation more than prayer, though both can certainly be part of our practice. I have to be very upfront that I do not practice meditation like a diligent Buddhist would. This is something I really want to work on. When I meditate regularly, it brings a sense of peace and deep happiness to my life that is indescribable, and that I do not know how to obtain any other way. But it is not an easy thing, which is why it is called "practice". :001_smile:

 

If you believe in an afterlife, what do you think it is and why do you believe this?

Though I was raised with a very specific belief about this, the very first time I heard of reincarnation (on tv when I was only about 8 years old!), I just knew in my gut that it was true. It isn't a rational belief which I can explain and reason out. It's just something I feel. This was years before I had ever even heard of Buddhism, but when I found that teaching in Buddhism, I wasn't at all surprised. (Though this belief is not necessary to practice Buddhism!)

 

If you don't believe in God or don't really care if there is a God, what led you to this?

 

As mentioned, the view of God that I was raised with was a very negative one. I decided that God was something that man made in his own image, not vice versa. And that is why I was an atheist for awhile. I now consider myself an agnostic. I can't say that any Gods exist because none have made their presence known to me. But I can't say for sure that they don't because so many people throughout time and across cultures have felt what they believe to be the presence of God(s).

 

And, how does this affect the way in which you educate your children?

 

I teach my daughter what I believe explicitly and hopefully through good example (though sometimes better than others). But I also am honest with her that this is not what everyone considers to be true and that she will have to find her own path. My husband is not Buddhist. Many of our friends are Christian. So she is aware of other viewpoints, but considers herself Buddhist (though she will tell you that she loves Buddha AND Jesus, and we do in fact believe that Jesus was a Buddha too -- which has really helped me heal a lot of the anger and resentment I used to have about the way I was raised).

[Tammy]

I am a non-believer. I believe:

 

There is no god.

 

You only live once.

 

I do the 'right' thing for myself....no one else. I guess what I mean here is I do the right thing because it feels right to me....not because anyone has told me to....or I don't feel compelled by anyone/anything.

 

Your happiness is totally up to you....no one/nothing else.

 

I believe I am here to enjoy life and be happy.

 

I believe when you die....you die....nothing more happens to you.

 

Tammy

[Soph the vet]

I was raised in a totally secular home by a New Age mom and a Jewish step-dad with very close Irish Catholic cousins...talk about dysfunctional!! I came to what I thought was a conclusion as a high-schooler that maybe there was a God but he obviously did not have anything to do with my life. So that made me an agnostic until I was 23.

 

It was my first year in vet school and we were studying anatomy (amidst other things) and I could not get over the intricacy, beauty and complexity of the body, not to mention at the cellular level as well. That sent me on a search for a Designer. Long story short I became a born-again Christian about 17 years ago. I could no longer deny God's existence due to His revelation of His handiwork in creation and through my own conscience. It was obvious to me that I was a sinner (I have broken all ten commandments whether in deed or at heart) and I needed a Savior. I could never work my way or earn my way into heaven. Jesus Christ is my Savior. God's justice demanded punishment for lawbreakers (which we all are) and Jesus' death on the cross paid that fine. I am not a good Christian, that is an oxymoron. I am a forgiven follower of Jesus. God is merciful and kind to provide a Savior...He did not have to do that.

I believe the Bible to be the inerrant word of God. There is no other book that was written over 1500 years time by about 40 different authors, covers history, law, poetry, and prophecy and yet has one coherent message for all of mankind for all of time. Archaeological, historical, and scientific evidence continue to support, not refute Scripture. Fulfilled prophecy alone should cause any skeptic to investigate further. But even before all of my Bible study I believe God gave me the gift of repentance and the gift of faith. My purpose is to bring honor and glory to God in all that I do. I look at each person I see as created by God in His image and I see them through the lens of eternity. This dictates how I relate to them, love them despite misgivings, forgive them whenever needed, etc.

Following Christ is not going to church and obeying a bunch of rules. It is longing to be in fellowship with other believers and dying to self daily because I love Him and want to obey out of a thankful heart although I never will perfectly.

This is a major reason that we homeschool and no matter what each child does with the education that we give them, if they bring glory to God and if we can spend eternity with them we have done our job.

[Kris]

Lots of trial and error -- and still working on it. :-D

[Kimber]

I believe in God. I can remember the moment I decided that He must be real. I was pre-teen staring at my fingers and thinking of my own existence. I stared at the space between my fingers and how empty it was. And when I looked at my hands, I knew I believed in me and that I was real.

 

I thought about the awesomeness of my existence. I was really alive. I eventually came to the conclusion that if there is a me, there must be a God. Because I didn't have the power to bring myself into existence. And if I didn't have that power, then neither did any of mankind.

 

I believe in the bible because I've tested it. It's never led me astray. I find it to be filled with truths. It's based on love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and understanding. For me it is the only book that has ever described God in a godly way.

 

His love, his sacrifice, his gift of free will, his patience, and his selfishness too. I can't imagine another kind of God.

 

Also, I talk to him, and when I listen back, he speaks to me through everyday living. Through little experiences that are outside of me that have nothing to do with me. God has been really real in my life. He has really answered my prayers--spoken and unspoken--even those I didn't know I had. He speaks to my heart where I hurt the deepest and he truly loves me.

[Jenny in Atl]

I was raised in a totally secular home by a New Age mom and a Jewish step-dad with very close Irish Catholic cousins...talk about dysfunctional!!

 

I'm a little confused. Was your home dysfunctional because it was secular or because there were all these mixed faith/traditions mixed in? I have met some very grounded spiritual people from homes with more than one faith. So I'm just curious.

[Mom to Aly]

Another thought I wanted to add. I just realized this recently after reading a section in the Memoria Press catalog. No other religion/faith in the world looks at the heart. Christianity, to my knowledge, is the only one. Everything else is based on actions.

 

I would like to address this; Christianity is not the only faith to look at the heart; basically all others do. Buddhism and Hinduism and others talk of actions, but what is most important is the truth of your feelings, what is in your heart, and God knows that, you cannot hide it from Him. Outsiders who do not know the religion may misinterpret it, but it is completely about what you honestly feel, not just what you do. You are still held accountable for your actions, but your true feelings and beliefs as well.

 

That said, I have gone down a very long path towards my spirituality. I grew up in a home with an Indian (from India) father and an American mother. My mom had converted to Hinduism before meeting my dad, who was also Hindu. He came from a very strict family, and, in a way, rejected that strictness. We were brought up Hindu, vegetarian, celebrated holidays, and he told us some things about it, but we didn't go to temple often (we weren't near one) and he didn't explain a lot about it.

 

Still, I have always deeply, without any doubt, believed in God. I sort of thought I had my own little religion, because I had such specific ideas about God, and didn't really understand where they came from.

 

My parents encouraged us to study all religions, letting us choose our own faith as adults. In college, I had a major in theology (I was at NYU, which had everything possible). One of the first classes I took was in Hinduism. I thought I would breeze through it, being a Hindu and all ;), and didn't go to the first few classes, then got a 65 or something like that on a test (I had always been a straight A or A+ student and was on an academic scholarship), so I was stunned and knew I had to get my act together. I started studying, and was surprised how much seemed familiar.

 

One night, I was sitting up late and getting ready to read the Upanishads, one of the later holy books in Hinduism. I started reading the introductions, and there was a quote from William Blake, my all time fave,

"To see a world in a grain of sand,

And a heaven in a wildflower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour".

 

This was a quote I got on a plaque when I was 7--I took all my birthday and x-mas money and bought it. It had meant so much to me--it was me. This introduction explained that that was the epitome of a Hindu's viewpoint, and went on to explain why, and that was it--that was the biggest life changing moment in my life. People talk about an epiphany--that was mine. I can't explain it--it was like the whole world closed in on me, but in a very, very good way. It all became tiny, and I realized, after feeling so alone all my life, so different from everyone else (which I hadn't really minded, I just thought of myself as unique), I suddenly realized that there were millions and millions of people who believed the same things I did, who saw the world the same way I did, who understood things the way I did! It was so amazing, I went around on a cloud for days. It was truly--hate to say it--a religious experience. I've never felt anything like it again.

 

I have been to India since then, lived there for a year after my dad died, and that, too, was a wonderful experience. I have found things in Hinduism I don't agree with, and things in other religions I do. I had a terrible time with reincarnation when I was younger, basically, honestly, because I have had a hard life, some very bad things happen in it, and I didn't want to believe in it, didn't want to be born again. This life, while I cherish it, is enough for me. But now, I don't see anything that could make more sense.

 

I also cannot believe in Hell or ****ation. I cannot believe in a God that would allow such a thing. Or a devil, or pure evil. To me, God is like the ultimate parent. I cannot believe that God, having made us human, and therefore fallible, would ever allow us to be condemned for making mistakes. In Hinduism, life on Earth is Hell, because we are not reunited with God. Your ultimate goal is to not be reborn again, but to be forever united with God. Another thing I love about Hinduism is that it does not condemn other religions; it says that you can be any religion, believe in any God. People greatly misunderstand the different gods in Hinduism. There are not really many gods; Hinduism in monotheistic. They all represent different aspects of God. You choose the one, or ones, that most help you to understand God. We accept Jesus, Allah, all Gods. Siddhartha, who became the Buddha, was a Hindu, btw. And there are records of Jesus having been in India, having studied with Indian and Buddhist priests.

 

I love Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism, very much about nature and the working of it in the universe. Thervada Buddhism is a bit too austere for me. I do have a prob with Buddhism being atheistic, because I firmly believe in God, though. Taoism is not a religion, but a philosophy, and so beautiful and wonderful. I had a professor who said, "Hinduism is the religion of being, Buddhism is the religion of becoming, and Taoism is the path in between".

 

Anyway... I feel more spiritual than anything else, and that is how my daughter is. She is like me, very strong beliefs, I teach her about the different gods, which I think, at her age, is great. I don't want her memorizing scriptures, I want her interested and asking questions. I want her to understand how wonderful and beautiful God is, how loving and merciful. I want her to see the beauty in the world. I don't understand all the horrors in the world, I don't understand why God would allow them, and I know I won't in this lifetime, which is exactly what I tell her. There must be a reason, and it is not for us to understand. I worried tremendously about how I would handle all of this, because I didn't know how I would teach her, but I must be doing something right because she sees it all pretty much as I do, and love religion and God, and loves reading about it and talking about it. Her faith is enormous, as is her love for God.

 

I know this is terribly long, sorry for that. I just want to say--I know the search for your faith can be difficult and painful. If you are in doubt, I'd say, give yourself time, and do search around. You don't have to accept what you were brought up with. From my study of religions, all the majors and many minors, they are all, fundamentally, the same, except for a couple. I feel, IMO, that there is usually one waiting for you, and it is a matter of finding the right fit. One of the main reasons I chose Hinduism is because it doesn't condemn others, among other things, and allows for your beliefs in certain aspects and not others, because so much of it is symbolic. Plus, it does progress over time. And it has so much philosophy behind it, as does Buddhism. But there are many, many others out there. If you are still searching, Joseph Campbell is a wonderful scholar of religions, and very unbiased. He has books and books on tape, available from most libraries.

 

Good luck!

[Pam Wilhelm]

I am a Christian Scientist....... although I think some of my attitudes about spirituality would shock a few C.S.er's.

 

I believe all mankind is spiritual...... that we are all on a journey towards increasing our spirituality (or maybe understanding our true spirituality). I don't believe in death (or birth, for that matter)...... that our consciousness continues and we find that our material body means nothing...... materiality means nothing. It is our thought that matters....... when our thoughts are aligned to the Truths of God's Love, etc.... then we triumph over materiality.

 

It works for me. :D

[Desert Rat]

I believe that there can be many different answers. I believe that by following your heart and what feels right for you will lead you to the path you're supposed to be on.

 

With that said, I was raised by 2 born again Christians who found their faith shortly after I was born. I was reared in the Methodist religion and though I once harbored negative feelings about organized religions in general, I have come to a certain peace.

 

Buddhism feels right to me. It's not a religion. It's a philosophy on how to lead a good life. The practice of yoga feels right to me. When I go through the yogic postures and meditate I, like another poster mentioned, feel light, unrestrained and free. I feel my spirit soar. I'm usually a high strung person, but after meditation I'm quiet. I can't stress enough what this means to me. Above all else I've been striving for quiet. Not the noise around me but the constant dialogue in my own mind. The constant second guessing and worrying. Gone. This is truly bliss.

 

I have nothing against any faith. Do what makes you happy and ultimately, if you can help others in the long run, good. Personally, I just can't believe in some things.

 

As for the afterlife, well, we'll see when we get there, right? :o) I believe we are all made up of energy. I know that energy doesn't just disappears; it has to go somewhere else. This leads me to believe that there is something after the here and now, but I don't know what. I do lean toward reincarnation. But, I may just be so in love with my husband that I can't imagine not ever being with him again, in another life or afterlife. That can cloud my vision sometimes.

 

As for my boys and homeschooling. Well, it's hard to find secular curriculum. I'm frustrated by this sometimes and will buy Christian curriculum and adapt. I also feel frustrated that our society SEEMS TO BE Christian based. I emphasize 'seems to be' because I don't want anyone to feel attacked, singled out or left out as the case may be. It's difficult to find secular groups to join, so we don't. It's really okay but disappointing at times. We teach our boys that there are a lot of different beliefs out there and they're all okay. This is what we believe and as you grow you're entitled to make your own way spiritually. My dh and I are here to guide them not direct them. Again, a controversial POV.

 

We have friends from many different religious backgrounds. Unfortunately, in our case, we have had some trouble with our Christian friends. Specifically, my ds8 has had to defend his right not to be Christian. I mean, defend the safety of his soul. This is a hard concept for an 8yo. Heck it's hard for me and I'm 37! But, I've taught him to tell anyone who wants to get into it, "I don't discuss religion or politics." It gives him something to say that isn't rude, only slightly snarky, and gives him an out. When he's older, we'll discuss better ways to talk intelligently about beliefs.

 

This is a great post. I've enjoyed writing my response. Thank you. I hope you gain the insight you're seeking. It's been a long journey for me and I'm still walking, learning as I go.

 

Namaste.

[Michelle T]

Another thought I wanted to add. I just realized this recently after reading a section in the Memoria Press catalog. No other religion/faith in the world looks at the heart. Christianity, to my knowledge, is the only one. Everything else is based on actions.

 

 

EVERY religion looks at the heart. Some religions also put emphasis on actions, as what you do is often a direct reflection of what is in your heart. But to say that Christianity is the only religion that looks at the heart is so wrong it would be laughable, if it didn't make me so mad.

 

I'm sorry I even read this thread now, as I find statements such as the one quoted to be very upsetting. Exactly the kind of thing that makes me periodically swear I won't return to these boards. But then I always end up returning anyway, sigh.

Michelle T

[Greta]

I just skimmed your post and now I want to re-read it more slowly. I am very interested in your experiences with Hinduism. As a Buddhist I feel a certain spiritual kinship with Hindus, though I know shamefully little about your tradition. So I just wanted to thank you for writing such a thorough post! Oh, but I also wanted to address this:

 

I do have a prob with Buddhism being atheistic, because I firmly believe in God, though.

 

My experience with Buddhism is that it is an agnostic or "non-theistic" religion, not an atheistic one. The very first time I attended any sort of Buddhist meeting was at a Zen center which was having an intro night for newbies. The teacher made a point of telling us that one can be Buddhist and Christian, Buddhist and Pagan, Buddhist and Jewish, Buddhist and atheist, etc. Buddhism takes no stance one way or the other on the existence of God(s) so you can bring whatever faith you have into your Buddhist practice.

[Greta]

No other religion/faith in the world looks at the heart. Christianity, to my knowledge, is the only one. Everything else is based on actions.

 

I have had several Buddhist teachers who have told me that what is in our hearts is what gives rise to our actions, and therefore we must cultivate compassion in our hearts, not *just* in our actions.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

 

Another thought I wanted to add. I just realized this recently after reading a section in the Memoria Press catalog. No other religion/faith in the world looks at the heart. Christianity, to my knowledge, is the only one. Everything else is based on actions.

 

Judaism?

 

Create me a clean heart, O God; and renew a stedfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and let a willing spirit uphold me.

 

V-ahavta et Adonai Elohecha b-chol l'vavcha u-v-chol naf'sh'cha u-v-chol m'odecha. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

 

Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and bring him to honour.

With long life will I satisfy him, and make Him to behold My salvation.'

 

Very heart intensive, IME. Justice springing from a heart of love. (I may have this all wrong, and am open to correction. This is just how I see Judaism, though I admit this is rather a simplistic way of stating it.)

[nakitty]

I once read the answer in a book....and the answer is: 42 :biggrinjester:

 

And that worked for me....it makes about as much sense as anything else I have read on the matter. ;)

 

Another sage bit I have learned.... "Live long and prosper". Also, seemed to speak to me. :D

 

And finally, the most prudent bit of wisdom I have heard... "Be excellent to each other....and, PARTY ON DUDES!" :party:

[nakitty]

Another thought I wanted to add. I just realized this recently after reading a section in the Memoria Press catalog. No other religion/faith in the world looks at the heart. Christianity, to my knowledge, is the only one. Everything else is based on actions.

 

About that...I hear this term often..."feeling things with ones heart..." And it has always bothered me a bit...I mean, why is the heart the metaphorical organ for our conscience? In my experience....as a physical reaction to things I have often felt things in my guts/abdomen...an actual tightening and sense of 'something' there....but, as far as my heart...the only sensations I have ever FELT there were panic attacks and fear. I believe that our conscience lies within our brain...not our hearts.

 

OK, just had to get that off my chest.... as to the sentiment of your quote....it is absolutely wrong. I am not familiar with the Memoria Press Catalog...but it would probably behoove you to seek information about other religions from a more thoughtful source in the future. :001_smile:

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

About that...I hear this term often..."feeling things with ones heart..." And it has always bothered me a bit...I mean, why is the heart the metaphorical organ for our conscience? In my experience....as a physical reaction to things I have often felt things in my guts/abdomen...an actual tightening and sense of 'something' there....but, as far as my heart...the only sensations I have ever FELT there were panic attacks and fear. I believe that our conscience lies within our brain...not our hearts.

 

 

 

And the fact is, we do have what Dr. Michael Gershon calls "The Second Brain" in our gut. Neuroreceptors and everything. :001_smile:

[nakitty]

And the fact is, we do have what Dr. Michael Gershon calls "The Second Brain" in our gut. Neuroreceptors and everything. :001_smile:

 

 

LOL...very interesting! And to think...I figured that out with out having to spend a bunch of money on research! Isn't it funny the things they decide to research? Like the whole baby smiling thing for instance...hmmmm Wouldn't such money be better spent on cures for cancer and such? I ramble, forgive me. LOL

[mcconnellboys]

Timothy Keller has written a very thought provoking book, using logic to reason through all sorts of thoughts and doubts that people have about religion and God/Jesus. It's called The Reason for God and I've found it to very concisely express my own thoughts about God. Perhaps you would find it interesting, too.

 

Life? I believe that all of life is a journey toward love. Not just the ordinary sorts of love that we might think of in everyday life, but perfect love, agape love - and God IS the perfect, full summation of agape love. C. S. Lewis wrote a book entitled The Four Loves, that might be thought provoking in this regard for you.

 

Good luck in your journey,

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

LOL...very interesting! And to think...I figured that out with out having to spend a bunch of money on research! Isn't it funny the things they decide to research? Like the whole baby smiling thing for instance...hmmmm Wouldn't such money be better spent on cures for cancer and such? I ramble, forgive me. LOL

 

No, no, no, you see, this may well be the path to the cures for some cancers, and for irritable bowel, and for many other mind-body disorders. Because (for example) if seretonin, what we consider a "brain" chemical, is deficient also in the *gut*, well, reuptake inhibitors like prozac may be instrumental in treating gut diseases. If stress disorders are causing stomach and intestinal cancers, then calming our mind (read: brain and emotion as we define emotion) may be medically and quantifiably instrumental in treating or preventing those cancers through the modification of the neurotransmitters.

 

This way, those how hold to a mind-body-spirit connection are not patted condescendingly on the head with a dismissive, "Well, I'm sure that the placebo effect works for SOME people. But what you're talking about, this relax/calm/meditate/ mumbojumbo isn't exactly Science, now is it, sweetie?"

 

It's funny how the most important findings can be sparked by the most seemingly silly research. Way leads on to way, etc.

[E_Edgerton]

I am still formulating. But, I may have to adopt "be excellent to each other and party on dudes!" Haha. :lol:

[percytruffle]

This stuff is so awesome. Thanks for sharing it, Pam. There are so many mind/body connections we have just scratched the tip of the iceburg on. My dd, who is a bio major in college is interested in the new and upcoming field of bio-psychology. It is fascinating stuff. I think there will be some hugh break-throughs in the future in this area if we can get past all the drug companies and their money sucking.

[Alenee]

Judaism?

 

Create me a clean heart, O God; and renew a stedfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and let a willing spirit uphold me.

 

V-ahavta et Adonai Elohecha b-chol l'vavcha u-v-chol naf'sh'cha u-v-chol m'odecha. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

 

Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and bring him to honour.

With long life will I satisfy him, and make Him to behold My salvation.'

 

Very heart intensive, IME. Justice springing from a heart of love. (I may have this all wrong, and am open to correction. This is just how I see Judaism, though I admit this is rather a simplistic way of stating it.)

 

Yes, and Judaism's completeness is based on the premise that God will one day send a Messiah, which He did, in Jesus.

[Alenee]

About that...I hear this term often..."feeling things with ones heart..." And it has always bothered me a bit...I mean, why is the heart the metaphorical organ for our conscience? In my experience....as a physical reaction to things I have often felt things in my guts/abdomen...an actual tightening and sense of 'something' there....but, as far as my heart...the only sensations I have ever FELT there were panic attacks and fear. I believe that our conscience lies within our brain...not our hearts.

 

OK, just had to get that off my chest.... as to the sentiment of your quote....it is absolutely wrong. I am not familiar with the Memoria Press Catalog...but it would probably behoove you to seek information about other religions from a more thoughtful source in the future. :001_smile:

 

For centuries, the word "heart" has been used not just to mean the organ in one's body...

 

How's this one?

 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Heart

Main Entry:1heart Pronunciation: \ˈhärt\ Function:noun Etymology:Middle English hert, from Old English heorte; akin to Old High German herza heart, Latin cord-, cor, Greek kardiaDate:before 12th century 1 a: a hollow muscular organ of vertebrate animals that by its rhythmic contraction acts as a force pump maintaining the circulation of the blood b: a structure in an invertebrate animal functionally analogous to the vertebrate heart c: breast, bosom d: something resembling a heart in shape; specifically : a stylized representation of a heart2 a: a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a red heart bplural : the suit comprising cards marked with hearts cplural but sing or plural in constr : a game in which the object is to avoid taking tricks containing hearts3 a: personality, disposition <a cold heart> bobsolete : intellect4: the emotional or moral as distinguished from the intellectual nature: as a: generous disposition : compassion <a leader with heart> b: love, affections <won her heart> c: courage, ardor <never lost heart> 5: one's innermost character, feelings, or inclinations <knew it in his heart> <a man after my own heart>6 a: the central or innermost part : center b: the essential or most vital part of something c: the younger central compact part of a leafy rosette (as a head of lettuce)

— at heart : in essence : basically, essentially

 

— by heart : by rote or from memory

 

— to heart : with deep concern

 

[heart illustration]

 

Words that are in the description that strike me are: compassion, love, affections, itellect, disposition, personality.

 

I think these speak to what you are saying, you're just preferring to use one word over another.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Yes, and Judaism's completeness is based on the premise that God will one day send a Messiah, which He did, in Jesus.

 

Well, I imagine you will find some on the board here that consider Judaism quite complete as it is, but I know that this is the Christian view. :001_smile:

[Alenee]

Please do correct me if I'm wrong here but practicingJews (to my knowledge) are waiting for the promised Messiah. Of course if they're still following Judaism, they don't believe Jesus was the Messiah but then I would challenge them to look at the scripture. Jesus fulfilled every.single.prophecy about the Messiah.

 

And I'm done debating you. You obviously don't believe and while I find that sad, I respect that, but I won't get tangled in a debate that is pointless.

[Michelle T]

Yes, and Judaism's completeness is based on the premise that God will one day send a Messiah, which He did, in Jesus.

 

 

That of course is what Christianity says, but obviously Judaism feels differently. I'm not going to break board rules by stating reasons why, or starting some sort of religious debate, but I WILL say that Judaism is quite complete as is, and has no need for Jesus or any other religion's messiahs/prophets/Gods to "complete" it.

Michelle T

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Please do correct me if I'm wrong here but practicingJews (to my knowledge) are waiting for the promised Messiah. Of course if they're still following Judaism, they don't believe Jesus was the Messiah but then I would challenge them to look at the scripture. Jesus fulfilled every.single.prophecy about the Messiah.

 

And I'm done debating you. You obviously don't believe and while I find that sad, I respect that, but I won't get tangled in a debate that is pointless.

 

Wait, what? We were debating?

 

I wasn't debating. I was having a conversation. Sorry if I came across that way, and yes, of course I will stop immediately.

 

I'm sorry you are sad that I'm an unbeliever. I truly don't mean to distress people over that.

[Alenee]

That of course is what Christianity says, but obviously Judaism feels differently. I'm not going to break board rules by stating reasons why, or starting some sort of religious debate, but I WILL say that Judaism is quite complete as is, and has no need for Jesus or any other religion's messiahs/prophets/Gods to "complete" it.

Michelle T

 

That was a truly sincere question on my part. What then is the basis for Judaism? Is it the Mosaic and Levitical Law or not? I'm totally confused. I was always taught, by non-Christians, that the Jews were waiting for the Messiah, as their scriptures stated....... are there different sects of Judaism? I'm totally baffled by this. Pkease enlighten.

 

And I had no idea we were not allowed to discuss the facets of different religions....I was under the impression we were just not allowed to bash others beliefs.

[nakitty]

For centuries, the word "heart" has been used not just to mean the organ in one's body...

 

How's this one?

 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Heart

Main Entry:1heart Pronunciation: \ˈhärt\ Function:noun Etymology:Middle English hert, from Old English heorte; akin to Old High German herza heart, Latin cord-, cor, Greek kardiaDate:before 12th century 1 a: a hollow muscular organ of vertebrate animals that by its rhythmic contraction acts as a force pump maintaining the circulation of the blood b: a structure in an invertebrate animal functionally analogous to the vertebrate heart c: breast, bosom d: something resembling a heart in shape; specifically : a stylized representation of a heart2 a: a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a red heart bplural : the suit comprising cards marked with hearts cplural but sing or plural in constr : a game in which the object is to avoid taking tricks containing hearts3 a: personality, disposition <a cold heart> bobsolete : intellect4: the emotional or moral as distinguished from the intellectual nature: as a: generous disposition : compassion <a leader with heart> b: love, affections <won her heart> c: courage, ardor <never lost heart> 5: one's innermost character, feelings, or inclinations <knew it in his heart> <a man after my own heart>6 a: the central or innermost part : center b: the essential or most vital part of something c: the younger central compact part of a leafy rosette (as a head of lettuce)

— at heart : in essence : basically, essentially

 

— by heart : by rote or from memory

 

— to heart : with deep concern

 

[heart illustration]

 

Words that are in the description that strike me are: compassion, love, affections, itellect, disposition, personality.

 

I think these speak to what you are saying, you're just preferring to use one word over another.

 

 

I am fully aware of that....was just saying....it has never made sense to *me*...LOL FTR, I've also always had an 'issue' (note: I'm using the loosest definition of the word...as it isn't like I get fired up over this, LOL) with the heart shape...as it doesn't resemble the human heart AT ALL...nor, for that matter, any other animals heart that I've ever seen...:tongue_smilie:

[Alenee]

I am fully aware of that....was just saying....it has never made sense to *me*...LOL FTR, I've also always had an 'issue' (note: I'm uding the loosest definition of the word...as it isn't like I get fired up over this, LOL) with the heart shape...as it doesn't resemble the human heart AT ALL...nor, for that matter, any other animals heart that I've ever seen...:tongue_smilie:

 

OKay, I think I'm on the same page now! :D

[nakitty]

That was a truly sincere question on my part. What then is the basis for Judaism? Is it the Mosaic and Levitical Law or not? I'm totally confused. I was always taught, by non-Christians, that the Jews were waiting for the Messiah, as their scriptures stated....... are there different sects of Judaism? I'm totally baffled by this. Pkease enlighten.

 

And I had no idea we were not allowed to discuss the facets of different religions....I was under the impression we were just not allowed to bash others beliefs.

 

Yes there are several different sects of Judaism...including one that believes that Jesus was the Messiah or Moshiac (I think that is the spelling, but I'm to lazy to look it up)...however, that is a rare belief...as most sects do NOT believe that Jesus was the Moshiac...and are not absolutely convinced that he even existed. At least this is my understanding. They do believe that the Moshiac will come eventually but that he will be an ordinary human...not a God or the like. They are not "waiting" for him though...at least, again, this is my understanding....they just believe that he WILL come some day. Im sure if you were to google something like, "what is the Moshiac?" (and if I have mispelled it...google is awesome about knowing that! LOL) you will likely have many choices for enlightenment. :D

[Mom to Aly]

I just skimmed your post and now I want to re-read it more slowly. I am very interested in your experiences with Hinduism. As a Buddhist I feel a certain spiritual kinship with Hindus, though I know shamefully little about your tradition. So I just wanted to thank you for writing such a thorough post! Oh, but I also wanted to address this:

 

 

 

My experience with Buddhism is that it is an agnostic or "non-theistic" religion, not an atheistic one. The very first time I attended any sort of Buddhist meeting was at a Zen center which was having an intro night for newbies. The teacher made a point of telling us that one can be Buddhist and Christian, Buddhist and Pagan, Buddhist and Jewish, Buddhist and atheist, etc. Buddhism takes no stance one way or the other on the existence of God(s) so you can bring whatever faith you have into your Buddhist practice.

 

 

Zen Buddhism, from what I have seen, and I have not studied it, is very popular in the US. It is not like the Buddhism of India or Nepal (I have studied it in both of those places). In both of those places it is, very specifically, atheistic. There is the saying that if the Buddha comes to you claiming to be God, he must be thrown out (from this world), for he is not possible, but purely impossible. This gives me a whole other problem, because the whole "thrown out from this world" conjures images truly un-Buddhist, but, anyway... :001_unsure:

 

Buddhism in China and Japan is very different from Buddhism in India and Nepal, and Buddhism here is different than any of those, so maybe it is represented in a different fashion, but, technically, Buddhism is the only atheistic religion in the world.

 

It is also the only major religion never to have been involved in a religious war. Many say, with the situation in Tibet, that may soon change. I hope everyone reading this will say a prayer, to whatever God you may believe in, if you do believe in one, that it does not. I think that would be a true tragedy.

[Michelle T]

That was a truly sincere question on my part. What then is the basis for Judaism? Is it the Mosaic and Levitical Law or not? I'm totally confused. I was always taught, by non-Christians, that the Jews were waiting for the Messiah, as their scriptures stated....... are there different sects of Judaism? I'm totally baffled by this. Pkease enlighten.

 

And I had no idea we were not allowed to discuss the facets of different religions....I was under the impression we were just not allowed to bash others beliefs.

 

 

Reform and Conservative Jews, for the most part, no longer hold out belief in the coming of an individual, specific messiah. The belief is more in a messianic age, which will be brought about by our behavior and working together to bring this time about. More complicated than that of course but that's the nutshell.

 

Orthodox Jews are likelier to believe in the coming of a human, individual messiah. But not even all of them still hold this belief.

 

At any rate, Judaism has always been clear that the messiah would be a human being, a regular person, NOT God, not divine. And there would be no doubt when he came, because all the Jews would be back in Jerusalem, the Temple would be rebuilt, all the people would recognize the supremacy of God, and there would be no more war, trouble, or bad times on earth. The lion will lie down with the lamb.

 

At any rate, that's how the messiah was traditionally viewed in Judaism.

 

Yes, there are different branches of Judaism. The majority of Jews in the US are Reform or Conservative, followed by Orthodox, followed by Reconstructionist. I'm Reform. Eliana, who posts here frequently, is Orthodox.

Michelle T

[Rosie_0801]

Hmm. I remember figuring out during my late teens that my purpose in life was to go places, find out things and wherever possible, inflict my new knowledge on someone :) Now that's been upgraded to doing my best to equip myself to be the best mother I can be. Guess I'll have to do another upgrade when they leave home. :)

 

The closest I would have to a "holy" book is "The Tao of Pooh." I'm not a terribly good Western Taoist, but I re-read the book occasionally. It reminds me to chill out a bit. I'm a bit prone to tetchiness... I don't believe in an afterlife. I do, however, have a fantastic theory of reincarnation. I don't believe in it, but I find it very useful. My dh can't handle the idea that I can subscribe to a theory that I don't actually believe. I think you can find comfort in a story, even if you don't believe it. I was bought up Christian, but dropped it in my mid-teens. Before then I had accepted the idea of God because that's what Mum taught us, after that I started thinking it through and found that I didn't think it made much sense. When I finished school I did a short course on religions and had the idea presented of God (as an entity or an idea) as above us, as in the Judeo-Christian type God, or part of everything, like the Tao. I found the Tao type idea to be more useful to me. Mum insisted we (humans) require something higher than ourselves, but I've found that only some people do. Some don't. Whatever works for you, I say. I see religion as something to guide you and make you feel better. So people should choose religions or Gods that will guide them where they want to go, and make them feel better when life isn't going according to plan.

For educating the kids, well, I have what is probably the most thorough comparative religion plan ever, though we'll see how far we get through it. It is a high priority though. I will deliver it all as "some people believe this" and answer questions as we go. I'm not fussed what religious beliefs they end up subscribing to, so I think I'll be able to support them in finding whatever answers they need. Anyway, beliefs tend to change over time because we change as we get older.

Anyway, by the rest of what I've seen on this thread, I'm kind of glad I've got a different religion to everyone else. No one's going to think I'm accusing them of anything or arguing with them!

:/

Rosie

[freethinkermom]

**I am only answering the OP here, not responding to any other posters. I just want to be clear :) *

 

I do not believe that there is any need to find anything or to look for guidance. Humans have evolved into beings that are born with the ability to think and reason. There is no need to look outside of yourself to tell right from wrong. If humanity had not evolved this ability it would not have survived and thrived. The universe is a an amazing and interesting, even awe inspiring, place without bringing mysticism into it. I was not "led" to atheism because being led indicates a belief in a power that does the leading. I have always had enough self-confidence to never feel the need to look for support or guidance in the form of religion. If I need help or an emotional pillar I turn to friends and family. I help people and donate time and money to needy causes because it is the good thing to do as a person. I take full credit for my good deeds and accomplishments as well as full blame for my failures. The only being that can bring meaning to my life is me. I may find that meaning in my interaction with other people, but it is my meaning and my purpose.

 

I teach atheism and reasoned thought to my children with the same vehemence that many here teach Christianity to their children. My children also learn about the many religions of the world (mythologies, current and historical political significance, etc.) and the importance of being respectful, even to someone that you do not agree with.

[Soph the vet]

I'm a little confused. Was your home dysfunctional because it was secular or because there were all these mixed faith/traditions mixed in? I have met some very grounded spiritual people from homes with more than one faith. So I'm just curious.

 

My home was dysfunctional for many reasons, but the many faiths added to the confusion for a bewildered young person. That is what I meant. I guess you would have to define "grounded". Are they grounded in one faith or more than one?

[Guest Virginia Dawn]

And the fact is, we do have what Dr. Michael Gershon calls "The Second Brain" in our gut. Neuroreceptors and everything. :001_smile:

 

Very interesting. And very Biblical. :D

 

In the King James version:

 

According to John we have "bowels of compassion."

 

Paul asks Philemon to "refresh my bowels in the Lord."

 

Paul tells the Phillipians that he longs after them "in the bowels of Jesus Christ."

 

In the NIV many scriptures have replaced the King James "bowels" with the word "heart." According to Strong's "bowels" is a more accurate translation, in both the Old and New Testament.

 

I usually read the NIV, but this conversation rang a bell in my memory, so I had myself a mini study on bowels in the Bible. I've got to read some more on this, it is even amusing in spots. The imagery of many passages in the old and new testaments is transformed by the use of the word bowels instead of heart.

 

Take for example:

 

Song of Solomon 5:4 -

 

NIV: "my heart began to pound for him"

King James: "my bowels were moved for him."

 

There are many other passages just as interesting. :D

[Jugglin'5]

Very interesting. And very Biblical. :D

 

In the King James version:

 

According to John we have "bowels of compassion."

 

Paul asks Philemon to "refresh my bowels in the Lord."

 

Paul tells the Phillipians that he longs after them "in the bowels of Jesus Christ."

 

In the NIV many scriptures have replaced the King James "bowels" with the word "heart." According to Strong's "bowels" is a more accurate translation, in both the Old and New Testament.

 

 

Take for example:

 

Song of Solomon 5:4 -

 

NIV: "my heart began to pound for him"

King James: "my bowels were moved for him."

 

There are many other passages just as interesting. :D

 

And then there are the kidneys of of compassion. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. Psalms 16:7

 

"Reins" means the kidneys. There are several other instances of this. I find the thought of my conscience coming from my kidneys to be very amusing.:)

[Peela]

I was brought up atheist, although I was sent to a private Christian girls school, where I quickly formed a strong distaste for the hypocrisy of the Christianity that was taught there.

 

At age 13 I became interested in eastern religions, and visited a Buddhist ashram and a Hindu ashram in my area ( I lived in the country). My mother did not encourage or discourage me. My parents divorced when I was 13 also, and I became quite a disturbed teenager, searching for truth and perspective on life. I had virtually no interest in anything material, and was on a spiritual quest, from age 13. Difficult for my family because I was quite extreme with it. I left home at 16, feeling completely misunderstood by my family.

 

At 18, I became a Rajneesh/ Orange person, for several years. My now dh was one too. I went to India to Rajneesh's ashram there.

 

By my late 20s, I was really ready to settle down, and I have still continued my spiritual journey but less externally, much more internally, more integrated. It has been for me a path of letting go and in fact actively destroying all belief systems, and seeing what was left behind, rather than seeking more belief systems in order to comfort myself.

To me, truth is what is left after all the beliefs are out of the way. Truth is beyond all religion, and it doesn't need beliefs to hold it up.

The essence of all religions points to that indivisible Truth, but they all get caught up in dogma and beliefs and who's right and who's wrong.

My search was always for the essence of all religions, the bit that is beyond all the religion and is self evident but rarely seen. The people who see it- Jesus, Buddha- express it differently,(Jesus being very much a heart teacher in particular) but its the same truth they have found, and hardly anyone can understand them because you have to live it, it's not intellectual. It's not a belief. All truth-finders have to talk in metaphors because truth cant actually be expressed in words.

Yes, my path has largely been through eastern religions, but i don't identify with any religion.

 

How does that affect how I teach my children? I expose them to different beliefs, different religions. I teach them basic human morality, about good and bad, because I think thats important and all cultures do that. And I discuss with them what I think, their father discusses with them what he thinks, and we let it go from there. Sometimes we have deep discussions. Yesterday we were discussing selfishness with our son, and how selfish people are not happy people because they live in fear of losing what they have- they have a mindset of lack. He saw that and expressed his own wisdom around it. It's different from moralising and telling him not to be selfish, although sometimes we do that too :) we are trying to encourage the kids to think for themselves. But we will of course influence them with our present state of consciousness.

 

I have always been drive internally. I could have chosen a much easier path and just swallowed someone else's belief system (not really, I wasn't built that way). Instead I had to, and have to, find out for myself.