For the first time in my life I have taken a "break" from church. I have been very surprised to find my spiritual life growing without it. At first this was confusing to me, but I have come to believe that church, while important, can lock you into only thinking about what you hear there week after week and season after season. After a time you may find yourself accepting that this is all there is to faith and spirituality - but I have experienced much more being away from church. I have also been seeking it and focusing on my spiritual growth, it didn't happen by accident.
Looking into meditation and Buddhist practices of tranquility may be, to some, not Christian. I disagree. It all works together beautifully. My prayer life has become much more about listening and less about asking. God speaks in the stillness.
These words from an interview with Ekhart Tolle are validating to my experience:
You can have religion with spirituality. You can have religion without spirituality.
Some people are so identified in their belief structure that they're completely trapped in their thinking. There is no spaciousness.
Any Christian who wants to go deeper into their own spirituality and not abandon their religion - there is depth in Christian teachings and in the words of Christ.
6 comments:
I saw that today as well. I stopped attending church awhile ago and have never felt guilty about it. I do miss the community, but felt like I never fit quite fit in because I could not accept the dogma. It just did not resonate with me. I became a seeker.
I felt so liberated today when I heard what Tolle had to say about religion and spirituality. I just never knew how to put it into words as eloquently as he did.
Super Soul Sunday has become my church for now.
And nice to know religion and spirituality can co-exist!
Thank you so much for your comment Lena! I don't know anyone else on this particular journey right now - so your words are validating :)
You are welcome!
There is a new term now called Spiritually Independent. I like it as it fits me better than calling my self a non-practicing catholic.
The only time I go to church is to light candles. I find comfort and connection.
If you have the time check my blog and read the post called a Faith Experience.
Take care, Diane!
Lena, can you help me find your blog? I tried and couldn't find it!
I hear you, Diane! I still attend church and we are very active in it--mostly because of Hannah and Chloe. But I glean spirituality out of every day life, not necessarily when I'm sitting in the pews (or choir stalls!). I feel energized after Sunday service, but that's not often where I connect most with God/the universe.
Hi Diane, My blog is called My Personal Lens
you should be able to click Lena on this comment and be directed to it.
http://cjm-r.blogspot.com/
thanks for asking!
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