How would you define your spirituality? [Archive]

DavidAllred

10-11-2007, 10:50 PM

I'm genuinely curious. I interact with all types from zilch to freak-a-zoid and the words that people use to describe their spirituality have always facinated me. Someone asked me this question a long time ago...

I said my spirituality is an "abrasive rhapsody." I've got the heart of a true believer that is always shackled by the mind of a skeptic. Or maybe I have the mind of skeptic that is freed by the heart of a true believer. I suppose it depends on what side of the bed I wake up on.

I've been meaning to blog it for a while, but I'm too lazy. Meh, maybe tomorrow.

BnL

10-11-2007, 11:01 PM

I always associate "spirituality" with religion. And since I'm in no way religious, I don't apply the word to myself.

Infra-Man

10-11-2007, 11:02 PM

Even though most of my beliefs are rather secular and I classify myself as an agnostic, I do often find myself moved when face to face with nature, works of art, and even by simple acts of kindness and human interaction.

I guess epiphanies (in the secular sense) play a great deal into any approximation of a spiritual experience for me. There is something about ideas coming to light or revealing themselves that is--I would assume for some--like finding fragments of or coming into contact with a deity. I mean, gosh, there are moments where when you come to a new realization it's so profoundly moving it's as if everything is illuminated.

So, ummm, in short, I guess I'm a "secular epiphanist" (if you'll excuse the crappy word).

shrike

10-11-2007, 11:03 PM

I honestly don't think about it much, I'm sure as I get older though and more reflective on what's around the corner I will be...

Still, I GREATLY admire people who have taken on faith in their lives.

Red Jack

10-11-2007, 11:06 PM

Nonexistent.

I don't believe in magic of any kind.

beetlebum

10-11-2007, 11:14 PM

I AM NOT OBJECTIVIST ANYMORE I CAN'T BELIEVE I BELIEVED SUCH FUCKWIT LIES!!!1 :mad: :evilangry: :o :(

beetlebum

10-11-2007, 11:18 PM

I guess epiphanies (in the secular sense) play a great deal into any approximation of a spiritual experience for me. There is something about ideas coming to light or revealing themselves that is--I would assume for some--like finding fragments of or coming into contact with a deity. I mean, gosh, there are moments where when you come to a new realization it's so profoundly moving it's as if everything is illuminated.

And when you see a plastic bag floating in the wind you can't help but be moved by how much beauty there is in the world *sniff*:D

John Hays

10-11-2007, 11:21 PM

I would define my spirituality by both intrincism and objective ideals. My spiritual beliefs are intrincisist, but my political views are objectevist. Intrincisists tend to be neo-con. I on the other hand, cannot stand the religious right. I am Libertarian.

I still call myself Catholic, but I have been questioning a lot of Church dogma. I don't agree with Humane Vitae, I think we should examine who is confirmed as Priests. I routinely question Church decisions, whether it was Pope Gregory slaughtering 20,000 people in France, or Pope Innocent's decision to make Mary Magdalene the 'fallen" woman.

I still call myself Catholic because I adhere to Catholic social doctrine. I believe in Agape, and am for just war and against the death penalty. And, although I am Catholic, I do not judge people's sexuality. Esp. when you consider I may be fancy myself (Izzie Stevens may be getting on my nerves, but Katherine Heigl is HOT!) To me, sexuality does not determine whether you are a good person or not. Actions do. And besides, if I did, than why would I be on this website?

I believe in God. It is very natural for me. I believe, because, as Rupert Giles, there just has to be a better world than this. Where justice is done and there is peace and comfort for those who pull through. I'd be lying if I said I don't wrestle with doubts and am not bothered by things that have been done by the Church. But so did Mother Teresa. Trials refine us, as gold is refined, so are we. We learn from these things in order to become better people. Only the end of our lives give us release.

That was rather amazing, and makes my quick "open minded, well grounded Christian" response seem quite lacking! I'll have to think of something more inspired tomorrow. Thanks for challenging me! It's been a while!

Infra-Man

10-11-2007, 11:24 PM

And when you see a plastic bag floating in the wind you can't help but be moved by how much beauty there is in the world *sniff*:D

Haha, it's actually funny you mention that. While I was in college they used to put some student sculptures on display in the library for the summer. At the end of the hall, there was this old fan with a plastic bag tied to it.

Couldn't tell if it was a legit sculpture or a joke, but I was passing by it with a friend and we both said "What in the fuck is that pretentious bullshit?" at the same time.

And as for that part in American Beauty, I said the exact same thing in my head when that scene came up. All I could think about that Wes Bentley character for the rest of the movie was "Oh, so you're that jackass who talks about Fellini using wankery film-snob language when I'm in line at a movie?"

John Hays

10-11-2007, 11:28 PM

Haha, it's actually funny you mention that. While I was in college they used to put some student sculptures on display in the library for the summer. At the end of the hall, there was this old fan with a plastic bag tied to it.

Couldn't tell if it was a legit sculpture or a joke, but I was passing by it with a friend and we both said "What in the fuck is that pretentious bullshit?" at the same time.

And as for that part in American Beauty, I said the exact same thing in my head when that scene came up. All I could think about that Wes Bentley character for the rest of the movie was "Oh, so you're that jackass who talks about Fellini using wankery film-snob language when I'm in line at a movie?"

You know that behind closed doors you were lying there in bed saying "my life....is just like the creases in that crumpled, beer stained t-shirt on the floor!" :D

Infra-Man

10-11-2007, 11:29 PM

You know that behind closed doors you were lying there in bed saying "my life....is just like the creases in that crumpled, beer stained t-shirt on the floor!" :D

...maybe *sniffle* I think I've got something in my eye

beetlebum

10-11-2007, 11:30 PM

That was rather amazing, and makes my quick "open minded, well grounded Christian" response seem quite lacking! I'll have to think of something more inspired tomorrow. Thanks for challenging me! It's been a while!

Thanks John! I like you already.

Just don't go all Pariah on us.http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/lachen/laughing-smiley-006.gif

John Hays

10-11-2007, 11:39 PM

Thanks John! I like you already.

Just don't go all Pariah on us.http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/lachen/laughing-smiley-006.gif

Nah, I was always more of a Superboy Prime kinda....oh, wait...

beetlebum

10-11-2007, 11:43 PM

Nah, I was always more of a Superboy Prime kinda....oh, wait...

Must.......resist......urge.......to........make fun http://ninjamicros.com/forums/images/smilies/newangel.gifhttp://www.mommiesnbabies.com/forums/images/smilies/lolrun.gif

John Hays

10-11-2007, 11:46 PM

Must.......resist......urge.......to........make fun http://ninjamicros.com/forums/images/smilies/newangel.gifhttp://www.mommiesnbabies.com/forums/images/smilies/lolrun.gif

Oh come on, I left that door wide open! :D

Cam63

10-11-2007, 11:49 PM

Methylated.

BnL

10-11-2007, 11:50 PM

Cam63

10-11-2007, 11:50 PM

You know that behind closed doors you were lying there in bed saying "my life....is just like the creases in that crumpled, beer stained t-shirt on the floor!" :D

*In awe at the beauty of such poetry*

...and welcome, John. :D

John Hays

10-11-2007, 11:53 PM

*In awe at the beauty of such poetry*

...and welcome, John. :D

Haha, thanks! :D

Cam63

10-11-2007, 11:55 PM

No worries, Tex.

Alan Lynch

10-12-2007, 06:43 AM

I believe in God, I consider myself Catholic, but I disagree with so much of what comes with that I'm never really sure where I stand most of the time.

Crap, I'm with the rest on this. I started out with the intention of getting into this but then realised I'm actually at work and can't really find the words now.

KevinTBrown

10-12-2007, 07:18 AM

I consider myself very non-religious. I would go so far as to say I'm athiest, but definitely agnostic.

As far as my spiritual beliefs are concerned, I lean quite heavily towards Native American spiritaulity. I do believe in animal guides. I do believe in the idea of Mother Earth and the coexistence of life with nature and animals.

Tages

10-12-2007, 07:54 AM

Nonexistent.

I don't believe in magic of any kind.

"What is a Magical Operation? It may be defined as any event in nature which is brought to pass by Will. We must not exclude potato-growing or banking from our definition. Let us take a very simple example of a Magical Act: that of a man blowing his nose."-Aleister Crowley

Tages

10-12-2007, 07:57 AM

As for me, I think defining spirituality kind of misses the point of spirituality. It isn't wise to put verbal or conceptual limits on that kind of thing, except maybe temporarily as an exercise to gain something greater. But I think the following quote very well expresses my sentiments:

"I remained, lost in oblivion; My face I reclined on the Beloved.
All ceased and I abandoned myself, Leaving my cares forgotten among the lilies."-St. John of the Cross

thespianphryne

10-12-2007, 07:59 AM

Methylated.

Dude, that shit'll make you go blind. Oh wait....

-Das

DavidAllred

10-12-2007, 09:06 AM

Red Jack

10-12-2007, 09:23 AM

"What is a Magical Operation? It may be defined as any event in nature which is brought to pass by Will. We must not exclude potato-growing or banking from our definition. Let us take a very simple example of a Magical Act: that of a man blowing his nose."-Aleister Crowley

Not a big Aleister Crowley fan either.

But, c'est la vie. Takes all kinds.

adam_warlock_2099

10-12-2007, 11:17 AM

Cirrhosis . . . a "final common pathway"

a. non

10-12-2007, 11:46 AM

I cannot accept that there is only one 'right' religion, that out of every possible interpretation of existance, only one group has the 'correct' one.

I believe the Universe is alive, and does things of its own accord. I believe in Karma and Reincarnation as extensions of the Law of Conservation of Energy. I believe the Universe sends representatives periodically to inspire us to become better (i.e. Buddha, Jesus, Ghandi).

You can go ahead and find me weird now. :)

CutterMike

10-12-2007, 12:33 PM

LewisH

10-12-2007, 12:52 PM

Somedays I can be inspired by the simple sight of a lizard on a tree that the universe is a deeper place than we can every imagine with our 5 senses and other days I am sure there is nothing beyond the daily cynical grind through the traffic on I-4.

The thing about spirituality is that if you believe something to be true and live your life as though something is true then for all intents and purposes that belief is true. (I'm talking abstracts here obviously if you try believing that gravity doesn't work or fire isn't hot your life isn't going to be very long.)

Dark Galaxy

10-12-2007, 01:45 PM

I believe the Universe is alive, and does things of its own accord. I believe in Karma and Reincarnation as extensions of the Law of Conservation of Energy. I believe the Universe sends representatives periodically to inspire us to become better (i.e. Buddha, Jesus, Ghandi).

You can go ahead and find me weird now. :)

I like it!

As a former Catholic school-girl (with the skirt and everything), I am still trying to find exactly where I stand.

I try to be a good person. Do good deeds. Be good to those around me. And hope that goodness spreads on.

I think that I am more capable of nurturing, feeding, and expressing my spirituality better than any organization or dogma could.

I think I do lean more towards a 'balance in the universe' system than a magic man in the sky. But, I don't really know, and don't really think anyone can.

I think each person should find what ever system makes them be good people, do good deeds, and be good to those around them, and roll with it.

MacQuarrie

10-12-2007, 02:02 PM

Magneto X

10-12-2007, 02:44 PM

I used to be Catholic but I gave it up for Lent.

Now I'm officially non-denominational Christian, though I try to avoid the cultural connotations that have been hung on that label over the last 30 years or so by those who think God is a Republican and more concerned with the outcome of political elections than with the condition of people's consciences.

Not just Republican elections, but also the right to make lots of money and bash gay people. You know, just like Jesus.

I'm an agnostic with mild spiritual tendencies, a love of logic, human potential, and the power of humanitarianism to advance societal potential and ease indidvidual suffering and inequality.

CutterMike

10-12-2007, 04:17 PM

I'm an agnostic with mild spiritual tendencies, a love of logic, human potential, and the power of humanitarianism to advance societal potential and ease indidvidual suffering and inequality.

Sounds like you're one of us Laissez-Faire-Zen-Christian-Agnostics.

...Orthodox or Reform...?

Jack Zodiac

10-12-2007, 04:24 PM

I used to be Catholic but I gave it up for Lent.

Always a gem. And a great way to get out of religious talk with obviously religious people in places you don't want to talk about religion. That, or tell 'em you're a Deist, which confuses them long enough for you to get away. Woiks like a charm!

MacQuarrie

10-12-2007, 04:55 PM

Always a gem. And a great way to get out of religious talk with obviously religious people in places you don't want to talk about religion. That, or tell 'em you're a Deist, which confuses them long enough for you to get away. Woiks like a charm!

Stealing from George Carlin... "I'm a Frisbeterian. We believe that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof of the garage and you can't get it down."

I used to tell people I attend the First Church of Oz. I've got a whole theological interpretation of the Wizard of Oz that I'd launch into until eyes glazed over.

stealthwise

10-13-2007, 09:17 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existential_humanism

More or less anyways. Not sure about the wiki definition including "choices free from society," because we're all part of a larger social and cultural whole.

stealthwise

10-13-2007, 09:20 AM

Also, anyone else notice that commercial gain and economic growth and freedom seem to be a newly emerging belief system? I know that economics have always been a huge part of human civilization, but lately it seems as though many people are basically worshipping the acquisition of cash and material goods, especially in resource-based communities, where they can work scores of hours of overtime each month and accumulate a ton of wealth, and then extend that spending into either a ton of crap they don't need, or use it to buy things like real estate and other investment or commercial properties. But I don't notice many of those people doing a lot of actual living. A grossly overstated generalization, probably, but just something I've been noticing lately. (I'm working for a government-owned real estate assessment company, so it comes up quite a bit while I'm driving around doing appraisals.)

Mia

10-13-2007, 09:50 AM

How do I define my spirituality? As a revolution of character.

Rabid Trekkie

10-13-2007, 11:33 AM

Mostly conservative SDA but with influences by C.S. Lewis (who actually did influence a lot of my church's thought) and certain Science Fiction/Fantasy/Comicbook writers.

Paul McEnery

10-13-2007, 03:12 PM

"What is a Magical Operation? It may be defined as any event in nature which is brought to pass by Will. We must not exclude potato-growing or banking from our definition. Let us take a very simple example of a Magical Act: that of a man blowing his nose."-Aleister Crowley

Where's that from? Yay Cuddly Uncle Al!

Oh, and I'm a skeptical gnostic, I guess. Our method is science, our aim is religion, and all that.

Paul McEnery

10-13-2007, 03:12 PM

How do I define my spirituality? As a revolution of character.

First Church of Christ Sit on it and Spin? :D

Paul McEnery

10-13-2007, 03:14 PM

Stealing from George Carlin... "I'm a Frisbeterian. We believe that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof of the garage and you can't get it down."

I used to tell people I attend the First Church of Oz. I've got a whole theological interpretation of the Wizard of Oz that I'd launch into until eyes glazed over.

First rule: Never stand under a falling house.
Second rule: Baths are right out.
Third rule: Pay no attention the man behind the curtain!

Paul McEnery

10-13-2007, 03:15 PM

I like it!

As a former Catholic school-girl (with the skirt and everything), I am still trying to find exactly where I stand.

There are straight lines even I know better than to go with.

Tages

10-13-2007, 05:42 PM

Where's that from? Yay Cuddly Uncle Al!

Oh, and I'm a skeptical gnostic, I guess. Our method is science, our aim is religion, and all that.

Magick in Theory and Practice I think.

Paul McEnery

10-13-2007, 06:59 PM

Magick in Theory and Practice I think.

And hey, everybody, you can read it for nowt at http://sacred-texts.com/.

But pony up to the nice man, or you'll be turned into a frog. An ugly frog. Not the kind of frog that gets married to a princess. And if you did get married to a princess, it'd be the kind that wanted to know why the Porsche you bought her was in last year's colour.

Joshua Pantalleresco

10-13-2007, 11:10 PM

I call myself a non denominational Christian. I believe in God and Jesus.

I believe in Jesus' commandments of loving one another and to be careful not to judge others for what they believe and do. That doesn't mean I just accept everything people do as right or wrong, but I do believe in letting people walk their own path. Besides, who am I to say who goes into Heaven?

I try to always look at things and wonder "what would Jesus do?" He was a healer and someone that was genuine about helping others. And while I do fall short of that ideal sometimes, I try.

I've been blessed to see some signs and wonders. I've seen speaking in tongues, I've been knocked on my butt from God on more than one occasion. And I've been fortunate enough to know that He's there when I need Him, even though it's something I don't always see right away. I was going through a real rough time in Oshawa. The school I was going to wasn't a good fit at all and I was really being assaulted. A friend of mine's family invited me to go to church. For the first time since I started school there wasn't any assault. I found peace. I didn't realize it at the time but it pulled me on. When I did I thanked Him. And still do now.

In short, I believe.

I'm not sure I'm ready to embrace God fully in my life. I'm scared of Him. It's only recently have I begun to understand the concept of surrender. It's something I'm still wrestling with. But like Jacob, I'm not letting go anytime soon.

I have however no faith in churches at all. I'm of the mind when it comes to priests and pharisees to say "Do what they say; not what they do". I admit there's some strong tinges of bias there. But I've had very few good experiences in church. It's sad but true.

That said, I still see God everyday. Not Him directly, but I recognize the path when I see it. And I'm thankful.

I'm not sure that answers the question. But it's my answer nonetheless.

JP

Mia

10-15-2007, 10:42 AM

First Church of Christ Sit on it and Spin? :D

No more along the lines of what the poster above me (Joshua Pantalleresco) posted.

In that I am developed to be a better person as I walk through life with God.

John Hays

10-15-2007, 10:01 PM

Alright, lemme give this a shot.

I'm a Christian. I happen to be a Presbyterian, but really denomination, at least protestant denomination, is more like the spice of life as opposed to Christianity itself being the water of life.

I have always believed that God holds me in the palm of his hand, even though the last two years have been the toughest of my life.

I believe in treating everyone as an equal, regardless of race, gender, preference, etc...I believe in "live and let live" with respect to differences in people. If you choose a lifestyle that's different than mine, I'm more than willing to be your friend, because your choices are between you and God. It's not up to me to tell you how to live your life. I'll be more than happy to tell you all you want to know about Christianity (all that I know at least), but I won't ever try to make you feel inferior if you believe differently than I do, and I won't push my beliefs on you.

I believe that God can be seen everywhere. God is in the beauty of nature, the sunsets, the intricate complexity of a tree, the smell in the air just before a storm, the pristine clean look just after a snowstorm.

I believe God's reasons are being our understanding. We can wonder, explore, get frustrated and angry, but the only thing we have left at the end of the day is faith. The pure belief in something more.

I don't fear death or what is to come after death. I hope to live a full life while I'm still on the Earth, but I have comfort in knowing that when my time does come, I'll be going to a better place. It doesn't always make living life easier, but it comes in handy sometimes.