There is none dwelling in the house but God. When a man is awakened he melts and perishes. – Jalaluddin Rumi
There are so many paths to enlightenment. Church/synagogue/whatever can be a great tool to get in touch with the universe, spirit, god, or whatever other name people assign the almighty “it.” In many ways, that makes sense. It’s great to take a well-traveled path sometimes, as you will have your entire journey charted out for you. That doesn’t mean you won’t get lost at points along the way, but it certainly helps.
But, on the flip side, a house of worship will only work if you really believe what is being taught. I’m too liberal and progressive and flakey for most mainstream churches. It’s a struggle to find a house of worship that excites me. There is a Unitarian Universalist Church nearby that I’ve been meaning to try out, but I’m just not certain that I want or need the help of a Church.
A house of worship isn’t for everyone. I believe, in many ways, it is a more spiritual experience to walk in the park, or to cuddle with Nick, than it is to listen to a preacher or sing hymns. We’ll see. I’ll try to keep myself open to whatever signs the universe will give me. In the meantime, I’d rather pick and choose stuff that moves me from a whole variety of religious experiences and denominations–and identify with none. Or, all.
November 12, 2007 at 2:28 am
I can really relate to what you are saying here. When I was younger, (I’m 19 now) so way back when I was a 12 year old, I used to be religious, but then somehow I started asking myself questions, and I realized thought it was extremely meditative to go to services I didn’t believe what was being taught.
And now I’m actually quite flakey about my beliefs, they revolve around the same theory but they do change from time to time. I understand what you are saying about being identified with all religions or with none at all.
June 22, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Mongke Khan once said, “Just as God gave different fingers to the hand so has He given different ways to men.”
I believe this is true, all religions have a path that will eventually lead to the top of the same mountain
People are too different, unique, for their to be only one path to follow that is right.
The saddest idea in the world is the idea that one religion is correct and so many others are missing it and will be damned.
July 2, 2008 at 12:07 am
what should i do??
I dont exactly believe in what is taught in my church in fact, i dont believe it
most of the time i sit and listen for the universal lessons in it
But i dont like going there.. it feels too submissive, or something.. i dont know
At the same time.. my family goes there.. i am still a kid.. I would pretty much be shunned..
August 12, 2008 at 5:33 am
Did you ever end up going to the Unitarian Universalist church? There is one in Toronto I think you might like to go to, if not for the services at least to go look a the building. Its huge stained glass tower is gorgeous and I think you will find the Unitarian Universalists inside to be even more beautiful. (http://www.firstunitariantoronto.org/)