 Spiritual: August 15, 2007 Issue [#1888] |
  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: Puditat  
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Spiritual: relating to the spirit or soul and not to physical matter; intangible. Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus
This newsletter explores ideas of the spiritual nature that exists in each and every one of us in an open and non-judgemental manner.
Each editor brings to the newsletter their own backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and opinions. Whether you disagree, agree, doubt or applaud the views expressed, let us all show respect to each other. Together we can learn something about the many varied aspects of the spiritual self and enjoy our differences in true meaning of the Spirit of Community.
Enjoy! 
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** Certainty of Belief **
This final episode on the Spirituality Survey will discuss the matter of whether people are certain about their chosen belief system and, more importantly, why they feel that way. I hope you find this presentation of results interesting. As with the previous issue, I will refrain from making editorial comments on people's responses. These are representative of responses received.
100% certain
W.D. Baker is 100% certain of their Christian walk and give this as the reason:
"Everyone must find their own path. I feel that I am on the right path, because of the miracles thatI have seen by using the word "God' This is something most people don't understand. At one time their was no food in our house and I opened the fridge and said "God I wish I had some bacon and eggs". Not even a minute later my neighbor was knocking on my door and he was carring a pound of bacon, a dozen eggs and a big bag of oranges. My neighbor had to have been on his way over before I even said what I wanted. Plus he had given me oranges. Just like the bible says. You will receive more than what you ask.
That tells me that I am on the right path."
Maribel is a Dancing Poet is 100% certain of Free Thinking; "It has brought to me hope, a brighter look at life and things/events people make more sense to me...and I am much happier person."
Jaydee is 100% certain of the Christian path because: "I've seen God move in my life and others over and over again. Creation speaks so clearly to me as well, only God could create that."
mesmonic is 100% sure of Nature as their spiritual path because: "Our life is what we make it, and if something makes us happy and helps us when we are struggling to cope then it is the right path for us. If through all the chaos we can find serentity, inspiration and motivation then it is our path. "
faithjourney 100% believes Christianity is the right spiritual path. "As I mentioned above, too much evidence that God exists. People have tried to put our faith down since the beginning of time but just like Jesus, Christianity keeps resurrecting to find new life!"
hoosiermomma2 is 100% certain of her Christian walk because: "Because the bible tells me so and because I have a very real and personal relationship with my Lord and Savior. I believe He guides my feet, speaks to my heart, and holds me close..close enough I can feel and hear Him if I am paying close enough attention."
Another reader is 100% sure of her Christian path because (and I like this answer!): "Faith!"
kundanchhabra is 100% sure of the path of a Holistic Spiritualist: "So many Miracles, so much Beauty, Joy and Love in my Life... "
Eman is 100% sure Muslim is the right path because "theres nothing that in my mind is not logical about it and it is really so peaceful why would a peaceful religion lead to badness"
Aradne is 100% certain of Christianity; "I'm not perfect. An imperfect person does not belong in heaven. It's only through the intense cleansing that is offered to me (I can't earn it) that I have a chance at living eternally with God."
Prosperous Snow celebrating  100% of Baha'i: "Reading and meditating on the scriptures revealed the Baha'u'llah (the founder) and the Bab (the forerunner). As well as the writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha. They encourage independant investigation into all the sacred writings of every religion."
twyls is 100% sure of their walk in no particular faith because "I am on the right path because this one works for me. My motto is "All paths lead to God." I mean, of course, all healthy paths, but what is healthy is up to the individual and his or her close family and friends."
Less than 100% certain
Izzie, cc_s princess 75-99%, Christian ~ "I believe I'm on the right path because I've had so many spiritual experiences, visitations, dreams and visions."
DNAN 75-99%, Christian ~ "love continues to grow stronger and deeper"
The creative romatic 75-99%, Wiccan ~ "I just believe that it is the right path for me. I don't think any one path is the 'right' one. But mine is the one I personally believe."
vampirelord 50-74%, Witch ~ "it just feels right"
windac 75-99%, Christian ~ "The only reason I did not answer '100% sure' to the last question is because there are still questions and the occasional doubts. Mostly, I think these are just my ego leading, and not my heart."
k.omahony 50-74%, Cruschon ~ "It all seems to make sense."
Does not believe in a spiritual path
Dormael "I don't believe in a spiritual path for myself. But others may, and I think and hope it benefits them. I just search wisdom (don't consider to have total wisdom myself) and I wanna give my atheistic perspective to believers with an open mind. I want to preach tolerance and understanding. Respect beyond the borders of belief."
Still determining a spiritual path
Tehuti, Lord Of The Eight  "I don't believe there's a "right" or "wrong" path, just paths that work for individual people. It seems like hubris to judge someone's path as "wrong."
I will leave you all to do your own thinking on the responses quoted.
Till next time:
** Image ID #819259 Unavailable **
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This letter responds to the question I raised in my last issue. While I do not agree with the tone, the text does give the author's answer to what I asked.
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 Thank you for such a great newsletter! It has been great learing to put my faith into words and seeing other people's perspectives.
Namaste,
esotaria
You're welcome. 
When I first realized the fallacy of the cult of Christ, I grew frustrated by the mention of the words "lord" and "God." I grew to understand this meant any lord, and all Gods. I'm less frustrated and more understanding. As a child I was indoctrinated into this cult. Many still enjoy its services. However, ANY religious group who excludes another for failure to adhere to their tenets of belief is suspect at best, and negligent at worst. I do appreciate the continuation of this cult. It demonstrates how far we've come as a species, and how much further we have to go.
clerik
I've never heard of this cult, so I cannot comment on it. However, from a Christian perspective, there is only one true God. Being Christian is about loving all peoples, regardless of their beliefs. This does not mean, however, loving what they do. I am unsure how else I can comment on your feedback.
Good newsletter. I live in an intentional community which has as the first principle to "Speak truth kindly, gently, firmly, and as clearly as possible, with all we encounter." And, it is tricky. One rule of thumb we use is from Al-Anon: THINK- is it Truthful, Helpful, Important, Necessary, and Kind. Peace.
thatBobguy
A lot of people could benefit from adopting that thought pattern before speaking. 
A piece I wrote in response to the question you posed. I hopes it give you a better understanding of how those outside a particular faith can still have a moral code and lead uplifting lives.
I do enjoy getting this newsletter, although at times I am dismayed by the lack of insight and knowledge people possess. Although this is also to be found in life everywhere. I have always found it uncomfortable when people try to impose their way of life upon others (whether material or spiritual) rather than trying to find understanding in how others choose to live their way of life. Surely it is better for people to find peace in the life they lead rather than trying to convert them to a different lifestyle just because you have found peace in this lifestyle.
mesmonic
I could say a lot in response to your comments, but there is simply not enough room at this juncture. I do wonder, though, why people are so negative about being 'converted' as surely that is their choice and no one can make it for them. If it is a free choice, then what is wrong with it?
I also find it interesting that most people use 'conversion' when speaking about Christianity, and most other religions get called 'enlightened', 'released', or 'freed', etc. I can truly say no one will feel more enlightened, freed, or released than when they find Christ. I just felt that since there is a feeling I am trying to convert people, which I wasn't, I may as well add truth to the statement. Many people will not believe or accept this, and that is perfectly okay with me. One can only know through experience. *steps off soapbox*
Pudd,
Not to criticize other's beliefs, but I noticed two things in some people's responses to your survey: 1. They seem to have a lot of negative comments about some faiths as basis for what they believe, rather than any personal revelation of truth. HMMM... and 2. They commonly design their own faith based on their own opinions, thoughts, and feelings. again I say: HMMM...
Good job on presenting the various belief statements with objectivity. Keep up the good work!
Big Mike 2humble2bragbut...
Those observations were certainly not lost on me, Mike. I, too, found it a very interesting comparison.  Thank you for your support.
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