Finding Religion vs Creating Religion
January 13th, 2010
I’m learning about other people, and how they have walked their paths that were/are similar to mine. I’m trying to learn from people who find their connection the the Universe in ways that I can relate to.
That, I believe, should sum up your religion.
I’ve recently had an epiphany about religion. I was thinking about how we think of religion as an organized spiritual affiliation. What about when you say, “Oh, I do that religiously,”?
According to TeachingAboutReligion.org, this is the where the word religion comes from:
The root of the word “religion” is usually traced to the Latin religare (re: back, and ligare: to bind), so that the term is associated with “being bound.”
Now, considering how it’s used, I feel that “religion” means your tradition, your practice. The way you are bound to.
And I believe that your belief is personal. You collect your beliefs and you hear many things and it’s your job to listen to what you’re told and when you hear something and recognize it as truth, it becomes your truth…. and every ones truth is different… at least a little… but you have to find your own way… and do what works for you… and allow your originality to shine through because that IS your magic….
Organizing into a coven or church or synagogue and doing things like anyone else and falling into a tradition that doesn’t belong to me stifles my creativity… I believe it does to anyone who conforms to someone elses Spiritual tradition…
Your relationship to Spirit is… your own. And like no one elses. Why on earth should your way of speaking to it be the same as anyone elses…
I could see gathering with OTHER solitaries to share our truths…. and combine our energy into collective intention or meditation… but I don’t need to dance around a fire and be part of a coven because someone who called themselves a witch 100 years ago did it.
A witch is just what I am. It’s the way of life I am comfortable living. I have a close relationship to nature and I can feel the entire Universe speaking to me when I tune into the nature around me. I don’t do things like anyone else. I do things like me.
SO! I’m learning about other people, and how they have walked their paths that were/are similar to mine. I’m trying to learn from people who find their connection the the Universe in ways that I can relate to. That, I believe, should sum up your religion.
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I’m so glad you posted this. Very well written and I love watching YOUR path!
I found your post really interesting. I believe that we have all of these different religions now and yet more springing forth because of the differences of people. What resonates with one person may not resonate with the next. I have always felt that I do not have to gather together with others in order to feel secure in my beliefs but I also understand that there are many who do.
I am often told by “christians” that I should go to church because in the bible God said, “gather together in my name.” I always reply by asking them 1 question. If you do not go to church, does that mean that your ‘religion’ or ‘beliefs’ or ‘faith’ will falter or become null and void? This question always draws silence, followed by a desperate need to try to compensate.
((Hugs Ash))
Carol ~
I’ve learned more about the message of Jesus since I stopped being a christian than I ever did as a follower. Now, with this perspective I’ve constructed for my life, I hear passages from the Bible and the message seems so clear to me, and the message is rarely the one that was pushed upon me by well meaning soul savers.
Your passage grabbed my eyes and boggled my mind momentarily. It’s a new one for my life’s perspective to interpret. I immediately saw the message that I’d never seen before and feel compelled to share it.
“Gather together in my name” With MY understanding of “God”, this doesn’t tell me to go to church and worship with other people. This tells me to gather with other people in the name of love and peace and thanksgiving. Don’t gather for war, or gather to complain, or gather to control… but gather in the name of all that is good.
When I write in my blog, I am gathering with others in God’s name. I come here and write in the name of spreading growth and enlightenment and understanding and empathy and compassion. I’m not here to convince or connive but simply to share the joy that I’ve found in my life in the hopes that others may be inspired to be themselves and find this same joy in their own lives.
*Steps down off soap box*
Thanks for your thought provoking comment Carol. As always, have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in :D
El,
I am so loving watching your Self unfold as you live your path! It’s just beautiful. ;-)
And I am constantly amazed as I read your newest posts how you seem to be coming to the conclusions I made when I first began following the Old Ways.
You’ve inspired me to return to writing on my other, other blog. LOL (It seems I have a gazillion of them!) I’ll pass along the link when I get up and running again.
Be blessed!
Thanks for responding to my comment. I just had to say that I love your interpretation of that passage. I have heard it so many times but I have never thought of it in this wonderful way. Thank you so much for sharing your views. I now have something that feels good to ponder and when next the “soul savers” come around I also have something else to discuss with them.
Many Blessings.
So, El . . . I revived that other, other blog! ;-) Moved it to it’s own domain and changed the look, etc. Feel free to check it out – http://www.raynefire.com
be blessed! ~A
Oh I LOVE it Annie! Looks great! I can’t wait to read more…. of your other OTHER blog :) I know what you mean though…. once in a while, I’ll get a newsletter from some free hosting site, thanking me for hosting my blog there. Sometimes I don’t even remember making the account. LOL
I’ve had oodles of great ideas, but I rarely follow through. I’ll start a blog with great intentions and post a couple times before my interests are yanked away to another corner of the web in the pursuit of personal growth and self realization. This blog has been the most consistent thing in my internet life. I’ve even managed to narrow my focus so much that I’m being much more… consistent in my posting.
I’d have to say that since the narrowing of the focus, I’ve experienced much larger leaps in growth. Keeping with the LoA, it makes perfect sense. As soon as I de-cluttered my brain and set a course of creation, it’s all swung into perfect action around me. Wonderful.
Thanks for being a part of my growth and experience Annie. Truly. I value your opinions, ideas, and insights.
Be Blessed Friend *)
Thanks for the compliments on raynefire.com. ;-) I’ve tweaked it a tad more in the past few hours so it’ll look slightly different next time you visit. Oh – and I added your blog to the blogroll over there too.
And also, thanks for the kind words. You’re absolutely welcome. I think that being a part of ones growth and experience is beneficial to all. We all grow exponentially when we have others to share with.
This is why communicating with other solitaries is so helpful. We may practice our craft in solace and alone but that does not mean we have to be lonely.
Be blessed as always ~A
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