Quote:
Originally posted by tickledpink
I completely respect your opinion. However, I don't think that everyone that is religious is playing church. Also, religion teaches us to ask for a "spirit of discernment", and it also teaches you that if God is moving you in a certain direction ~ no matter how senseless it may seem to us, we have to listen to Him (hence the importance of discernment). Sometimes that may involve moving out of our comfort zones or "normal routine". That's not actually discouraged by religion, but encouraged. In reference to rigidness and no sense of flexibility, I don't see it that way. We all have many different talents ~ religion grooms us to use them for the Kingdom, rather than the world. I think many dislike the discipline that it may require to accomplish this, but if the ways of the world is what is considered "normal" vs. the ways of God, then I'd have to follow Him.
This is why I think that spirituality and religion should at least go hand in hand. This is why I asked about John Edwards and Ms. Cleo. Many people say that they are spiritual, but what spirits are they referring to? Everyone that is spiritual is not necessarily following the spirit of God.
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You have made some very valid points, and I must say that I completely respect your opinion as well. I would like to add a few things to what you have already said, however. I totally agree that not everyone who is spiritual is necessarily following the teachings of God, which is why it is important to specify. In my case, being spiritual translates to having a spiritual relationship with God (or "following the spirit of God"). I also agree that not everyone who is religious is playing church. To be religious is to be faithfully devoted to one's religious beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Given these two definitions of "religious" and "spiritual", a person who is religious is not necessarily spiritual and a person who is spiritual is not necessarily religious, but I do agree that the two should and can go hand in hand. In order for God to give you a "spirit of discernment" and to "[move] you in a certain direction", you must first have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Being religious teaches you
how to follow Him, but being spiritual is making the actual journey. IMO, moving out of our comfort zone or "normal routine" simply means not getting so caught up in the "rituals" of religion and everyday life that we neglect to work toward fulfilling the purpose that God has for each of us.
I have no doubt that your statement that "many dislike the
discipline [religion] may require" is true for some, but it is certainly not true in my case. Discipline has nothing to do with my choice of the term
spiritual over
religious. The only problem I have with labeling myself "religious" is that religion is often broken down into different teachings and subcategories (denominations, sects, etc.), and I do not wish to further divide or separate myself from others who truly believe in God and His word b/c that's all that really matters.
BTW, I do consider myself a Christian, so if by some standard that makes me religious, too, so be it.
