God v Devil

Very well stated!

She's just showin off.

I know. I was just about to say that same thing, but she beat me to it.

I know. I was just about to say that same thing, but she beat me to it.

If I tried to write all that out, y'all would be sitting there scratching your heads.

hmph. shutting up now.

I'm assuming by your comment that you do not believe in the authority of Scripture. Which would mean that we are left free to assume whatever we like about God. (Which would mean that you don't really know whether he enters contests or wars.)

Your logic is flawed.

hmph. shutting up now.

NO!! Please don't do that. LL and I are just jelous that we cannot put our thoughts into words as eloquently as you. (Plus, I'm a terrible speller and it would take to long to look all those words up)!!!

I really did like what you said.

NO!! Please don't do that. LL and I are just jelous that we cannot put our thoughts into words as eloquently as you. (Plus, I'm a terrible speller and it would take to long to look all those words up)!!!

I really did like what you said.

I did too.

<The following is nothing more than my humble opinion>
I personally believe there's a big difference between Spirituality, Morality and Religion, but they tend to get lumped together in our society. They are interconnected, but quite different. Spirituality is one's personal relationship with God, the Spirit, universal life force that connects us all, or whatever you prefer to call it. Morality is our personal set of guidelines for living and dealing with others. Religion is the organized entity, or institution, that provides community and a venue to share spiritual experiences, individually and collectively. Religion teaches morality, and provides us a means to experience spirituality. (through prayer, meditation, etc--the methods vary between religions.) This is why going to church does not mean one is spiritual...you have to experience it first hand, regardless. Many ppl experience spirituality at church, many can only really find their connection to God/Spirit in a solitary setting. Religions are meant to teach you how to experience the spiritual, and develop differently in different areas of the world in order to "reach" and speak to the different paradigms, circumstances, perspectives, of the local population. In my opinion, they all give a road map pointing to the same thing. I respect anyone's religion as long as they practice morality and true spirituality, and the golden rule, which is a common thread that runs through all faiths. I respect anyone's right to disagree with my perspective on this as well, and hopefully it's mutual.

In India, they greet each other with the word "Namaste." This translates to ?I honor and bow to the Spirit in you which is also in me." Very powerful words. What a great way to greet people, creating an instant connection that fosters compassion.

Just wanted to make sure your great post made it to page 2! The concepts in your "humble opinion" are very important in making the most of your own faith. Too much importance has been placed on "being in the building" and not enough on that Golden Rule....

Just wanted to make sure your great post made it to page 2! The concepts in your "humble opinion" are very important in making the most of your own faith. Too much importance has been placed on "being in the building" and not enough on that Golden Rule....

Namaste...that is beautiful. Golden Rule...my lifeline.

Namaste...that is beautiful. Golden Rule...my lifeline.

The golden rule hangs above the front and back doors of my home.

I personally believe there's a big difference between Spirituality, Morality and Religion, but they tend to get lumped together in our society.

While scrolling through yesterday's posts, I almost lit up a reply 'til I moved down and read your post - nearly exactly what I was about to type.
Excellent distillation of the fundamentals! (plus, appears you type like a scalded dog leaving the scene ;-) ).

Think about it for a second. (Seven deadly sins)

Nice, though I expect it's relevant to note the list isn't intended to be exclusive.

For example, present in some form or another in all "scripture" type stuff I've encountered - whether you're working the "God" or "Allah" or "Budda" or "Ghia" or whatever, angle is "Judge not, lest you be judged..." (paraphrasing from the arena with which I'm most familiar).

Easy to say, beyond difficult to apply. Particularly when considered in concert with the paradoxical implication that one must exercise judgment in discerning that which is good (as opposed to not good) - one of my grandfather's favorite statements "Common sense ain't all that common..." comes to mind with respect to personal judgement... [I do rationalize in my own flawed little micro-universe a distinction between exercising judgment - in how I conduct myself - and "judging"]

One thing that troubles me most about "organized religion", is that many (maybe all) seem to feel compelled to demonize somthing to a greater or lesser extent - something concrete - one or more other religious systems in particular - apparently in order to establish a degree of "moral high ground".

This smacks of a fundamental pyscological technique (employed with regularity throughout history). Gather a bunch of (especially disaffected) folk together and give 'em something to hate. An especially effective way to establish and maintain a fervent "following", which can by implication be directed (power/money/both). Change "hate" to "disdain" and you still have the same effect, though a bit more dilluted.

my 2cents...

<The following is nothing more than my humble opinion>
I personally believe there's a big difference between Spirituality, Morality and Religion, but they tend to get lumped together in our society. They are interconnected, but quite different. Spirituality is one's personal relationship with God, the Spirit, universal life force that connects us all, or whatever you prefer to call it. Morality is our personal set of guidelines for living and dealing with others. Religion is the organized entity, or institution, that provides community and a venue to share spiritual experiences, individually and collectively. Religion teaches morality, and provides us a means to experience spirituality. (through prayer, meditation, etc--the methods vary between religions.) This is why going to church does not mean one is spiritual...you have to experience it first hand, regardless. Many ppl experience spirituality at church, many can only really find their connection to God/Spirit in a solitary setting. Religions are meant to teach you how to experience the spiritual, and develop differently in different areas of the world in order to "reach" and speak to the different paradigms, circumstances, perspectives, of the local population. In my opinion, they all give a road map pointing to the same thing. I respect anyone's religion as long as they practice morality and true spirituality, and the golden rule, which is a common thread that runs through all faiths. I respect anyone's right to disagree with my perspective on this as well, and hopefully it's mutual.

In India, they greet each other with the word "Namaste." This translates to ?I honor and bow to the Spirit in you which is also in me." Very powerful words. What a great way to greet people, creating an instant connection that fosters compassion.

:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

Namaste -


Cool. ;-)

Wow! Although I know how I feel, I could never have expressed it! Thank you Katie and Ohio BB for your profound thoughts.