I've never been a terribly religious person. When I was younger I attended church a few times, mostly because of my mother's urging then anything else. This is not to say I'm not familiar with religious doctrine. Sure I can't shoot off religious passages like some bible crazy (which I'm very grateful for) but I am familar with several bibles, as well as eastern beliefs and studies. I made it a point to atleast attempt to understand other cultures, to maybe find my own niche.
I do enjoy the ideals of zen, and follow it passively, but that is more philosophy. As far as religion goes, I've come to achieve an appreciation for God. I try to accept others' beliefs (as long as they aren't trying to shove it down my throat) and I let people think what they might, instead of shouting at them about how they are wrong (like I may have done when I was younger)
When it all comes down to it, I think religion kind of gets in the way of God's real design for us. If you can read the bible and gain something good from it, then great, but I think people spend too much of their lives compiling lists about what to do/not to do/how to live/etc. I think they lose track of what is really important...to appreciate life. Sure there may be a right or wrong path, but I think it's people that try to make that distinction black and white. I think the reality is meant to be a more blurred understanding. I think we're simply supposed to learn from our mistakes and live as best we can. Help others, live, love and enjoy ourselves.
My relationship with God is more like that of a child to a father. He knows I'm going to screw up now again, afterall I'm only human. But regardless of it all, he loves me anyway, and can laugh at my antics as I try to figure out what living means for me.
Bibical Gods never seem to laugh. I think it's a huge misrepresentation of a higher power. I can understand that people might then think that we're simply around as enjoyment for some omnipotent prankster, and grumble about such a description, though I don't mean it in that fashion. I just feel that God has a warm-hearted sense of humor about us, about who I am, as I stumble around trying to figure it all out. He made me curious and passionate. I'm supposed to want to understand what I'm doing here and what if any plan there is for me.
Maybe others' need more structure with there religion. Maybe they desire a simple complete A and go to B type of ideal, but I simply don't want that.
I know that for myself, I'm fine how I am, and that God loves me for it. Sometimes I can catch him showing me that in the slightest way, and then...it's all I really need.
I do enjoy the ideals of zen, and follow it passively, but that is more philosophy. As far as religion goes, I've come to achieve an appreciation for God. I try to accept others' beliefs (as long as they aren't trying to shove it down my throat) and I let people think what they might, instead of shouting at them about how they are wrong (like I may have done when I was younger)
When it all comes down to it, I think religion kind of gets in the way of God's real design for us. If you can read the bible and gain something good from it, then great, but I think people spend too much of their lives compiling lists about what to do/not to do/how to live/etc. I think they lose track of what is really important...to appreciate life. Sure there may be a right or wrong path, but I think it's people that try to make that distinction black and white. I think the reality is meant to be a more blurred understanding. I think we're simply supposed to learn from our mistakes and live as best we can. Help others, live, love and enjoy ourselves.
My relationship with God is more like that of a child to a father. He knows I'm going to screw up now again, afterall I'm only human. But regardless of it all, he loves me anyway, and can laugh at my antics as I try to figure out what living means for me.
Bibical Gods never seem to laugh. I think it's a huge misrepresentation of a higher power. I can understand that people might then think that we're simply around as enjoyment for some omnipotent prankster, and grumble about such a description, though I don't mean it in that fashion. I just feel that God has a warm-hearted sense of humor about us, about who I am, as I stumble around trying to figure it all out. He made me curious and passionate. I'm supposed to want to understand what I'm doing here and what if any plan there is for me.
Maybe others' need more structure with there religion. Maybe they desire a simple complete A and go to B type of ideal, but I simply don't want that.
I know that for myself, I'm fine how I am, and that God loves me for it. Sometimes I can catch him showing me that in the slightest way, and then...it's all I really need.