Spirituality and Consciousness

I think many people need the church to keep on track. The other people there share their beliefs , and help with that. Also one benefit is that together they are able to help other organizations that are helping people . But, I personally believe that one can stay on track without attending church, and we can be of help to other people in our every day walk in life. Some get so caught up in the traditions of their churches, and spend so much time joining this and that, that they forget to be a christian in their every day walk. Some talk the talk and others walk the walk. Once again I say it is about your relationship with that higher being not religion. For me it is Jesus. For others whatever. But we will all meet our maker one day, and whatever we call him or her. We should have loved well, and treated others well, and respected our environment, and been helpful. You do not have to attend a church to do that, or to believe in God. So to me it is not about church or religion, it is about relationship, and our respect for our Gods people, and our God.

I agree with Neeraja, if I have to have a church, it is my life and the interaction I have with everyone else. I do not need a building, a specific doctrine or dogma. As a spiritualist I am looking to grow and become a better version of myself everyday and also looking to help others do the same, if they so desire!

Well if they are , they will get a rude awakening. One can not bargain or earn their way into heaven.

Consciousness needs no particular type of room to expand into the awareness that Love is the most healing and productive aspect of life that we can participate in. Churchs are a place where people can come together to express that care and love by means of a particular ritual, but the church is secondary to the behavior of the people who attend the church. It seems to me churchs are not necessary for a spiritual path, but accountability is.

"1. Belonging to a church is an act of community. "

"2. The idea of rationalizing God and coming to an understanding of what God is, is overwhelming. "

"3. I do believe organized religion and spirituality are separate...."

Great summary Alex. I'm with you 100%. The other component that escapes me is the adversity between major religions, and between sects withing major religions. The Sunni/Shia rift is one example, Catholic bashing by Baptists and vv, is another example of this.

I have to wonder about the spirituality of individuals who engage in this general bashing behavior.