Spiritual vs Religious

mzovoce

I know quite a few of you are church goin' folk. For my soc class discussion this week we have to discuss religious vs spiritual. Another board I am on posted a poll about it today (how fortuitous for me). It seems like a lot of people in our (for arguments sake I'm lumping us together) generation consider themselves spiritual or agnostic. I wonder why. It also seems the more urban and higher educated you are the more you tend to lean towards this. I am NOT saying that all urban educated people are this, just a broad generalization.
I can't wait for some people in my class to post on this. You know I'm in heart of Jesus country and at least 3 classmates have proudly announced they are on their church's praise team.Thoughts?

SJU1982

I think of myself as being spiritual, but not religious. My issue with religion is that it's very branded, and there is a sense of commercialism that I find at odds with my spiritual beliefs.  That's just me personally - I can appreciate why others stay involved with their churches, and it makes me feel good when I see people still going to church.

I believe in God, but don't see the need in associating with one of these brands, especially considering how each brand claims to be better than the other. 

Despite my beliefs, I will go to church once we have kids.  I believe kids can benefit from being in that enviroment as it can enforce morality, good vs bad, purpose, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

erbur78

I am a recovering Catholic, and no longer attend Catholic services (unless it's a sacrament for someone else). However, I do believe in a higher power--whether it's God, karma, something/someone that is beyond me.  I believe in miracles, too, and have never turned away someone's offer to pray for me no matter their faith.  I also believe that prayer has helped me through tough times and I often find myself in prayer or meditation when I do my long runs (when you have 2-3 hours in the woods, your mind goes to others).  I don't know that I specifically pray to someone, but that I focus my thoughts on someone's problem/issue. 

When the mister and me were getting married, we both knew that we were not going to have our wedding in a Catholic Church and actively sought out a sanctuary where we could be ourselves and our families would be welcome--no matter their life choices, marital status, religion or sexuality. We also wanted a wedding where prayer would occur, but that no one would feel excluded.  We found that in a Baptist Church in Wayne, PA. The tenet of the American Baptist Churches of USA (ABC-USA) is that each faith community sets their own rules.  Our church proudly promotes that they are a "welcoming and affirming church" which means that any couple--LBGTQ and straight--are welcome to worship at any time and have their unions blessed.

letranger

Wtf is praise team?

erbur78

letranger said:

Wtf is praise team?

In most churches it usually a cross between a prayer group and a choir/band that performs at worship service.  But, in some churches, praise team describes the ministry/worship leaders.  

NewQueen

It's weird that you post this because just yesterday my MIL asked me if I prayed to God when I was in so much pain during the end of my labor. My answer was no, in fact, God never came to mind at all during my labor and delivery. At the end, I prayed to drugs which logically are way more effective than God. That being said, I'd consider myself spiritual. To me, God is whatever started the Big Bang and I'm more likely to credit the universe when something goes right or wrong. I really like science but it's comforting to think that there is something more to life and a next step after we're done here; though I don't think that next step is heaven.

If religion was just focused on the community aspect and being a better person, I'd be way more into it. I don't like people pushing their beliefs on to others and I don't like the violence that has come from numerous holy wars. I can't believe any God would advocate war and if that was the case, what an ass is that guy? I'd rather not worship him. 

SJU1982

NewQueen said:

If religion was just focused on the community aspect and being a better person, I'd be way more into it. I don't like people pushing their beliefs on to others and I don't like the violence that has come from numerous holy wars. I can't believe any God would advocate war and if that was the case, what an ass is that guy? I'd rather not worship him. 

 

I agree with all of this! Well said.

kross605

NewQueen said:

If religion was just focused on the community aspect and being a better person, I'd be way more into it. I don't like people pushing their beliefs on to others and I don't like the violence that has come from numerous holy wars. I can't believe any God would advocate war and if that was the case, what an ass is that guy? I'd rather not worship him. 

Im in agreement with this. I was raised catholic, and while there is a comfort for me in being a part of an international community that shares common beliefs and practices, I take serious issue with the church pushing political and social views. Also, I really dont think God cares if I eat meat on Fridays during lent. My disagreement with religious "rules" is what makes me consider myself far more spiritual than religious. 

I have always struggled with religion and have thought about it a lot more now that I have kids.Im not sure how to "teach" spiritual without religious. 

That being said, one of my high school teachers suggested that everyone read the bible. Not because its the right thing to do or the right way to live your life, but because it is the foundation for so many other things in our culture. Movies, song lyrics, book plots, art work etc are so often based on biblical references and you will miss the meaning of so many things in life if you never read the bible. For some reason, viewing the bible as an impactful piece of literature was a new thought to me at the time.

As to your original question, I think the shift from religious to spiritual is, like so many things, a result of numerous societal changes converging.....globalization, social media, womens lib, destigmatization of mental health, LGT equality, focus on nuclear family etc. 

PhillyGal34

I consider myself spiritual and not religious but I do believe there is something.. God, a higher power, something.  I often say that I am praying for someone but what I really mean is that I'm thinking about them and hoping for a positive outcome. I am not a new-age sending energy kind of person but I believe that positive energy makes a difference.  I also believe in karma. 

I did pray to God when E was in the NICU and especially in the 28 hours before I got to see him in the NICU... I felt like I needed the help protecting him when I could not be there to protect him.  I had not met the nurses or doctors and needed something to get me through. In the NICU I held him a few times and prayed that he would have the strength to get through everything and that I would have the strength to support him. I prayed for my milk to come in too as weird as that might sound because it was the only thing I could really do for him.

I was also at my nephew's Christening the day before I got my BFP and I kind of said to God that if I was pregnant we would come to church... ummm that didn't happen but I think about it a lot. I don't think "he's" mad  at me for that though. 

My "problem" with religion is the guilt that is often associated with it.  I do not believe that anyone should be told that they are wrong for how they live their life if they are not hurting others.  I also feel like many religious beliefs are extremely outdated and many people are unwilling to accept that times have changed because the writings have not changed.  (I feel this about the constitution too to be fair). When I go to church I do feel good but that rarely happens and only on special occasions.  I was raised Lutheran and my husband is Catholic. We will have my son baptized in my childhood church because DH is anti Catholic Church now.  To me, even if we are not religious it is important that he is baptized for some reason. We are not having a big party or anything but I want it to take place.  DH would be ok if it didn't but is happy to support this choice. 

 I think that the shift has occurred because people are more willing to question things now.  Why is one marriage ok but not another? I believe that there is truth to the urban/higher educated statement as well because people in those categories are often exposed to more things.  If you live in a small village with no TV you may not realize that there are gay couples that can marry in other places so you believe it when they say it is wrong and all gay couples will go to heII or that women who have premarital se* will go to heII.  If you live in a city and you see things that cause you to question these tenants.  I also feel like education teaches us to question things which would cause the higher educated sector to question religion more. 
 

Amerbutt81

I was raised Methodist-- it's probably one of the most laid back religions out there.  We believe the best way to serve God is through helping others.  There aren't really any "rules".  Well, no meat on Good Friday, but other days during Lent we can eat meat.  

I believe there is a higher power, and I'm ok with calling it "God".  I don't feel a need to go to church, but I don't judge anyone who does.  I think there are people who need church and religion in their life for community and comfort.  That's totally cool, just accept the fact I don't need it. Give me blessings, say prayers for me-- I am totally down with it.  Just be ok that I will keep you in my thoughts.