IS the loss of spirituality a progression, or regression of man?

[Arawn-ap-Hywel]

Quote by: Isherwood I see a distinction between spirituality and religiosity. Spirituality is often considered a religious concept, perhaps due to the common belief that "spirit" refers only to a supernatural thing. It need not. When I think of spirituality, I think of all those things that science can't quantify, like love, compassion, empathy, peace. If religious fervor is indeed on the wane, good. Perhaps it will free us to realize true spirituality in ourselves and not consider ourselves "sinful" or unworthy. Perhaps we'll finally see that true spirituality comes from within, not from a supernatural, other-worldly source. We'll finally be taking responsibility for ourselves.

Quote by: underbear1 I see no loss in spirituality, it may be practiced outside of religious institutions which are declining globally, I believe because of most religions rigidly clinging to the notion .....they are the ONE AND ONLY TRUE PATH.Very few can stomach that notion anymore, it's nonsense believing 2/3rds of the planet's population, which aren't in your denomination, are wrong!

Quote by: Osborn F Enready The loss of religion, is a POSITIVE and NECESSARY evolution of man. Religious Dogma is one of the biggest "seperators" of mankind, second in modern times only to nationalism.

Agreed folks whilst our search for our spirit improves the religous clouds by the need to control brings the freedom of mind that enables our world to move forwards

[dthmstr254]

So Jesus died to save all the little lambs and other animals being used for sacrafices? That was great for all the sheep, goats, and oxes. No longer would the "escape goats" be taken to the fire as a burnt offering.

Jesus died to save us. we are the reason for His death. all of our sin was placed on Him on the cross.

[dthmstr254]

Quote by: Osborn F Enready The loss of religion, is a POSITIVE and NECESSARY evolution of man. Religious Dogma is one of the biggest "seperators" of mankind, second in modern times only to nationalism.

and evolution is one of the biggest crocks known to mankind. why follow something that claims to be science yet doesn't fit under the two main types of science (experimental and observational)? thus far we have a bunch of old bones that could have been buried under water, hindering the ability of radiometric dating methods accuracy, and a rock we call the earth. not much to go on to create a sicneitic theory of much consequence. evolution needs proof of the infron field to even be possible (where else would they get all this energy?), and it needs a visible macromutation, and since neither of these has been acheived, we ain't gonna get too far.

[dthmstr254]

Quote by: Mr.Vicchio Well, my big issue is, one extreme, be it full on whatever religion has proven over and over to be not so great an idea. Inquisition, Islamic Terror..... just for example. But on the flip side, in real world examples of completel lack of religion, we have seen some pretty nasty things too. USSR, China, NK and Cuba for example. It's the extreme's that bother me, and thats the gist of the question, is a tottal abondonment of God any better then a full slave state to him? I say, no.

God doesn't want slaves, so I would agree that a "slave state" would be a bad religious idea. technically, being saved could be like getting engaged to God, since Christians will be the bride of Christ. so, God wants a fiance. how else can I explain it?

[Osborn F Enready]

dthmstr said: and evolution is one of the biggest crocks known to mankind. why follow something that claims to be science yet doesn't fit under the two main types of science (experimental and observational)? thus far we have a bunch of old bones that could have been buried under water, hindering the ability of radiometric dating methods accuracy, and a rock we call the earth. not much to go on to create a sicneitic theory of much consequence. evolution needs proof of the infron field to even be possible (where else would they get all this energy?), and it needs a visible macromutation, and since neither of these has been acheived, we ain't gonna get too far.

I say:
Dogma said what?

[Mr.Vicchio]

Teh abandonment of God is equally I think harmful as following some churches dogma blindly. There is a middle ground, and I think that is what we should strive for, an equilirbium between Loving God, and being slef reliant as possible.

I accept that there is a God, there is a greater force at work, but I don't believe God is so petty as to demand we spend every waking moment in worship to Him. If God wanted that, why give us freewill at all?

On the flip side, it's IMHO just as big a leap of Faith to believe that all that is, the Universe, life, everything is one big collassal coincidence. Everything just kinda happened on it's own, and there is very little to our exsistance aside the time we have.

I reject that just as wholley as you who accept that embrace it.

[Osborn F Enready]

Vic, the "middle ground" is letting each man believe what he wishes, WITH NO government intervention.

[dthmstr254]

Quote by: Osborn F Enready I say: Dogma said what?

actually, that is from an atheist who disbelieves evolution. go figure. :)

[Osborn F Enready]

Not all athiests are sane, or rational, or intelligent for that matter.

Your point?

[Technosoul]

Quote by: dthmstr254 So Jesus died to save all the little lambs and other animals being used for sacrafices? That was great for all the sheep, goats, and oxes. No longer would the "escape goats" be taken to the fire as a burnt offering. Jesus died to save us. we are the reason for His death. all of our sin was placed on Him on the cross.

If you are saved from sin then that would mean you can "go, and sin no more". But who has been really saved from the "behavior of sinning" - both in their actions and also in their thoughts? Show me the perfect Christian that can claim salvation from their sinful nature.

[Marilyn Monroe]

I'm not religious in the going to church sense, but when I look at my dog, actually it's my neighbor's dog cause my dog died last August, this makes me believe in God. Looking at flowers does it, too. There are so many different flowers, and they are so beautiful. I know there's ugly stuff, but it's mother probably thinks it's beautiful. Ha!

I think God is everywhere, and He's in all of us whether we want Him there or not.

Believing in God gives humans hope, and hope makes you live longer. Makes people more peaceful. This is in times of crisis, and good times, too. It's just an uplifting thing. If it's not true, we'll find out, well, no we won't, but still it's just something to hold onto. A tradition. It's kinda like having a big nose. It's passed down.

[dthmstr254]

Quote by: Technosoul If you are saved from sin then that would mean you can "go, and sin no more". But who has been really saved from the "behavior of sinning" - both in their actions and also in their thoughts? Show me the perfect Christian that can claim salvation from their sinful nature.

none on earth can claim freedom from their sin nature. however, we can claim to have received "the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry 'Abba, Father'" it is a constant battle with sin that we go through every day. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Paul described it very well what a Christians life is like. "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."

[dthmstr254]

Quote by: Osborn F Enready Not all athiests are sane, or rational, or intelligent for that matter. Your point?

he had a doctorate in science, a clean mental health bill, and still didn't believe in evolution. something really is wrong here.

[Osborn F Enready]

Your right about one thing Dthmstr. What is wrong is that people like you, and the other religious zealots can't let people decide for themselves "who" or "what" or IF they have a saviour.

I could care less about your NON-SOURCED quote from a supposed athiest, since I am not an athiest nor do I give a damn.

[dthmstr254]

Quote by: Osborn F Enready Your right about one thing Dthmstr. What is wrong is that people like you, and the other religious zealots can't let people decide for themselves "who" or "what" or IF they have a saviour.

you want to avoid hell, then you need a way out. the if is easy.

[Osborn F Enready]

Dthmstr said: you want to avoid hell, then you need a way out. the if is easy.

I say:
How blind can you be......

OBVIOUSLY if people don't BELIEVE THERE IS A HELL, they will not fear, nor wish to avoid it, since IT IS NOT THERE to them, much like it is there for you, according to YOUR beliefs.

Peddle your dogma to those who welcome it, and leave those of us who don't out of your storytelling fables, myths and appartions please.

[Amuse]

Spirituality, like christmas and easter has been hijacked by "christians" as their own and everything else labeld by them as hereasy.
Being High On Christ IS STILL AN ADDICTION.

[Osborn F Enready]

Amuse said: Being High On Christ IS STILL AN ADDICTION.

I say:
Witness Dthmstr..... BEHOLD!

ROFLMAO

[phoenix_fire]

Would you like to include me in that statement?

[Osborn F Enready]

No Phoenix..

We differ on religion, but I agree on many of your politics.

I just get upset when I start hearing the "blanket statements" about all non-believers (fill in this blank).

Did you think I should have included you in that statement? Are you addicted to your belief in your God?