I believe that organized religion is responsible for our lack of spiritual growth. In fact by Webster's definition of religion I would say "religion" in it's self is responsible.

I believe there is a distinct seperation between spirituality and religion. I believe that spirituality is the belief in what links everything together, undefined by religious context or opposition. I see spiritual growth as becoming more in tune to what we are and what is around us, and the part we play in it all.

Religion is like a box and to believe in that religion is to be standing in that box. As long as you stay inside that box, follow the rules within that box, then you will be safe... in that box. Problem is, there are many boxes, and life outside the box.

I believe that people can find spirituality within their religion, but it is a narrow point of veiw and definitely not the big picture. There is a famous saying that one must look outside of the box. Well, with all the fear, confusion, guilt and ultimately hate that religion breeds, it is no wonder people don't want to leave their cozy religious box.

I propose that for people to become more spiritually intune to EVERYTHING, we must punch holes through the box so we can reach out and expand our minds and eventually or spiritual growth. Look beyond the confinements of religious beliefs. Anything filtered through the mind of a man is another box to have to punch through.

Why do people feel the need to stay hidden within a religion, confined to narrow beliefs, suppressed spiritually by guilt and fear?

I think people are responsible for their own spiritual growth or lack thereof.

Ironically, guilt and fear may give rise to spirituality.

I totally agree. There is a big difference between religion and spirituality. Spirituality and faith is something that must be worked out within the confines of one's own personal being; their heart so to speak.

I do not hold to the view that religion is as confining as some would believe. Yes, it has many adherents that do not question, and in this case it does produce parrots who are very good at repeating what they've been told, but not so good at thinking for themselves. But religion does (and should) also provide the possibility to think and question. And should your belief differ in minor ways, just accept it and move on. If they should differ in major ways, accept it and leave, then move on.

Yet is not this worldview you propose, aliencat, a box in and of itself? Only a little harder to define, with duller edges?

Just a thought.

Regards, PA

Yelekiah - I would agree with you... that guilt and fear may give rise to spirituality. I think that is a good insight. I think it is an awakening that people have during their life of guilt and fear that lets them move past it from which as you say moves towards spirituality. Through pain and hardship shall character triumph.

PA - I appreciate your ideas. I think it is wise to hold a broad enough view that there isn't a "worldview" on religion, and that it isn't so simple as I may have generalized. As you say there are always shades of grey. I was only trying to create an image that might describe my opinion... and to do so easily categorizes beliefs. To be compassionate and understanding despite ones beliefs and opinions is a true example of character in my opinion.

I think my example of boxes refers to the different religions and their views. Imagine all these boxes in a room which represents the "Big Picture" or the scope of spirituality.

Aliencat

So I guess the obvious question is what is outside the room

We'll say this room has no walls or defined edges as we can't see or reach them... however the boxes (religions) in my opinion do have boundaries, limits to their vision.

Aliencat

aliencat everyone is spirirtual if you are living participating in the process of life you are spiritual, Many don't recognize that this is obviously true but...

Yele interesting perspective.

We discuss the "box" metaphor in practically all of my courses. This is what most of my student arrive at in consensus: You cannot think or exist outside of the "box" because the "box" is actually another name for our consciousness; that we truly mean when we say "Think outside the box" is "Expand the box."

Spirituality (aka Self) growth expands the box, dogmatic religious (or political, or social) constructs shrink the box.
Stated similarly, spirituality evolves from within the Self, whereas religious constructs seek conformity and submission from outside of the Self.

Good analogy Micheal on the difference between religon and spirituality, i often think of spirituality as what happens naturally if you let go of constructs and need to define and catagorize everything, the i have versus i am Namaste sheri