Holy Moly

I have a lot to say on the matter, so I'm going to try to keep it simple- though keeping it simple isn't my strong suit. Maybe a list format instead of one of my usual tangents...

-I believe that all religions and spiritual practices have pretty much the same goal in mind but follow different paths to get there. Bickering over the details is silly when the ultimate focus is on understanding that there are forces bigger than yourself whether it be a higher power or simply your own community.

-People are so stuck to their idea of holy texts and practices that they don't stop to think just how much influence man and his whimsy has played into the formation of their belief systems. Question everything. Think critically.

-Many New Age people are in denial- they're just practicing rehashed, more palatable versions of old practices. They're often guilty of the same dogmatic and often dangerous ways of thinking. It's no coincidence how many cults are formed around New Age philosophy.

-People in the West fetishize the East as if Eastern countries and religions don't have their own issues with secularism, oppression, and hypocrisy. On a related note, many of the practices Westerners become obsessed with are considered antiquated to a lot of people living in those countries.

-I do not believe in a god that is defined within the parameters of things like gender, ethnicity, etc as a force as great as what's described is likely outside of the realms of simplistic/binary definitions.

-I do believe in concepts like the divine feminine/masculine, but not in the sense of devotion to a god or goddess. That comes from more of a place of mental/emotional empowerment than it does any sort of specific being.

-I don't believe in a one true god, as I think connection with the self and the universe (however you may define it) is a deeply personal thing and no one can define that for you. I also find proselytization pretty gross for that same reason.

-Religion, a belief in a savior, a perceived purpose, etc doesn't give you an excuse to suck as a person and not do the inner work to maybe suck a little less. New Age people are especially guilty of this, but they like to point fingers at organized religion. I consider myself a spiritual "outsider" for this reason.

-Organized religion is not necessary to be a well-rounded, conscious, kind, and connected person. But it does provide a foundation for many people to get to that place of "oneness" with themselves and the world around them. This seems especially helpful for those in recovery.

-I don't discount the idea that a higher power could be a conscious, highly involved being, but I personally take the approach of the deists- that is, a largely neutral force that sets things in motion (either through intent or pure circumstance, I haven't really decided nor do I particularly care) and steps back and lets it run.

-As silly as it sounds, I think the concept of "The Force" as outlined in the Star Wars series isn't totally out of the question either. Again, a neutral energy source that just "is" and serves no purpose to any singular person or idea but can be connected to and channeled.

-I believe that all spiritual figures were likely real people who "got it" and have been turned into legendary figures over time.

-There are lessons to be found in all beliefs and practices, but we have to remove the elements of fear, arrogance, and ego to be able to accept them for what they are regardless of if they resonate with us or not.

-Faith is not true faith if you are afraid to have it questioned.

I'm over the proposed word limit. Fight me. Or pray with me. Maybe some transcendental meditation? I hear the temple opens at five...