Religion and Community

Although I tend to be critical of organized religion, one aspect I tend to approve of is community. People involved in a church may come together in a positive way, as these people are. There are several benefits to this sort of gathering, including forming bonds with others and spending an enjoyable time in the company of like-minded people.

The problem with organized religion is the intolerance that is often inherent in religious communities. A similar-minded outsider would be welcome, but someone with a very different mindset, even if said visitor were tolerant, would likely be treated with suspicion if not outright disdain.

If we could all learn to open our minds to one another's viewpoints and beliefs, and respected such, even if we didn't share the same belief, we could create a greater world community. Then we could join together in love and tolerance. It may seem a foolish idea, but I believe that one day it may be possible.

~Ellie~

Iowa State Singers: Even When He Is Silent

A to Z Blogging Challenge 2014: M is for Music

There is music for many belief systems.
The Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir may not have any specific beliefs, but they like Gospel music.
It's hard to find specific Buddhist musicians. Many times the chants are done by monks.
Counting Crowns sing for Christ with their brand of contemporary Christian music.
I don't know if one could consider this music "representative of Deism," but it is cool.

People who follow the tenets of Eckankar believe that the sound HU has special meaning.

I once worked with a fellow who practiced Eckankar. I was interested to hear about his beliefs until I discovered that his real goal was to try and get into my pants. Then I stopped listening.

Hindu songs praise the various deities of Hinduism.

There are many others. We may examine them at another time!

~Gretyll~

He Shall Feed His Flock

Although I have become poorly disposed towards organized religion, I still find songs like this one comforting.

Hillsong: Unending Love

I find it distressing that I can't simply like a song like this without people demanding to know why I like it.

I grew up in a Christian household. By the time I got into high school, I was strongly questioning the dogma. Still, I liked a lot of the spiritual songs, and I liked Jesus. 

I don't think Jesus would be keen on a lot of the things that were done in his name.

I think that Jesus was a highly enlightened soul, and I think there is nothing better than trying to follow the example that he set. This doesn't mean that I need to reject the teachings of other enlightened souls, such as Siddhartha. 

I do reject the religion calling itself Christianity at this point in my life. I think that for many people calling themselves Christians, their take on things goes something like this:

Whatever the case, I enjoy listening to songs like the one above. Even when I was in turmoil because I was rejecting a lot of the ideas the church postulated, I still enjoyed the music. I find it soothing, and often more filled with truly Christian ideas than the fire and brimstone dogma of the sermons.

Peace,

Ursula