The Debate between Religion and Spiritiuality…

  There has been a long time misunderstanding about the difference between religion and spirituality, or if a difference ever existed between the two. This misconception has led to a spiritual starvation amongst those who seek their higher calling and the answers to the mysteries that swirl inside of them. To start, let us look at what it means to be religious and spiritual.

  The concept of being religious is to follow a dogma, creed, or collection of spiritual beliefs that are common to a group, usually consisting of traditional ceremonies and places of congregation.

  The concept of being spiritual is to follow one's own thoughts and beliefs in search of a calling that is felt deep within. This position does not necessarily require ceremonies or places of congregation and is specifically tailored to the individual based upon their understanding and instinctual feelings about their beliefs.

  Religions started out with good intentions, but have unfortunately fallen into disrepair and hidden agendas based upon the needs and wants of the few, rather than the many. At the births of all the great, (as well as small), religions the intent was for those who were like-minded to gather together and seek out the mysteries that were felt and believed by all based upon their beliefs. Another need was for protection against persecution from those of wealth, power and numbers who disagreed with them. Unfortunately, all religions began, at some point, to slip into a political institution rather than concern for the salvation of the members…this is where all the meanings were lost. The spiritual belief that turned into the "machine" began to preach the good word while only doing as little as possible, while their sole intent was to retain absolute control over their followers. This "machine" was so powerful that if history were carefully counted, one would see that more people have died in the name of a God than for any other reason. Does this sound holy or divine to anyone?

  But why would a religious system that was intent on the peace and harmony of the world as their God has intended, kill for land, power, money, stature, principles or just plain difference of opinion? Maybe more followers should ask that question!

Religions are strange animals, filled with hidden history and agendas, false pretenses, excuses, and threats…something that all of their avatars and Gods specifically preached against…this should make one wonder about the true intentions of these organizations.

  Spirituality, on the other hand, is how the majority of the avatars, prophets, and philosophers acquired their knowledge throughout history. They came back from their journey into the center of their own intentions and souls with revelations, epiphanies and understandings that they freely shared with the masses. One of the common principles to attain the same enlightenment was to practice the same method of self evaluation, meditation and to seek out divinity on their own…only then would they begin to answer the burning questions that lie deep within their heart of hearts.

  If answers are sought to the questions of our existence, then we must seek them out on our own, not rely on what others claim to know. The true journey to answer the questions of one's own soul and existence begins with our own intent, as the answers lies within us. What we seek is unique to our own understandings and experiences…something that the Creator presents to us as we pursue it. No mortal can answer these questions for us, only we can find the answers on our own…for the only true thing that others can offer is direction and experiences.

~ Hieros ~

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