Sounds like we are logical, I truly believe there was one in the
beginning and it somehow got separated through the years.

After reading some of the link you sent, James, and thankyou.

There is much that I can identify within Natural Pantheism..however, I
have this intrinsic need, to not label myself as anything, as instantly,
it feels confining.

So yes, I will read more, and research more, and discover more, of
myself, as I wander through other theories, and philosophies.

And that is what life, in my opinion should be.

Each is to their own enlightenment. Each is to their own search and
destiny.

We are each a single drop of rain.

With out the one you have no rain.

With out the rain you have no crops.

With out the crops you have no food.

Therefore it takes us all to water the earth and enrich it.

SKA wrote:
“WOW! Natural Pantheism?!”

Well I almost hate to use those words actually because I have no idea
what kind of information might be lurking out there that claims that
label. I may not agree with everyone’s definition of those terms.

Most Eastern Mysticism religions are pantheistic in nature, but they
also add a lot of dogma on top of that.

The following is an abstract for Scientific Pantheism which is basically
the same as Natural Pantheism, although some people may not like
replacing the word Natural with Science. True science is really just
the study of nature and should not be confused with technology.

Anyway the abstract goes like so:

Scientific Pantheism
is the belief that the universe and nature are divine.
It melds religion with science, and a concern for nature.
It provides the most realistic concept of life after death,
and the most solid basis for environmental ethics.
It is a religion that requires no faith other than common sense,
no revelation other than open eyes and a mind open to evidence,
no guru other than your own self.

You see I came these conclusions entirely on my own and did not actually
begin as a “pantheist”. And this is suggested in the abstract above
that nothing more than your own eyes and open mind to evidence is all
that is required to come to this conclusion. I actually came to these
conclusions entirely on my own before I even realized that it was an
‘official’ philosophy.

I even hesitate to call it a ‘religion’ because it can easily embrace an
atheistic view. That really depends on whether or not a person wishes
to view the universe itself has having a ‘spiritual’ property.

Since I think of myself as being a spiritual creature ultimately, and
since I believe that I am this universe, then I conclude that my spirit
must be the spirit of the universe. In other words, I have no problem
associating a spirit with the universe since I’m obviously it.

So anyway, what is your 'religion' or 'philosophy' SirKingArthur?

I for one am Christian. I was raised Southern Baptist but no longer am
one nor believe alot of their ways. I am a Christian and I follow the
Bible and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I go to a wonderful Church
here in Surprise that teaches the Bible. It was not the way I was
raised it is the way I have become.

Jess wrote:
“however, I have this intrinsic need, to not label myself as anything,
as instantly, it feels confining.”

I hear ya Jess, and I can’t say that I blame you. I’m not sure if I
like the idea of a label either.

I already knew that I was ‘pantheistic’ in nature because I identified
with many of the Eastern Mysticisms. But even then I didn’t want to
associate with any one particular one. In fact, like you I leaned
toward Taoism and Buddhism as being the two that were the least
“godlike” .

I don’t care for the idea of a Godhead. Even Hinduism seems to what to
place Brahmin at the head of the table. I actually kind of like the
fundamentals of Hinduism, but I didn’t want to associate with it fully
because it eventually becomes too dogmatic too.

Same thing is true of Natural pantheism. And there will even be groups
that might use that ‘label’ to advocate things that I don’t agree with.
So anytime we associate with a label that always ends up becoming a
‘box’.

I agree with you entirely that spirituality is not something that should
be ‘boxed in’ ever.

So just for the record. I’m not really claiming to be a ‘Scientific, or
Natural Pantheist”, but rather I just offer that up as probably the
closest box that might fit my ideals, in case they ever need to be
shipped anywhere (ha ha)

I enjoy following the walk of Christ, and I truly enjoy reading the
Bible. Being pushy on a dating forum though is not my thing. I also have
a deep respect for those who have found a path that suits them. I have
many friends who have different beliefs, and we get along great. For
example, I get along with people who follow Buddha very well, and so
many others. For myself it's totally about peace, love, and
understanding as much as I can.

Obviously though I get excited when someone praises God, and for me I do
except Christ as my savior and believe in the Holy Spirit. I also
believe that God can speak to anyone any way God wants to. How could I
(one human) assume to understand a plan so much bigger than my own. I
mean think of it, how many people are on the planet now?

Am I looking forward to a few surprises when my number is called? You
bet!!! I'm sure I will be shocked to see the other-side.

I can say this, everything, and everyone has a place and purpose, or we
would not be.

michael

I am probably the furthest from being Christian & post here often. From
what I have read here, most Christians do not follow blindly & are
intelligent, well-spoken individuals. Of course there are exceptions in
any walk of life & this place is no different. I also have many friends
who follow paths other than mine & we get along great as we respect each
other & learn a lot from our differences & similarities.


Peace, love & wisdom!

Wow, it's kinda quiet in here. MM - do ya suppose that this would be
the sound of discussion without chapter and verse?????

Imagine: imagine a world without dogma, a world where everyone
questions, and contentedly listens in the hopes of learning - well, if
nothing else, of learning about a new friend.

Imagine!

I am a christian I do not push my beliefs , we as christians are
supposed to spread the words so everyone will know about christ, not to
try to force it on them and push them further away. Most people know how
to find God when they are ready. They know where the word is located.
There are many things in the bible that show me the truth and is around
me everyday. The bible also tells me how people will react to it's
teachings and prophecies, so I will not try to preach about anything.
God gave us all free will. You choose what suits you.