Posted by partlycloudy on November 19, 2004, at 10:19:45
I consider myself to be a spiritual person, but not religious. I don't believe this is contradictory. My beliefs are unformed, but that is because I have never stopped learning or questioning what I learn.
I think what upsets me most about religion is how exclusive it is. Like one type of religious belief is better than another, or worse, the only correct interpretation. I guess that's where wars come from.
Gee, I sound pretty naive here. I don't have a religious education, but I have explored many different faiths, and I will not be persuaded to join any of them exclusively. I admire scholars and the depth of their knowledge; I have also experienced their fierce defense of their particular faith. This is what I find contradictory - that a person can be so well educated, yet their mind can be closed (intolerant, objecting) to others' beliefs.
poster:partlycloudy
thread:417873
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20040914/msgs/417873.html