Can We Travel Alone? (Jesus, ritual, church, pray, spiritual)

[Lightkeeper]

Do we need a church or a mentor to make spiritual progress? Can we do it on our own?

[SoulTYPE]

We can make spiritual progress through our own prayers, our own mind, and our own hearts.

[Scuba Pete]

The Voice of God comes to me in many forms... scripture, believers, non-believers and events. After all of that though, it's my response to the Spirit inside me that determines whether I am growing or not.

[t3gah]

theres a scripture in the bible that shows we can. the apostles are complaining to jesus that someone is expelling demons in jesus name. the apostles go on to state that they, the apostles, tried to prevent him but could not. jesus replies to leave him be and replies that "those who are not against us are for us". this of course does not apply to those who are not following the bible. and in that case i'm sure someone else has a response for them.

[kreeden]

Define church Lightkeeper . I walk my own Path , but I'm here . Is this forum a church , in a way ? They say that " no man is an island ". Just what does that mean ?

[michel]

Originally Posted by Lightkeeper

Do we need a church or a mentor to make spiritual progress? Can we do it on our own?

I'm not convinced, but I feel more and more sure, the older I become, that we can make it on our own. The knowlege is there for anyone to refer to, in the market-place; if you rely on a church or mentor to guide you, his 'techings' will be 'tainted' by his own interpretations. It's like the old addage 'The more people you ask for advice, the more diffrent answers you will get'

I am happy to read books, and meditate; admitedly it would be great to find a group who think the way I do, but somehow, I think thats most unlikely......................

[Jaymes]

We don't need church leaders to make progress, just each other.

[michel]

Hi Jensa,

Quote [We don't need church leaders to make progress, just each other.]

What a good answer; a wonderful sentiment, well done!!!!

(Wish I'd thought of it!!!!!!)

[No*s]

Originally Posted by Lightkeeper

Do we need a church or a mentor to make spiritual progress? Can we do it on our own?

I would definately say it doesn't hurt .

Having a mentor gives one access to a long line of tradition and experience with problems that will arise in our lives. The mentor also sees things differently than we do. We're within our problems, and he/she isn't, so that helps a lot. While the preceding applies to all religions, a mentor is a very old part of Christianity...and I would say certainly part of the original. I really don't think that the Christian life is possible to its fullness if we don't have one.

[cardero]

I think everyone has many physical/spiritual entities in our life that guide/advise/nudge us to our spiritual intentions but I do believe it is our decision to make the final choice about which path we eventually follow.