I've studied them all and still look for answers

[Craig]

I've been a student for 20 years of theology, religion, spirituality, or in general just belief systems than humankind has subscribed to. After all this study and seeking I still feel that I really don't know anything. I can't find any answers that fill me in any of them.

Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Gnosticism, Islam, and numerous others.

Have I become an atheist as a result of my studies? Has it left me thinking that it's really all the same? Just different gods and players in the stories.

I wish I could find something that gave that peace and understanding we all seek, but it just doesn't seem to be there for me.

So my question is how do you decide and walk the path? It's all a choice, but which do I choose? Why do we make the choice we make and how do we meld what we know into that limited belief system?

 

[LuisDantas]

There is certainly a good argument that all faiths do in fact connect in some way.

If for no other reason, because they all address essentially the same matters after all.

There are those who feel that no choice is actually needed, or that choosing a specific religion is a bit artificial.

Is it important to you to make a choice? If so, do you know quite why?

 

[Craig]

Perhaps it's my upbringing in Christianity and the pressure to conform. Or maybe it's just a desire to feel a sense of belonging to a larger group. Either way it just doesn't work for me. It seems superficial and lacks the depth I need in a spiritual journey.

 

[LuisDantas]

Have you met UU members, or perhaps read some Ken Wilber?

 

[Craig]

As we all know the definition of religion is bondage...I can't be bound by a specific set of beliefs which don't allow the individual to question. That seems completely unnatural in every sense. We aren't to be controlled and I don't believe that god (in whatever form she may be) wanted us to be that way. It's safe to conform and fit in which is why IMHO most people follow that path.

 

[Craig]

I have looked at UU. There are actually a couple large UU churches here in my area. I've been interested but haven't fully pursued it.

 

[Craig]

Not familiar with Ken Wilber

 

[LuisDantas]

As we all know the definition of religion is bondage...I can't be bound by a specific set of beliefs which don't allow the individual to question.

I can only assume you have a distinct understanding from mine on what makes a religion. Bondage is not at all in my own recipe. And questioning is IMO an absolute need for any true religious person.

That seems completely unnatural in every sense. We aren't to be controlled and I don't believe that god (in whatever form she may be) wanted us to be that way. It's safe to conform and fit in which is why IMHO most people follow that path.

That doesn't make them good religious people, however.

 

[Requia]

What exactly are you looking for? If you are interested in the spiritual journey in the specific, I might recommend just forgetting about picking a label and taking the journey.

I can't be bound by a specific set of beliefs which don't allow the individual to question. That seems completely unnatural in every sense. We aren't to be controlled and I don't believe that god (in whatever form she may be) wanted us to be that way. It's safe to conform and fit in which is why IMHO most people follow that path.

If you want something that specifically encourages questioning I'd reccomend looking into Discordianism.

 

[Ahanit]

Are you sure you have studied all??

There are so many paths between the worlds, that I can only say that I have studied many but I don't think all....

For choosing the path was a little Click. I read something and a picture came in my mind where I saw that this was the path I can walk for the rest of my life.

May be you have not found the path for yourself until now, or you have not found the Word you need to see that a Path is yours...

As long as you are not sure, go further in your studies, learn more but not only about different paths but also about yourself, your own existence. Sometime the answer is within and not outside of the self

 

[wmjbyatt]

If you're interested in questioning, I recommend looking deeper into the Zen school of Mahayana Buddhism. Many prominent Zen teachers argue that the most important action in finding peace and understanding is to question everything, and to never stop questioning. The Buddha told us to be our own lamps in the darkness. Also, many religions are impossible to understand without the accompanying practice, Buddhism being a perfect example. You can read about Buddhist philosophy and metaphysics all you want, but it doesn't teach you a damn thing about real Buddhism, which needs to be practiced to be understood.

 

[jarofthoughts]

Each must of course make his or her own choice in this matter, but for me the awe and beauty of the natural world is sufficient. Coupled with my feeble attempts to understand as much of it as I can, this is journey enough for me.

To quote Darwin: "There is grandeur in this view of life..."

 

[WayFarer]

If I may Craig, I would like to share some of my thoughts.
Do you like food? I'm kind of a "foodie" myself. I like all different types. I like exotic cooking methods and spices. I also like simple down home cooking as well. You can tell a lot about people based on the foods they eat and how they prepare them. It shows their approach to life.
Religion (and the quest for the Divine) is the same way. Some approach spirituality from an elaborate point of/world view. Rituals, requirements and recitation often shows that they view the attention to detail as part of their devotion to God. Others seek simplicity. Seeking God in the house God, not man, made. This can be nature or within ones self.
Food is important. Spirituality is important. The approach can be different but the goal is the same.

 

[Noaidi]

I too have searched for the answer and found it. there is only one creator and one way to please the creator for satisfaction of your hunger. It is the Word of God, perfect in every way, the only son of God Jesus Christ , His Word. I would like to share with you what i found about it sometime.

I think you are missing the point of this discussion. As we are all different people, a 'one-size-fits-all' approach doesn't work. Stating that there is only one path or one way to live your life isn't helpful to Craig (or anyone else). If your worldview works for you, then great, but not everyone is like you.

 

[hutena]

I too sometimes long for an sense of tangible knowing and the support of organized religion. I feel the beauty of people getting together over a common belief is a great thing. Life can also be more interesting with religious holidays and the fear of death is less when you know that there is a heaven and you are going there. There is also the hypocrisy and close-mindedness inherent in organized religion(just my observation). I was watching a show today on the history channel on Hell and thinking if there is one I sure don't want to go there. I envy the Christians that say that they are saved and they know that they are going to heaven. I pray to whatever is there all of the time and try to be a decent person. What is there? I don't know. I love the tenants of Buddhism, but when it come to understanding it besides pulling the spiritual principles out of it, I have no idea what is going on. I grew up Catholic and it is a beautiful religion and it has been a horrible religion to many people. I have had people get very angry at me when I disagree or just ask them about about why they believe something in their religion. I just don't even start those conversations with people anymore, as they know and I obviously never do. I feel like I have been blessed and watched over by something that I will call good energy, what that is I don't know.