Gaura Priya
IRL
Do you experience problems with practicing syncretism among those from larger religions and religious organisations?
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From a lot of people. :-/
Although I tend to keep it to myself.
I do agree with you; I think most religions are compatible with various forms of syncretism.I actually find that most, if not all, the religions are as equally compatible and one can make an endless variety of syncretisms with them all.
That's pretty much me, except without the Christian part, although I don't say I'm anything; they just presume.Hindu among Hindus, Christians among others. XD As long as they don't meet each other about me, I'll be fine.
I was wholly and readily accepted in the Anglican Church here in Canada, in my neighbourhood.
I don't feel like I held back my Heart, I feel I expressed it in a way my fellow congregants could fathom, understand and see themselves in.
:namaste
SageTree
I would hope that would be the reaction in all Anglican congregations,
Sadly I know that it is not.
However it is the freest church I know, but people are people and tend to conform.
Well I attended one Anglican Church for 6 months and the congregation on the other side of Canada I attended for a year were both really welcoming.
As well, was the one I visited in near my hometown after 'discovering' where it was and getting my Mom to 'try it out' in hopes that she might find a church home again.
I grew up a Methodist and enjoyed the Wesley history and couldn't help but enjoy being an American Methodist, moved to Canada and am now gone Anglican
Near the end of my time in Toronto a new Reverend came to the congregation.
I REALLY liked her because of the contemplative side she brought to the services and to her way of expression. She even held a meditation class for the congregation.
I enjoyed this thoroughly as I've come to be able to place myself with in a Mystic Christian frame work given my proclivity for foremost Buddhists practices, Vedantic thought, fascination and joy in the Sufi Way and Kabbalahistic expression, Rastafari's I and I , all because of my own 'first language' in Christianity.
Anyways .....
I found out one of my Reverend's favourite books was 'Living Buddha, Living Christ' (Thich Nhat Hahn) a quintessential writing I experienced early in my spiritual evolution.
As a side note, the other book I saw one day on her desk was 'Why Christianity Must Change or Die', by Rev. Shelby Spong!
The other stories I have from my Anglican experiences pertains to a retired Priest, now 'Venerable', who knew my sanskrit language for meditation, went on retreat, was a vegetarian and I believe (although it was vague because of our volunteer experiences together) used to get a little 'heady' back in the day....
I volunteered for a year at a Catholic run, Christian drop in Centre with him.
I thought, 'man if there is room for this guy in Anglicanism and Christianity, then maybe I need to re-evaluate exactly where I think I can and can't go, and he's a priest ta' boot!'
And in time I went.
Affirmed by my time teaching/helping/talking at the drop in centre, in a Christian tongue, thinking in Dharma-ese, I came to be a believer in 'Intention of worship/reverence/participation in the first place'. This also solidified my already existent feelings of Perennial/Syncratic thought as well.
tldr; Thanks Anglicans! In my experience you gave me room to be the kind of 'Christian' that I am, although I don't make that a finite title at all, for I am only Breath, as Rumi says!
I suspect all religions are syncretic. In that, at their foundation, they drew on existing beliefs and customs to support some new concept.
Much in the way the Christians and Muslims draw on the older Jewish faith.
I can not see this as exclusive to Monotheists. But certainly includes them.
Theres no way that many people of large religions would be accepting of my beliefs, from experience it's better not to even bring it up in real life.
A Saint said "Preach the Gospel always. And when you need, use words".
Our actions tell of our beliefs much more than words ever could.
:namaste
St. Francis of Assisi, I think.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds... Matthew 5:15-16
Matthew 6: 1-5
1Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
2So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.3But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
5When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.6But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Do you experience problems with practicing syncretism among those from larger religions and religious organisations?
Oh yes, that was fine, I was going to quote Matthew 6 also then forgot to copy it. It all has to do with setting an example... you know, "actions speak louder than words". I'm not sure what I think about seeing people, usually young guys, wearing large ornate gold crosses on chains over their shirts. This transcends religion, because I would have the same ambivalence about seeing a large ornate gold ॐ on a chain, but I do lean towards Matthew 6:1.