Spiritual Discussion

[Ariadne]

Hi,

 

I'll post this link because some people might like to take a look at it.

 

This person has a website with a list of gurus or spiritual teachers, and I tend to agree with the rating.

 

The ones on top are pretty good imo.

 

The good thing also is that if you click the name, the link will take you to the guru's website.

 

And many of them have utube videos that are easier to follow than reading the texts which can be pretty dry.

 

(here)

[TaraMaiden]

I love the rating system! half a buddha is bogus! (I think they're buddhas... or possibly just sitting swamis)..... but it's really funny!

 

Lots of bogus ones though....

it is said one should test a teacher for 10 years before deciding whether they are worthy of their status and your pupillage.....

 

(Didn't see Dr Phil mentioned anywhere, so maybe he's ok....)

[Ariadne]

I love the rating system! half a buddha is bogus!

 

Yeah..

 

Some are really bogus.

 

Btw, I got to talk to that guy in a forum, because he runs one. And he mentioned that he gets harassment on a daily basis because of that rating.

 

(He was a disciple of Osho also)

[quankanne]

NID, your family is wrong ... you need LOVING first and foremost ... you meet Jesus along the way, when it's done right. What is it St. Francis said? Preach the Gospel ... use words if you must!

 

another Catholic, a contemporary bishop put it this way: Your life is the only Gospel some people see, so be careful in how you live it out/evangelize. And I think that's so very, very true. If you want someone to take your Christian faith seriously, you've got to live your faith seriously by reflecting the love that Jesus demonstrated. Everything else is poopy.

 

I once had a Nun for a therapist. I loved her. Whoever said that Nuns were sheltered hadn't met my therapist.

 

:laugh: I've worked with a bunch of them over the years, and let me tell you, those gals are NOTHING like people imagine. They can make me pee my pants, some of them are incredibly funny. We've got one who oversees the Spanish-language component of the diocesan faith formation office, and she's always cutting up. Funny, but I used to be afraid of them til I got to know them little by little!

[quankanne]

It might be because their services looked so much more boring than the ones I was accustomed to

 

there's a certain mystical aspect to the liturgy of the Eucharist (wine and bread becomes Body and Blood) that's really quite lovely, IMO. To me, I cannot imagine attending a church service without that element because it doesn't seem real otherwise. Like there's no focus to the service. However, it's an acquired taste

[TaraMaiden]

(so are the hosts...once they stick to your palate, they're worse than superglue.....)

[NoIDidn't]

NID, your family is wrong ... you need LOVING first and foremost ... you meet Jesus along the way, when it's done right. What is it St. Francis said? Preach the Gospel ... use words if you must!

 

another Catholic, a contemporary bishop put it this way: Your life is the only Gospel some people see, so be careful in how you live it out/evangelize. And I think that's so very, very true. If you want someone to take your Christian faith seriously, you've got to live your faith seriously by reflecting the love that Jesus demonstrated. Everything else is poopy.

 

I once had a Nun for a therapist. I loved her. Whoever said that Nuns were sheltered hadn't met my therapist.

 

:laugh: I've worked with a bunch of them over the years, and let me tell you, those gals are NOTHING like people imagine. They can make me pee my pants, some of them are incredibly funny. We've got one who oversees the Spanish-language component of the diocesan faith formation office, and she's always cutting up. Funny, but I used to be afraid of them til I got to know them little by little!

 

Thanks, quank. My family is special. LOL. I love them anyway. In fact, my withdrawal from church helped me to see them more compassionately. I can't say the same about other members of my church, though. LOL.

 

My therapist helped me to grow not so much by the therapy sessions themselves but just in having my own bias about who she was challenged. That, and she was a big Star Wars fan too!!! LOL. She also increased my interest in other religions. She was not afraid to speak about them as if doing so no longer made her Catholic. She gave me the freedom to question some things about the religiosity I had been taught.

[NoIDidn't]

It might be because their services looked so much more boring than the ones I was accustomed to

 

there's a certain mystical aspect to the liturgy of the Eucharist (wine and bread becomes Body and Blood) that's really quite lovely, IMO. To me, I cannot imagine attending a church service without that element because it doesn't seem real otherwise. Like there's no focus to the service. However, it's an acquired taste

 

See, its that mystical aspect that was probably what made the services my best friend describe seem so boring. Standing in long lines. Waiting for your blessing from the priest.

 

I grew up in a Black Baptist Church. Which means its not your *traditional* Baptist Church and was more like the so-called Evangelical movement long before that movement became so popular. I won't describe it much because some people might feel that I am mocking it when I'm not. But it was *lively* to say the least.

[quankanne]

once they stick to your palate, they're worse than superglue

 

:lmao: and the guilt of even *thinking* about sucking it off your palate or chewing it so that it wouldn't stick!!!

 

See, its that mystical aspect that was probably what made the services my best friend describe seem so boring. Standing in long lines. Waiting for your blessing from the priest.

 

I can see that, too. All I can say is that when the Spirit hits you, it transcends the mundane. (look up Jon Anderson "Ave Verum" on YouTube ... this is probably the closest I can come to "describing" this part of the Mass using music and that lovely, lovely voice)

 

I grew up in a Black Baptist Church. Which means its not your *traditional* Baptist Church and was more like the so-called Evangelical movement long before that movement became so popular. I won't describe it much because some people might feel that I am mocking it when I'm not. But it was *lively* to say the least.

 

have never had the pleasure of attending a black church service, but I imagine it's as visceral and Spirit-filled as a Spanish Mass with good music ... that liveliness makes things come alive, and you can *feel* God. At least that's my thought, that you can find God getting down to the good music and the powerful gathering in either one of those gatherings (am tempted to try a polka Mass to see if there's a similar exuberance with music and involvement).

 

I wonder if that's why people sometimes don't feel a connection to God, because the relationship can feel bland at times?

[taiko]

Mom was a Baptist who married and worshiop with the Methodist. Me and my brother were raised to be Methodist men. He grew up to become one of the NOI's Minister Muhammed's while I grew up to be a non beliver. After being born again I joined a Holy Spirit filled denominaion. When my mom first visited my church she missed the set liturgy of the Methodist worship service as Pentecostal services tend to be more freeform. Sort of like jazz versus classical

 

Meanwhile my wife is part of the 84% Catholic majority in the Philippines.One of her brothers had converted to my denomination years before we met. Judging by the fundamentalist Catholic site I visit every member of her family has died in a state of mortal sin for adultery etc, and she is headed there too because she attends church with me. I don't know if the everyday Catholic doesn't know their rules, reinterpret them for their selves or are like most Prostestants but find their specific rituals comfortable?

[Eve]

Born again about 15 years ago but for as long as I can remember I have always been aware of protective and harmful spirits/astral projection/knowing things about people without being told beforehand etc. I have always had a difficult relationship with the Church but attend on a regular basis nowadays. Mainly my faith is based around words.. I have a deep affection for words and although I joke around a lot I am enthralled by the power of speech and what we can evoke.

 

I cant turn my back on the shaman religions because I understand the 'knowing' element within their faith but I am a Christian because of calling on the name of Christ and the very intimate experiences that have come about from this.

 

Currently I have an interest in vendata (hope i spelt that correctly) but I believe in a personal God because of my experiences.

 

Take care,

Eve xx

[TaraMaiden]

(. . .) Currently I have an interest in vendata (hope i spelt that correctly) but I believe in a personal God because of my experiences.

 

Is this what you mean?

[Eve]

Thats it! Thank you Taramaiden.

 

Mainly of my interest in Vedanta comes from reading Deepak Chopra, who I hope to have lunch with one day. Love this man.

 

http://www.powells.com/authors/chopra.html

 

Take care,

Eve xx

[Ariadne]

my interest in Vedanta comes from reading Deepak Chopra, who I hope to have lunch with one day... Love this man.

 

That one actually is in the guru list (here)

 

But it only has a buddha and a half.

[NoIDidn't]

After being born again I joined a Holy Spirit filled denominaion. When my mom first visited my church she missed the set liturgy of the Methodist worship service as Pentecostal services tend to be more freeform. Sort of like jazz versus classical

 

This is what I meant by "lively". LOL. Very much like a jam session. I am a musician too. LOL.

 

My family came up in what I consider somewhat of a pentecostal cult. I hope your denomination isn't the one I'm about to mention. Daddy Grace's church. House of Prayer, I think. They had to do some wierd stuff like call him "Sweet, Sweet Daddy" and kiss his pinky ring.

 

 

I don't know if the everyday Catholic doesn't know their rules, reinterpret them for their selves or are like most Prostestants but find their specific rituals comfortable?

 

I think they are probably more like most Protestants and just find the rituals comfortable. My H's family is mostly Baptist now, but they used to be Lutheran, before having been Anglican (Jamaicans that lived in Britian, you know). All steps down from Catholicism in degrees. I think.

[taiko]

This is what I meant by lively LOL. Very much like a jam session. I am a musician too. LOL.

 

My family came up in what I consider somewhat of a pentecostal cult. I hope your denomination isn't the one I'm about to

 

The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Besides a few visual cues such as our flag and theme scriptures being posted I dare anyone to find the difference between us a normal Assembly of God congregation. Under President Hayford I haven't heard many say we are out of the mainstream but since we were founded by a woman, Sister Aimee we are automatically considered a cult to some.

 

By jazz I meant more the order of service and not just the music. A pastor can change strides in a minute and is not locked into reading that weeks approved scripture from the bishop nor does he have the call and responce printed in the church bulletin like a Methodist pastor will have. And there are not rituals that must take place and be preformed by the Catholic priest or deacon.

 

I think they are probably more like most Protestants and just find the rituals comfortable. My H's family is mostly Baptist now, but they used to be Lutheran, before having been Anglican (Jamaicans that lived in Britian, you know). All steps down from Catholicism in degrees. I think.

 

I think most follow some sort of template. In the pentecostal world the direct meeting of the Holy Spirit by the beliver not filtered through a church intermediiary means fewer rituals.

[quankanne]

They had to do some wierd stuff like call him "Sweet, Sweet Daddy" and kiss his pinky ring.

 

:lmao: can you imagine someone grabbing Pope Ben's hand and doing that?

 

they are not rituals that must take place and be performed by the Catholic priest or deacon.

 

which leads to an observation: I've heard people say that Catholic prayer is too regimented, as is our worship. Looking at it from that standpoint, I guess I can see how people see it this way, but to me, there's a strong sense of continuity simply because She is slow to change if she even does.

[NoIDidn't]

The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Besides a few visual cues such as our flag and theme scriptures being posted I dare anyone to find the difference between us a normal Assembly of God congregation. Under President Hayford I haven't heard many say we are out of the mainstream but since we were founded by a woman, Sister Aimee we are automatically considered a cult to some.

 

I used to attend Assembly of God when I was in college. I also tried COGIC and Apostolic. None of them were for me for many reasons.

 

I've heard of your denomination. Don't know that I've ever heard that it was a cult though. I don't think the founding by a woman is the issue though for people's stereotypical reasons for calling it a cult. It probably has more to do with the word "International" being part of the title. You know how the "religious world" is.1

 

In the pentecostal world the direct meeting of the Holy Spirit by the beliver not filtered through a church intermediiary means fewer rituals.

 

The church I am a member of is Baptist, but it still has *rituals* for getting the Spirit involved. The Praise Team working people up into an emotional explosion counts as ritual for me because the service wouldn't start without *us* (yes, I'm on it, LOL). We've been called "bapticostal".

 

Certain songs are played to lead the worship into the direction that the minister thinks the Spirit is leading. Different music for "praise" vs. "worship". I think all that qualifies as a sort of ritual. At least, that's what I mean by the rituals being comforting.

 

People at my church leave disappointed if they don't get their "shout" in that Sunday. They'll either blame it on the choir, or the Pastor, too. LOL

 

"Church was dead today"

[NoIDidn't]

They had to do some wierd stuff like call him "Sweet, Sweet Daddy" and kiss his pinky ring.

 

:lmao: can you imagine someone grabbing Pope Ben's hand and doing that?

 

they are not rituals that must take place and be performed by the Catholic priest or deacon.

 

which leads to an observation: I've heard people say that Catholic prayer is too regimented, as is our worship. Looking at it from that standpoint, I guess I can see how people see it this way, but to me, there's a strong sense of continuity simply because She is slow to change if she even does.

 

I am SOOO glad they stopped going there before I was born. LOL. Even as a child, I questioned so much just growing up Baptist. My mom would have felt embarrassed if I did that in that denomination.

 

I hope this isn't offensive. I think the fact that the Catholic church's rituals are so slow to change is what comforts and draws some to it. Its familiar no matter what country you are in. You know exactly what you are going to get.

 

Not so in Baptist churches. Unless you research ahead, no telling what you may encounter.

[taiko]

I used to attend Assembly of God when I was in college. I also tried COGIC and Apostolic. None of them were for me for many reasons.

 

I've heard of your denomination. Don't know that I've ever heard that it was a cult though. I don't think the founding by a woman is the issue though for people's stereotypical reasons for calling it a cult. It probably has more to do with the word "International" being part of the title. You know how the "religious world" is.

I'll disagree there. For many "cult" means not them, since they have the full truth. Sister Aimee began as a missionary's wife in China when her husband died of fever. The Foursquare church has always been involved globally. While in the beginning the Church of God in Christ (COGIC)and its spiltoff (because of racial politics)the Assemblies of God had more of a US orientation.

The church I am a member of is Baptist, but it still has *rituals* for getting the Spirit involved. The Praise Team working people up into an emotional explosion counts as ritual for me because the service wouldn't start without *us* (yes, I'm on it, LOL). We've been called "bapticostal".

 

Certain songs are played to lead the worship into the direction that the minister thinks the Spirit is leading. Different music for "praise" vs. "worship". I think all that qualifies as a sort of ritual. At least, that's what I mean by the rituals being comforting.

 

People at my church leave disappointed if they don't get their "shout" in that Sunday. They'll either blame it on the choir, or the Pastor, too. LOL

 

"Church was dead today"

We also start services with praise and worship but I wouldn't call it a ritual, as in do X and Y will happen, such as the Host will become the body of Christ. Generally speaking we stand to start praise and worship and the individual worshiper is pretty much free to do as he wishes as long as he doesn't stray to far from order. Some days we may stop and pray for each other, sometimes we lay hands and anointing oil. Yes some days all seems to go right and sometimes blame is given to the pastor or praise team.

[NoIDidn't]

I'll disagree there. For many "cult" means not them, since they have the full truth. Sister Aimee began as a missionary's wife in China when her husband died of fever. The Foursquare church has always been involved globally. While in the beginning the Church of God in Christ (COGIC)and its spiltoff (because of racial politics)the Assemblies of God had more of a US orientation.

 

I hope I didn't offend you. I didn't really understand this response. I guess, I'm speaking of the people I know and some local groups that like to slap "International" into their names because of their aspirations, not that it actually has a global presence of any kind. If I offended you because of this, I apologize. Proverbs 18:19 is one I try to keep in mind in all of my dealings with others. Nothing like offending a erson to shut down open communication. Again, I apologize.

 

We also start services with praise and worship but I wouldn't call it a ritual, as in do X and Y will happen, such as the Host will become the body of Christ. Generally speaking we stand to start praise and worship and the individual worshiper is pretty much free to do as he wishes as long as he doesn't stray to far from order. Some days we may stop and pray for each other, sometimes we lay hands and anointing oil. Yes some days all seems to go right and sometimes blame is given to the pastor or praise team.

 

We may disagree here, but I consider always doing something in the same general matter a ritual. Its not so much that doing X will lead to Y. Its just the always doing X that makes it a ritual. I'm just using ritual the way its defined in the dictionary as an established procedure, not so much the religious meanings of it.

[taiko]

No offense was taken. I was just passing on as best I can what are the reasons I have seen when people react negatively to the body I fellowship with. Tonque speaking, which I hear about once a year and the other Acts gifts in today's church or women pastors is the biggest source of controversey. The full coorporate name being a reason for the cult label is a first.

[NoIDidn't]

No offense was taken. I was just passing on as best I can what are the reasons I have seen when people react negatively to the body I fellowship with. Tonque speaking, which I hear about once a year and the other Acts gifts in today's church or women pastors is the biggest source of controversey. The full coorporate name being a reason for the cult label is a first.

 

 

Good. Tongue speaking is actually quite common in my Baptist church. Many of the members used to go to some version of a pentecostal church and settled at mine for whatever reasons. What's interesting though, is that the Pastor is a typical no-tongues Baptist preacher.

 

Oh, the ironies.

[Jilly Bean]

I think I'm the only pagan on here (well, perhaps the only one who's out of the broom closet, so to speak ), so if anyone has any INTELLIGENT or GENUINE questions about Celtic witchcraft, please ask.

 

(Note - I am NOT a "wiccan". Among true witches, wicca is considered either pagan "lite" or, some diehards regard it to be as inane as Scientology).

[quankanne]

I hope this isn't offensive. I think the fact that the Catholic church's rituals are so slow to change is what comforts and draws some to it. Its familiar no matter what country you are in. You know exactly what you are going to get.

 

not offended – this is precisely why I remain Catholic: In a world gone mad, it's good knowing that She doesn't change, nor will she. There are absolutes that I can always count on. The only thing that does change is the language (Mass celebrated in the vernacular) and the priests. Otherwise you can walk into any given liturgy at any given time and know exactly where you are (Gospel reading, Eucharist, etc). It's very assuring to me.

 

I'll bite, JB: What's the difference between wicca and paganism? Aren't both groups practitioners of white magic(k)? Some of the stuff my niece is into as a member of wicca reminds me a lot of curanderismo ...