Discover the Results of Asking, "How Should We Feel About God and Going to Church?"
 

In attempting to obtain the insights of people in very diverse situations, more specifically those people dealing with chronic and/or severe health circumstances, I took this search one step farther. I posted a very similar question on health specific forums to obtain additional points of view and current insights on this subject by people in my similar situation. The conversations have all been very interesting and quiet diverse in their responses.

I would like to note, during the conversations on these forums, everything was discussed in a very honest, polite and respectful manner without the typical arguments initiated regarding whose religion is better, right or wrong. Now, let's look at this small 'snapshot' of data from these conversations. The questions and content were identical on each forum and included the question, Who Else Has Questions About Their Health and Spiritual Journey? As indicated above, the 'snapshot' statistics show during the actual conversation a total of 93 separate responses and replies were made as of this date. The greater impact appears to be the number of people who actually read the threads, yet did not respond and totaled 1,841 views. (These numbers are absolute raw data with no algorithms applied.)

In summary, I found many similarities in the respondents application of spiritual and religious techniques to cope with their challenging situation and circumstances. Also a great deal of diversification due to background, beliefs, religious rearing and physical capabilities. Yes, these respondents included life-long standard religious participants of several different faiths, agnostics and atheist. Reviewing the information presented caused me to look carefully at my own situation with a number of new ideas and changes in my personal perspective on how I should handle this situation on my own terms. The bottom line appears to apply to the term, "different strokes for different folks" and "whatever works best for the individual is best overall." No one stated there is a right or wrong way to apply these principles and the majority had open minds regarding their own situations. An interesting education and world of enlightenment for me.

A closing thought, perhaps open, nonjudgmental, honest, and sincere conversations among peoples of all faiths would make a tremendous difference in this world, versus the divisive use of religion as an excuse for violence and even war. Finally, I personally reserve the right to be absolutely wrong in my sumnation and determinations, as everyone of us is different and attempting to pigeon-hole people is not practical.

With respect to going to church, I feel that if one puts religious doctrine in a building and that when they leave that building, they depart from the practices, they do not gain its value.

Thus, for some, not going to a church or perhaps not even aligning themselves with a particular religion or belief system, but practicing their choices with respct to spirituality in day to day life may have greater value; to themselves as well as to those with whom they interact.

With love, Erika

Spot on Erika! I too have come to the same conclusion as belief, faith, spirituality, cannot be attached to any building or structure. As is stated in the Bible, (and you can adapt this as necessary to one's own spiritual preference as in universe, force, whatever), "The Kingdom of God is within."