 Spiritual: July 18, 2007 Issue [#1836] |
  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: Puditat  
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Spiritual: relating to the spirit or soul and not to physical matter; intangible. Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus
This newsletter explores ideas of the spiritual nature that exists in each and every one of us in an open and non-judgemental manner.
Each editor brings to the newsletter their own backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and opinions. Whether you disagree, agree, doubt or applaud the views expressed, let us all show respect to each other. Together we can learn something about the many varied aspects of the spiritual self and enjoy our differences in true meaning of the Spirit of Community.
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** Appeal of a Belief **
This week I am finally going to share with you some interesting results from the Spirituality Survey I ran a couple of months back. Firstly I will quote some responses I received, and then I will go on and give my own answer to the question.
The survey question I am focusing on is this:
"6. Please list or discuss what attracted you to this spiritual path and what keeps you following it."
The following quotes are a broad representation of the answers received, and by no means are inclusive. I have tried to give a wide range of viewpoints and apologise if you feel your beliefs are misrepresented or ignored. It's simply a matter of space...
Christian:
 "Jesus is in my heart. He has answered my prayers and helped me through some very difficult times. No other spiritual path has a leader who gave his life for me." Pen Name
"Personal experience is what brought me to believe in Jesus Christ. I went to a church service and during the altar call, I heard the voice of the Lord calling out to me. There were others who didn't believe there at the time, but I only heard him calling me. The blessings of the Lord are many. The walk is a daily walk, the relationship, personal to me." stomper
"sense of inner meaning, feeling of solid love at my core " DNAN
Nature:
"As I read about other religions and spiritual paths I encorporate more into what kind of life I want to lead. I am happiest when surrounded by nature and all her might and this is why i choose to follow along that path. I have this idea that spiritually once pure has through time become corrupted and many religions and spiritual paths contain aspects of the one path we should follow." mesmonic
"I believe that we are all linked together. Because we all (every living thing) share the sustenance that this world provides. The earth nourishes us all." LIS - Here Again!
Athiest:
"Oish! I could go on for days, but a simple disbelief in any sort of "God" leads me to the belief that any structured religion is about community (based loosely in control of such), and born of platitude, legend, ignorance - through use of the "unexplained", and social/political corruption.
I do not judge, or even preach my beliefs - I live with the same amazing love and spirit in me that so many attribute to "God", but it does, indeed, come from within.
I do live my life, being judged for my opinions and beliefs, and find it hard to rationalize that someone who is supposed to be morally superior (by thier account, not mine) because of their beliefs - will judge and condemn me. It only reinforces the illogic I find in the structure." Mark
"Grew up as an atheist. I study theology and religion. But nothing can atract me spiritually. I remain a self-aware atheist now. But I respect every religious person and want to interact and discus with them out of interest." Dormael
Wiccan/Witch:
"Well, it doesn't restrict me in any way really. That path also is know to believe many of the things I had already established as my beliefs." The creative romatic
"The humanity of this religion. and it is a good way to make real friends." vampirelord
"I'm attracted to it by the closeness of nature. I've always felt very close to nature, animals, plants, the whole lot. I researched Wicca and other Pagan religions for many years during high school before settling on Wicca. I'm not hugely religious, but I think it defines who I am in some way." Giltine
Other:
Holistic Spiritualist "I know I am guided, which makes me feel so free and become even more open to the Guidance that exists within me and all around me."
Mixed belief systems "I believe my spiritual path began with my mother who gave me the freedom and choice to seek out my own beliefs. I began by researching all religions and coming up with the best way to explain the universe to my understanding. Although much of that is still open to interpretation." Jayne Keppler
Panentheism "Panentheism is a spiritual, not a religious, path. There are no hard and fast "rules" or "scriptures" to follow. I chose it because it fit with what I ALREADY believed, based on what I'd picked up from existing belief systems and what worked personally for me. I can't stand the strict ritualism and doctrine that go with most religions and so this was a good alternative. There's also no right or wrong way to "practice" it--it's more of a mindset than anything. I chose it basically because it fit me and I didn't have to shoehorn my own beliefs into it, like I felt I'd have to with other paths. I also just wanted some sort of name to call myself--I hated not having a path!" Tehuti, Lord Of The Eight 
Neo-paganism "I can relate to the Goddess as opposed to the unapproachable male deity of Christianity."
Agnostic "I just don't see any justification for religious people to say their religious beliefs are right. I don't think we, as humans, know about God or gods or whatever."
Free Thinker "What attracted me to this spiritual path was my passed down religion/beliefs were not working for me anymore. I keep following it and reading/researching because it is one of the best things that has happen to me in my life." Maribel is a Dancing Poet
There seem to be two main threads for the appeal of a particular faith to people.
1. A personal appeal in either their heart or soul. A 'knowledge' of it being right.
2. An appeal attained through research or rationalisation. A decision of the mind based on facets of the belief system that 'fit' or 'agree' with one's concepts of life, truth, justice, or right versus wrong.
The uniting factor weaving together all those who do believe in some form of 'higher power' is the desire for peace and harmony and some sense of relationship with that power.
My question from this is really to those who believe in paths other than Christianity. Where/what is your conscience connected to? What/who is telling you what is right and wrong - how do you choose? What is your moral compass, so to speak? And, following that, what are the consequences for wrongdoing? What, if anything, makes you not want to commit a wrongful act?
My own spiritual path is that of a 'Christ-follower'. I am a Christian - one that believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour.
What attracted me to this path? Well, I would love to have a testimony that it was through some huge revelation or circumstance change where I saw or felt the miraculous...but in honest truth it was because Mum and Dad went to church. I went with the family, and like any typical child aged between five and eight, I played, giggled, and dozed. I cared little for any noisy disruption I caused or the purpose of the Sunday 'ritual'. It was just a thing we did, except that it really wasn't. Even at that age -- with all the spiritually ignorant and innocent aspects of youth -- I was attracted to something about God. I say God, because I wasn't overly fussed on the church we went to. I disliked the mindless repetition of set prayers and readings; could see no point in them at all, and the services were anything but personal. There was, however, something luring me, something I could only define later. That definition is also the reason I continue to follow Jesus
I continue to follow Jesus, because I have developed a personal relationship with Him. He is not just a spiritual figure to adhere to or blindly follow in the name of faith, although faith is a huge part of it. Jesus is someone I know, in my heart, spirit, and mind.
First came my spirit - I invited Him in when I was old enough to comprehend, and I felt the difference. Then I knew in my heart, probably in complete fullness not until I was 22. I know in my mind through the things I've seen and read, and that is just the icing on the cake. The intellectual decisions and alignment of information with experience grew out of the relationship already established. My faith appeals to me because it's a part of me I do not want to live without. I have had times of less companionship with Christ than I enjoy now, so I do have the ability to compare the difference with Christ and without. With this relationship comes a desire to be a more caring and serving person, a desire to love more.
The church I now attend is one that I am both comfortable and excited in. Comfortable in that it does not deviate from scripture and is devoted to serving God. Excited because God is strongly pulling me to serve in this particular physical location; I know this is where I am supposed to be. They are my church family. Church is not the belief or the building, church is the family of God, and in a building we meet to fellowship with other believers.
Thank you to everyone who permitted me to quote you, named or not.
Till next time:
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 I have Novel and Short Story Writers Market book and am confused by some of the phrasing used to describe the type of magazine or writing they prefer. "Literary" means what, exactly? Many of the magazines request 'literary' stories, then proceed to list many other genres. Can you explain what they mean?
joyce 
This is a question more suited to the "For Author's Newsletter" than a "Spiritual Newsletter" I suggest you ask the editorial team of the "For Authors Newsletter" your question. I bet it will provide a more satisfying and illuminating response than what I can give. 
Your question certainly sent me delving for the Google pages for some quick, and complex research. I have heard and seen the term many times, but never gotten so concerned about it to learn exactly what it is. Perhaps this is because the answer is neither simple nor universally accepted, a bit like the subject of people's faith.
Some believe literary fiction is more character than plot driven, while others say it is about how it is written. Some believe it is a genre in its own right and others say it is definitely not a genre. A few seek to classify literary fiction as writing which is concerned with being applicable to any time and any people (eternal, if you would). My own thoughts on literary fiction are far from certain and I know I have done little to clarify it for you. I am unfortunately unable to provide any clarity, as I seek to find my own understanding. This is a term, in my opinion, which many use and few can convincingly define.
Dear,Puditat's that was a smart move on your part you have to look after yourself.
donald
Awww, thank you! 
Dear Puditat,
I prayed for your eyes to heal.
Sincerely,
Pen Name
 I thank you so very much!
Feedback to Shylah's guest editorial
i began crying when i read your story about the pictures that God saved them for you
however sometimes i think that God's patients is far more than us and i personally think that maybe my prayers will be answered in next life since i do not hear my God's answere. i loved your stort .may God be with you always
benji
I like this newsletter because it's nice to know people are sharing their stories about Christ! Your film story is just another example of how God's way are not our ways. He is the ultimate supernatural Being!
God Bless
nintai
Dear Shylah: The Lord's powers are endless! I'm so glad to hear your prayer was answered. I had a similar experience earlier this year. I suffered from repeated sinus infections for about a year, and the specialist my doctor sent me to told me I needed to have sinus surgery. I just didn't feel good about that, so I decided to pray for the Lord to lead me in the right direction. Everything inside me was screaming to not have that surgery, and I believe it was the Holy Spirit trying to lead me. Fortunately, I listened. After several weeks of "praying without ceasing," the sinus symptons that kept me on antibiotics for over a year slowly started to subside. While my sinuses still aren't perfect, I've been infection free since February, thanks be to God. I still pray regularly for Him to put his hand on my health and to help me with this chronic problem.
faithjourney
Dear, Shylah we serve a wonderful God.The faith u are talking about sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.
donald
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