Even though I was raised Catholic and had mostly Catholic education, I still feel something is missing. I attend mass on a regular basis (some guilt involved needless to say), but if I skip once in awhile it doesn't bother me that much anymore. The first few times I missed, I felt so guilty! I just knew something bad was going to happen. Now I realize that God is a forgiving God, and just because I miss mass once in awhile does not mean I'm a terrible person.

One thing I'm going to do in the fall is begin to attend Bible Fellowship. I'm looking for something but I don't know what. Do any of you feel this way? I'm hoping to find that peace within -- I don't know if Bible study is the answer and I'm NOT looking for a quick fix, I just need some guidance. I'm hoping that meeting and sharing with others who want the same thing will help me find whatever I'm trying to find (if that makes any sense).

Does anyone know what I'm talking about!?! (LOL) If you do, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for listening.

Dear Catlover,
I understand what you are saying. Being spirtual minded includes finding a faith that is based on the Bible. Matthew Chapter 7:13-23 gives us valuable pointers on the importance of determining which is the right way (faith, religion) or road to take. Additionally, see Eph. 4:5; Romans 10:13-17.

I too love cats. We have an Abby.

You are a thinking person. We can find wisdom in being like those described at Acts 17:11.

Wishing you well,
Victoria

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Victoria

Victoria, you wrote:

[QUOTE]Being spirtual minded includes finding a faith that is based on the Bible.

With all due respect, I disagree with you on this. Spirituality does not have to be based on faith found in the Bible. I think it's a huge misconception.

Spirituality is a state of being. Religion is a rudementary form of philosophy. You can certainly tie the two together if you choose to, but they can exist independently from each other quite well. One can subscribe to other forms of philosophy, not based on the Bible, and still experience spirituality.

Thanks,
Olga

quote:

Originally posted by olga:
Victoria, you wrote:

[QUOTE]Being spirtual minded includes finding a faith that is based on the Bible.

With all due respect, I disagree with you on this. Spirituality does not have to be based on faith found in the Bible. I think it's a huge misconception.

Spirituality is a state of being. Religion is a rudementary form of philosophy. You can certainly tie the two together if you choose to, but they can exist independently from each other quite well. One can subscribe to other forms of philosophy, not based on the Bible, and still experience spirituality.

Thanks,
Olga

Hi Olga,
I agree with you from the standpoint of what religious belief a person might aspire to. Spiritual, as defined in Webster's Dictionary states in part, "moral or religious nature or pertaining to sacred things or matters; religious; devotional; sacred or belonging to the church or relating to the mind or intellect -- spirituality."

So, some may consider themselves spiritual minded basing their beliefs on books other than the Holy Bible. If anyone chooses to look at sources other than the Bible they may do so because we have the freedom to make those choices. My reply was in no way critical of that person's choice. Please believe me.

However, for one that, by choice, is a Christian then to look to other so-called religious books would be contradictory to the Bibical scriptures. Gal. 1:8; Rev. 22:18, 19.

Wise King Solomon wrote, "As regards anything besides these, my son, take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion [to them] is wearisome to the flesh. The conclusion of the matter, everything have been hear is 'Fear the [true] God and keep his comandments. For this is the whole [obligation] of man.' " --Ecclesiastes 12: 13, 14

My reply was accurate because it was in direct reponse to Catlovers post. She was talking about God, and the Bible. In view of her Catholic background background and the Bible fellowship she is considering this summer, I responded. If one professes to belong to a Christian faith it is generally understood that the book those beliefs are supposed to be based on is the Bible. As Christianity and Christendom are terms dervived from the teachings of Christ. At least they should be although that often is not the case. Therefore, if one who choses a Christian belief wants to be spiritual than it can truely be said that their faith would have to be based on the Bible. Eph. 4:5; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

Jesus stated, "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them." -- Matt. 5:3

The apostle Paul wrote, "These things we also speak, not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by [the] spiritual, as we combine spiritual [matters] with spiritual [words]. -- 1 Cor. 2:13
He also wrote, "But a physical man does not receive the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know [them] because they are examined spiritually. However, the spiritual man examines indeed all things, but he himself is not examined by any man." --1 Cor. 2: 14, 15

Catlover wrote, "I don't know if Bible study is the answer." My reply to her was something to consider if she was considering Bible study as one of her options or a possible answer. Naturally, she has the option to look into whatever direction she chooses.

Thank you Olga for sharing with us and me another avenue that some might look for their inspiration or spirituality as they might see it.

I personally have made my choice after prayerful research and study.

Wishing you the best,
Victoria




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Victoria