What am I spiritually??

AZ Jim

AZ Jim

R.I.P. With Us In Spirit Only
Location
SURPRISE, ARIZONA
I have changed my mind a few times over the years but the last few years I have pretty much settled as somewhere between agnostic and atheist. I am not even remotely interested in any organized religion. I don't mind that others have religions but I do wish they didn't have to be so damn mean with it in many cases.
 

I'm firmly in the agnostic camp.. I don't know if there is a GOD... and I don't know if there isn't one. Perhaps I lean a bit more toward being an atheist, but I have had my children baptized.. I do pray when things get really horrific... and I say the Lords Prayer every time I take off in an airplane... JUST IN CASE.

I do however believe in KARMA... not sure what that makes me spiritually... but I've seen "what goes around, comes around" too many times to discount it. Even been on the receiving end a few times..
 
After reading a definition of paganism from Paganism International, I'd have to say I'm more in that category (although I used to think that Buddhism sounded about right for me).

Now though, paganism seems closer to my philosophy and mostly because I think that at a level far beyond this material reality, I think that we and everything in this world, are connected, as in 'all one'. In fact, I think we are all small segments or 'individuations' of whatever great, organizing energy that is the source of this amazing universe. That being said, I did start out as a sort of Mennonite, then chose to be Baptist and then moved on to the SDA church for quite a number of years. So it's not like I'm 'making up my mind' in a vacuum is it?
 

AZ Jim said:
I have changed my mind a few times over the years but the last few years I have pretty much settled as somewhere between agnostic and atheist. I am not even remotely interested in any organized religion. I don't mind that others have religions but I do wish they didn't have to be so damn mean with it in many cases.
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I don't know what you are, but I'm guessing you aren't a seeker.
 
I have my religious beliefs, but can't say I go to church regularly. I had a guy ask me just the other day if I had a church I attended. This guy is an older gentlemen and he has become very religious late in life. And that is fine, but he was a 'player' in his younger days and it just seems a little strange coming from him. I don't know.......I guess I'm just generally uncomfortable with those questions.
 
I also believe in Karma, and to some extent adopt the First People's proverb, "a religious person is afraid of Hell, a spiritual person has been there." I in no way mean by this that I frown on religion, just that this seeker does not thrive in organized religion. Too many rules, not enough love.
 
I lean towards deism. Studied and tried just about every religion. Though some ritualistic Catholic roots are still there...have never found a religion that fit. Although, I do believe in a supreme being and pray.
 
ndynt said:
I lean towards deism. Studied and tried just about every religion. Though some ritualistic Catholic roots are still there...have never found a religion that fit. Although, I do believe in a supreme being and pray.
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I spent a couple of years in Catholic school. I never could buy into it. Many things about it bother me (assuming I was a believer to begin with). I don't like the idea of "original sin" (I had a baby cousin die he wasn't baptized and could not be buried in the family plot in a Catholic cemetery), Confession, The idea that the Vatican is one of the wealthiest places yet it goes to the poorest of poor asking them to contribute the little they have to their coffers. Several other issues.
 
Many here are kicking around the phrase "I believe in Karma". The question of the thread concerns spirituality, but "Karma" is not necessarily spiritual unless you believe in reincarnation as in #1 of the three definitions of Karma and apply it to Buddhism etc. #2 is not related to reincarnation but is related to eternal life in biblical scripture. #3 is not spiritual (and thus is off-topic to the OP question).


  1. (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism) The sum total of a person's actions, which determine the person's next incarnation in samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth.
  2. A force orlaw of nature which causes one to reap what one sows; destiny; fate.
  3. (uncommon) A distinctive feeling, aura, or atmosphere.

So, to answer the question of the OP, What am I spiritually, you must leave karma out unless you're a believer of Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.
 
I don't recall saying anything about Karma Lara. However, if you look at the results of what is usually referred to as "Karma", I do believe "what goes around, comes around".
 
I have to think of myself as an agnostic. I was raised Catholic and spent 8 yrs. in Catholic school, almost every day of the week in church for one reason or another. When I became an adult, I had no need or desire to be involved with any organized religions. I was born with a good heart, and raised by my parents to respect and be kind to other people and animals. I believe in karma to a great degree, but sometimes see that with evil people who kill and torture, that they don't always get what's coming to them, in other words, what goes around doesn't always come around in those instances.
 
Lara said:
Many here are kicking around the phrase "I believe in Karma". The question of the thread concerns spirituality, but "Karma" is not necessarily spiritual unless you believe in reincarnation as in #1 of the three definitions of Karma and apply it to Buddhism etc. Number #2 is not related to reincarnation but does refer to biblical scripture. #3 is not spiritual (and thus is off-topic to the OP question).


  1. (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism) The sum total of a person's actions, which determine the person's next incarnation in samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth.
  2. A force orlaw of nature which causes one to reap what one sows; destiny; fate.
  3. (uncommon) A distinctive feeling, aura, or atmosphere.

So, to answer the question of the OP, What am I spiritually, you must leave karma out unless you're a believer of Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.
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AZJim said:
don't recall saying anything about Karma Lara. However, if you look at the results of what is usually referred to as "Karma", I do believe "what goes around, comes around".​
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Jim, I didn't point any finger at you nor anyone else. I specifically said "many here"

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I believe that we are an eternal spirit, that lives in a mortal body. Where we spend eternity depends on our relationship with God. The Bible says that what we sow, so shall we reap.
 
Meanderer said:
I believe that we are an eternal spirit, that lives in a mortal body. Where we spend eternity depends on our relationship with God. The Bible says that what we sow, so shall we reap.
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The problem I have with all thing Biblical is you must believe it all on none. According to it, we would do some evil things to others. According to the bible, as punishment god commanded death to babies and all manner of brutal acts. Google gives the passages that show the brutal portions of the bible.
 
I feel the belief in Karma is VERY spiritual.. or even humanistic. IF you believe your actions will affect you in the future or how you treat people will come back to bite you... that's pretty spiritual in my book... or maybe I just don't think of spirituality the same way others do.
 
AZ Jim said:
The problem I have with all thing Biblical is you must believe it all on none. According to it, we would do some evil things to others. According to the bible, as punishment god commanded death to babies and all manner of brutal acts. Google gives the passages that show the brutal portions of the bible.
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That's true.. and those that don't buy into all of it are accused of being a "salad bar" Christian.. picking and choosing what you like and don't like..
 
My father advised me when I was pretty young:

"Never discuss religion or politics unless it's with family or very close friends, and even then- be very careful not to hurt anyone's feelings; you must be tolerant."

I can see how right he was!
 

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