Interesting times often call for difficult topics to write about. Concerning the next topic (or twenty) I can’t quite say I have an agenda or destination for where I’d like them to go. Let’s take a stroll.
After a very thought provoking conversation, last night, I’ve realized just how much my mind has shifted and soured concerning the spiritual authority we often grant to organized religion; rather than looking for a direct connection to the Creator of the Universe through prayer, study, meditation, and thought, it seems the path to God, with the least resistance, is that of actions, traditions, songs, and even others around us. It might take a moment to unpack this statement.
“Why do you go to church”
Helluva question, champ. There are many things we can learn from church. However, I’ve realized my motivations for going to church have often not been correct; making the weekly trip simply because it is habit, and I have been inclined to feel spiritually distant if I happen to miss a Sunday, or two. I have not missed more than one week of church for over 4 years. Perhaps it is to spend time in musical worship. It’s much easier to spend 30 minutes singing songs and feeling as if one has checked off the “worship” box on the weekly to-do list, than it is to live an actual life of worship.
“Were every single religious institution; church, synagogue, mosque, shrine, temple, or alter to be removed from existence, would it still be possible to gain a meaningful connection with God?”
Again, tough questions. Allow me to take it one step further and ask if it would be possible to have a meaningful connection with your Creator if all spiritual authorities and figures were to be removed from your life. No more pastors, priests, mentors, guides, prophets, or oracles. Would it be possible to traverse the path of life and still maintain a connection with God?
I look at the life of King David and see a man who led a life defined by worship; with no distinction between actions and worship, he rose from playing the harp in an act of worship to slaying giants in acts of spiritual victory. From dancing in the streets to tear-soaked pillows as he prayed for forgiveness from actions against a Holy God. His heart yearned to be like his Creator. It’s quite an act to follow.
Let’s get personal.
Earlier this year, as I was introduced to the book Knowledge Of The Holy, my entire life reached a point of turnaround; suddenly realizing there was a Creator who had given me every breath, heartbeat, and second. Realizing this, I quickly realized that I have no rightful ownership or entitlement to any of these gifts He’s given me; simply stewardship, not ownership. When you realize your life is not yours to live, everything changes.
To be bluntly honest, I have to admit that my life does not reflect an individual who has come to these sharp conclusions. This is a dangerous position to be in, as the responsibility is now in my hands and I am liable for not living the way I ought to. Knowledge of the Holy often equates to taking responsibility for the un-Holy in your life. It would have been easier to lived in a state of blindness. However, that’s not something I’m willing to do, as I believe the end goal is well worth the effort and sacrifice.
What’s the conclusion, champ? To be quite honest with you, I am not sure where this path is leading me. Am I to reach a point where I take a breather from organized religious efforts in order to pursue my Creator in a more raw, uncensored format?
If you were to express your life, worship, and words in such a way that would be worthy of your Creator, would this expression fit within the confines of an organized religion? Perhaps you would utter a shout so loud it would shatter the walls of your sanctuary. Perhaps your joyful noise would be too loud? Perhaps your sacrifice would be deemed too large to be followed by others?
Most of my thoughts can’t be posted on such a public medium as the internet.
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