As usual, and should be expected, this forum is going to be a catch all for a variety of different opinions on religion., faith, god, and spirituality. How can it not be? And of course, this can tick certain people off.
I have had help on the way to my journey. To me, that word really is the key to understanding:
Journey.
A friend once referred me to this essay, which I will share here, The Four Stages of Spiritual Growth I have shared it here in this forum before, and I share it again as a statement that I think accurately describes most people and their journey.
The debates on JWN are really intersections without stop signs or traffic signals. We crash bump into each other on our journey, sometimes taking great pains and joy to back up and try to run each over repeatedly. Other times, some of us see the intersection, realize that others are crossing.... Then we leave here, on our spiritual journey (usually) on our path away from Jehovahs Witnesses to where ever we think we are going.
Some of us argue for our positions. Other's discovering they have none (or can't see a position they agree with) are happy to simply argue against another's position. But I digress....
The fact is, we all need to have and feel purpose in life. Leaving JW's is about the only thing many of us have in common.
Which is why this post isn't about my thought's about Spirituallity, Faith, God, and Religion. I am on a journey. Some days I don't give a crap. There are other time's where I aim and fire at the intersection, just daring someone for a fight. Those aren't great days for me, to be honest. Thankfully, I don't think I do that too much anymore.
Well ok, just a couple of thoughts.
Much respect to the atheists and agnostics for your honesty.
Much respect to people of faith and those who endeavor to be "spiritual", no matter how you define that for yourself, and show your spirituality by loving others (not necesarrily agreeing, just accepting and loving)
Very little respect to those solidly stuck in 'Stage 2' (see the link above) who insist on throwing their immature religous tantrums. You don't tell on god, nor do you or can you represent god. All you are representing is where you are, and you are in a very immature, intolerant, judgemental place.
Nevertheless, we all can (and very likely will) change. So regardless of where you are, if you insist on throwing yourself headlong into an intersection hoping to hit someone heading in a different direction, or are careful, or just want to sit on the sideline, I wish you success on your journey. Consider loving a little more, judging a little less, and acknowledge that you do not live in a bubble, but on a planet filled with over 7 BILLION people who think and believe way differently then you do, but would still for the most part really like to be chill with you anyway.
Now back to your regularly scheduled demolition derby.