Spiritual Freedom

My neighbor and I engaged in a conversation regarding "religious freedom", which stemed from a sign she has planted on her front lawn..."Jesus is the ONLY way". Somehow our discussion turned to the paradox of 'free will' ...which we both areed that it runs deeper than we know, and is possibly two-fold. On the one hand it brings guilt for not taking responsibility for our choices and on the other hand it can also bring great joy from the fruit of good choices.

However, when it comes to religion, my neighbor's perception is completely boxed and one dimensional. How could she have 'free' will? You have to compare an apple to an orange to decide which you prefer...right?...why not with religion?

This is why I somewhat recoil when approached by people who in my view, are addicted to religion. These people do not want to grow up and face responsibility for their lives, so they throw in the towel (free will) and give into the lies. How can anyone put any truth or faith in someone who by 'free will' is found to be irrational and unreasonable and lacks logic. These are all natural intuitive emotions that are built into each of us, and to ignore them would be sowing the seeds of ignorance.

I say 'spiritual' freedom because there really is no 'religious' freedom. When one thinks of or has experienced religion, the only free will or freedom is to choose within the system or denomination. You can't even THINK outside the acceptable pre-determined doctrines.

Is our God-given 'free will' truly free? God demands that we worship and obey him or be damned to hell. These are 'conditions' of love not unconditional love, which demands unconditional freedom. Some people can't handle freedom, they need something or someone to blame for their mistakes.

Holding the threat of 'hell' over a person's head is the weakest of intimidations. Forcing people to accept pre-packaged arguments with no dissent or questioning allowed is no way to live and certainly not the lifestyle that Jesus demonstrated.

Never forget the so called Christians who kill doctors that perform abortions. The rationale is no different than that of the Catholic Church and its horrific Crusades. In the "name of God" we must wipe out the infidels. It's the same argument used by fundamentalist Muslims.

Who the f***! comes up with this ridiculous nonsense?

I suppose this is sounding like a rant...it is what it is....ok, here's my point:

We do not have religious freedom, and the hatred of spiritual freedom runs deep within all religions because of their hidden agenda, is that they all want CONTROL all of us.

The importance of the separation of church and state in protecting us against fundamentalism, and preserving our freedom to make our own moral choices, as is the reality of 'free will' -- God's greatest gift to us.

I feel the need to say this all the time, "I am not religious", and do not believe in organized religion. I believe the world is the way it is today because of organized religion. I have read the holy books of various religions, including the christian King James Bible, and honestly did not find any biblical basis for believing in everlasting punishment in hell. I did however, find more biblical evidence for believing in reincarnation. I'm sure alot of my perceptions has to do with my metaphysical beliefs.

Christianity could be more accepting of other religions such as Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. It advocates a radical reform of Christianity, which would result in it becoming a religion of love and acceptance, rather than what it traditionally has been: a religion of guilt and fear.

Abandoning the belief in eternal hell, and embracing reincarnation and meditation may sound particularly New Age, but the Bible shows Jesus taught these concepts, and that they open the way to knowing and loving God.

There is true virtue in people who choose to do something for the good of the whole; there is no virtue in choosing to do something against their inclination merely to avoid damnation.

I hope I did not offend anyone, as it's not my intent. I am here to provide you with enlightenment.

I leave you with these words from the Tao:

"Be bent and you will remain straight. Be vacant, and you will remain full. Be worn, and you will remain new".

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