Beyond Babedom

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I’m More Spiritual Than You

This post is probably going to make me some enemies; so be it. But, I have to ask: what is up with the hyper-religiosity? It really, really makes me uncomfortable when people want to talk about their religious beliefs, what and whom I should pray for, how God is looking out for them. Not that I suggest they stop believing what they believe.

Just don’t tell me about it. Or ask me to join in.

I’ve got my beliefs, my own brand of spirituality and I resent when people want to foist theirs on me. There’s the idea that, if you pray hard enough, God is going to help you get that new job, find the perfect house, have a baby.  Fine; just don’t expect me to invest in those beliefs. Because, what does it mean when you don’t get that job? Does it mean you didn’t pray hard enough? That God was paying attention to someone else instead of you? Or maybe he just really doesn’t like you? I mean, honestly, do you actually think there’s this guy in heaven, with nothing better to do than help some NBA star make a three point shot or help a gambler win a hand of cards?

You don’t have to agree with my cynicism about the way prayer is used. Just don’t ask me to buy into your idea of spirituality. I believe we all have souls or spirits or whatever you want to call them,  that we’re all somehow connected and that we can tap into the spiritual commonality of people here and gone. But I don’t buy into God-as-the-Wizard-of-Oz.

So, do I think I’m more spiritual than you? No. But it did get you to read this.

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This entry was posted on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at 5:40 PM and is filed under My Pet Peeves. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  1. Patrice says:

    Great topic Lucille. I totally agree with you. I will not expect anyone to “join in” or believe in my beliefs, so please everyone-don’t push me into yours because I will probably make some serious enemies as well…lol

    Just for the record..I believe that a higher power exists and that this higher power gives you guidance and strength to make choices, which are not always the right ones. Through my belief in my higher power I have been able to accept that things are the way they are for a reason. If you don’t get what you want it’s because your higher power has something better in mind for you….

    Love your comment about when prayers are unanswered…yup, he likes me more! lol

    oh…big one that irks me is the boxers who have to profess their undying gratitude that their “God” helped them beat the shit out of their opponent…ya think?

  2. Judy Herring says:

    Remember that saying “Don’t talk sex, religion or politics?” There’s no fun in that, now is there!!??? Faith is a very, very personal thing, yet there are so many out there that think their’s is the best way, the only way. And, there are those out there that live their lives because that’s the way God wants them to. And, I agree with Patrice – pro players who thank God for bringing down their opponents on the field of “play” or is it really the field of battle?? I’ve read too many stories about former players who are injured for life due to the beatings they encountered while playing their sport. Back to God…It is a private matter and should stay that way.

  3. Marianne says:

    It is in meditation or pure prayer, the prayer that takes us beyond thought and ultimately beyond the ego, that it is, as it were, the final step, the step that is the result of grace, not effort, but the final step from ourselves into Christ.
    People that do have a true understanding of prayer…know they are not praying to the “Wizard of Oz”nor do… See More they expect it to be an ATM machine. If someone offers to pray for you during a time they know is a hardship for you or they ask you to pray for them or a family member, when they are in need of comfort, peace and healing…I don’t believe they are disrespecting your beliefs or your religion…just maybe they are showing or looking for some human compassion from someone they know and care about. It not meant to be evil or confrontational ….but a blessing…accept it as you would a gift!

  4. Marie Mills says:

    I believe in God and I believe in prayer, I also believe that all prayers are answered, however not all prayers are answered with a yes sometimes the answer has to be no. I do not push God or my beliefs on anybody because I believe that religion is personal but I will pray for anyone who asks and I will never stop believing.

    • Gary Dates says:

      How nice. All prayers are answered…..just sometimes the answer is “no”. You covered all of the logical bases there, except you have no basis in the REAL world to believe any of it….but you covered yourself there too by saying “I will never stop believing.” Good luck with that. Personally, I prefer living in the real world.

  5. Tracey says:

    I don’t think he likes me too much. I’m too straight up for him. I don’t perpetrate. Straight up no chaser! If you can commit sin after sin after sin and all you have to do is go to church and ask forgiveness well….something is wrong wit that!

  6. Marlene says:

    Well said Lucille, couldn’t agree more!

  7. John Z says:

    I will agree with that

  8. Pat says:

    absolutely! And then some people try to make you feel like a heathen because you don’t believe what they believe.

  9. Bob S says:

    I am a heathen and damn proud of it. HEATHEN! HEATHEN! HEATHEN! ….Oww. I think I hurt myself

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