Do We Need God?
Thought I’d go ahead and open a nice can of worms today. But this discussion is about happiness, right? So how can we avoid talking about God/Religion/Spirituality?
Do you go to church? Do you have a spiritual practice? What does it provide for you? Are you a happy atheist?
I believe there is something more than what we see with our eyes. But I’m not confident that I understand what it is or how it works. I think it loves all of us equally. I think we have free will so that the bad things that happen are not its/his/her fault.
I go to a nondenominational church and it provides me with a kind of guidance and peace that I have a hard time finding anywhere else in my life. Though I have to admit that yoga, meditation, my Reiki practice, and books like The Power of Now do something similar for me. I’m also currently working my way through the Course in Miracles workbook, and I can almost feel it chipping away at my all-powerful ego, which I believe to be the real devil in our lives.
I like my church because gay people are welcome. The minister is gay. I like my church because during the prayer at the end our minister always says, “We bless all churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, ashrams, we bless all paths to God.” I like that kind of inclusiveness. But in reality, it’s not my church. I’m not officially a member. I go and listen to the inspirational message and it helps me. Yet, I’m still not sure what I want to believe when I grow up.
I have dear friends who are everything from atheists to devout believers. I’m fascinated by them all. I like to talk about this subject with them and learn from the different viewpoints they have.
One of my students recently gave a speech to persuade us that there is a God. His backing was entirely scientific. He talked about the big bang theory, the perfection of the universe, and famous scientists who were open to the possibility of intelligent design. I didn’t agree with everything he said, but I learned a lot and admired his passion. I wasn’t sure his fellow students were open to his ideas though. It seemed that before and after the speech, they either adamantly believed or didn’t. Could there be something in between? I hope so. Because that’s where I fall.
I’d love to know what you think.
14 Comments
I like your guts for opening up this topic, Patricia. People can definitely get passionate about it, and sometimes hateful (ironically), but I believe as you do, that all paths to God are good. I find it difficult to accept that there is only one correct way. Ultimately, we need to find the path that speaks to us, that makes the most sense to us, while still being respectful of others’ beliefs.
Thanks for that beautiful comment, Shelly. I’m sitting here shaking at the thought of how people might respond. I truly wanted to be respectful of all beliefs. You and I seem to be on the same page, as we are with so many things in life. Love our friendship and adore you!!!
Thank you, Patricia, for being brave enough to introduce this topic! Your post is extremely respectful and I can’t imagine any rational person being offended. The way I see it, none of us know the truth, so all we can do is try to live the best way we can, and, as Shelly says, follow the path to God that speaks to us. Like you, I believe there’s more to this whole thing than just the physical reality we see. I’ve lived long enough to feel certain of that, but others have argued–quite strongly– that my experiences with the supernatural are just anecdotal and coincidental. And I respect those people and their opinions too. Lately, however, I’ve been keeping my opinions to myself, as I really do think everyone has to find their own way, and maybe everyone’s experience with God (or whatever we choose to call him/her) is as individual as we are.
Thanks for your wonderful comments, Mary. I’m glad you didn’t keep your opinions to yourself in this case, though I completely understand doing so, given the strong feelings surrounding this topic! I wish we could all share what we believe or feel openly and learn from one another. I would love to know more about your supernatural experiences. I’m fascinated by and open to it all. In the end, you’re right, we all have to find a path that works for us. Thank you!
Hi, Patricia, this is an interesting topic, and very timely for me. Faith is something that I’ve always taken seriously in my life, even though I struggle with so many questions. I’ve come to trust, though, that the struggle itself is blessed.
Like you, I’ve come to value inclusiveness highly–as a woman who has deeply loved other women, I could no longer adhere to the Catholic Church of my youth, so it was important to find a spiritual resting place that reflected my values and interests in traditional faith practices equally.
I’ve actually been contemplating a blog post on church music because I feel, weirdly, that tastes in ecclesiastical music have created some false divides in some religious communities. It always comes back to the music for me!
So glad you found the topic interesting and timely, Sophie. What a beautiful way to look at things – that the struggle itself is blessed. I would love to read a post written by you about church music! You should go for it!
Patricia,
Thank you for your thoughtful, eloquent post about a touchy subject. In Seattle (where I reside) we hide our religion – but the human in me wants to know what others believe, don’t believe, and at the heart of it, helps them to survive in a very tough world. I agree with your minister’s closing prayer for all paths to God. And Sophie Weeks, I couldn’t agree with you more about secular music. In fact, I just read an amazing book by Jefferson Bethke where he speaks to this issue. It’s ridiculous to parrot popular musicians/songs and replace the word “girlfriend” for God and call it religiously inspired.
Finally, I think my worst obstacle to being a devout believer in God is the churches themselves. I like to God’s work quietly, without notice, without thank yous or even knowledge from the recipient. Church makes me feel I need to evangelize my faith, recruit, promote, meh. No thank you. I hope we live to see a new definition of what church means.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Jennifer! I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s fascinated by what others believe and don’t believe. I would love to see the new definition of church that you describe. The music issue is also so interesting. I’d love to know more about what’s happening in that world too.
Great blog, Patricia and bravo for opening up the topic. I enjoyed your blog post very much and the comments, as well. I’m fascinated by religion, faith and spirituality. I was raised Catholic and when my kids were in high school, I studied Reiki.This didn’t set well with a few of my Catholic friends, but I persevered because I truly believe there is no one way. All I knew was that I saw positive changes in my clients and in myself. I approached my priest, a good friend, about Reiki and he encouraged me to follow my heart. He wasn’t condemning or judgmental. This led me to Lourdes, France where I volunteered in the Baths of the Sanctuary of Lourdes and saw first-hand the amazing power of prayer and faith. I was honored to see one miracle. I’ve attended Mass at the Grotto dozens of times and like you, I went on to become a Reiki Master. I attend Mass on occasion and I’m happy there. I also seek God in nature, my home, anywhere. I don’t have a problem mixing my religion with spirituality. I believe all healing, emotional, mental, physical or spiritual, comes from faith and a higher power. When I am in a Reiki session with my client, I’m praying to Him for guidance and assistance.
My friends belong to many different religions and my son is an Athiest. It is all good. I don’t judge or attempt to sway anyone in any direction. All I ask is that you respect me as I respect you. None of us know the answers and as a matter of fact, at 56, I’ve found that I know very little. Every day, I’m learning.
Ellie, I’ve decided I want to be you when I grow up. 🙂 I’m not too far behind in age, but your spiritual views and experiences are much more mature and solid than mine. I love what you wrote. It’s wonderful that you have no problem mixing it all up. That’s what I want to do as well. It seems there are so many powerful lessons in all the traditions. I couldn’t agree more that mutual respect is the key. I’m learning every day too, especially from friends like you! Just to clarify… I’m not a Reiki Master yet. I took Reiki I and II and plan to do the Master class this year. Thanks, Ellie!
An interesting subject…I grew up as a Christian before my stepdad convinced my mum into atheism and we were all expected to follow suit. He was kind of persuasive. My family wasn’t big anyway on freedom of expression. The “one size fits all approach” applied to religion, politics and everything pretty much else and anyone who didn’t tow the party line was cast into the “black sheep” position and shut out, socially. I am therefore now very opposed to any kind of religious indoctrination. I am a spiritual person but have no fixed views about the subject and I believe that as long as a person’s religion isn’t harmful or oppressive to any other ethnic, social or religious group then I’m happy for them. My son goes to a Church of England school for no reason other than that it’s the local school and I think the values it instills are extremely important and have helped make my son into a lovely, caring and considerate person (though having a severely disabled brother has done that too). There is a lot of good to be found in religion, but like anything else it can have its destructive side. I love the “Desiderata” and I do believe that the Universe is unfolding as it should.
Thank you so much for your insightful comments, Ruth. It’s interesting that everyone who responded, including you, seems to have views similar to mine. I expected more opposition. I couldn’t agree more that as long as one’s views aren’t oppressive to anyone else, he/she should follow the path that feels right. That’s interesting about your son. My sons go to Catholic school just because it’s a good school. They don’t believe in the religion part (their own choice) but I’m happy that they are learning the values of ethics, service, charity, compassion, etc. I didn’t know you had a severely disabled son. Yes, I would imagine that has caused everyone in your family to grow in many ways. I do believe the universe is unfolding as it should, just as you do. Thanks, Ruth. So comforting to know there are so many like-minded friends to find out there! 🙂
Patricia,
I am a God fearing Christian woman. I am growing in my knowledge and ability to witness. God is very clear on the fact that to walk in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must not judge and we are to Love everyone just as he does and leave the judging to him! Anyone that goes to church and reads the bible agrees that it is God’s word. If you are to believe his word you must believe ALL of it. He States with complete clarity that cannot be denied that homosexuality IS an abomination. One of my very dear friends is a Lesbian and I pray for her. I still love her but that does not mean I have to agree with her lifestyle. I am not to judge her nor am I to condone and say that it is okay. The Lord warned us that as the end drew near before he comes back for Final judgement, the churches world would become Lukewarm. This is the same in his eyes as denying him. I’m certain right now there are many that are shaking their heads and quick to anger but that is Satan driving you to do so. If you truly ask God to reveal the truth to you, he indeed will. Sometimes we misconstrue that inner voice tugging at us for our own conscience when in fact it is the Holy Spirit trying to lead us. I will pray that the blood of Christ washes over you and brings to light that if you believe some of his word you MUST believe all of it or your efforts are in vain. I like to use a scenario my wonderful grandma used when witnessing.. “If your right and I’m wrong, I have nothing to lose and will not be out anything from leading a God filled life. However if I’m right and your wrong, though have EVERYTHING to loose.” The path to Hell will be very long and wide. We will ALL bow down before The Father and be judged whether we agree with all his teachings or not. I just pray to be in the book of life and not an eternity of burning. Salvation is Free and the poorest person has the exact same opportunity to gain eternal life as does the most wealthy. I do believe in my heart that all signs point to the very near return of Christ. Will you be ready or will you follow the ways of the world? The choice is ultimately up to you and your home in his mansion is yours if you are willing to give up the worldly treasures for his everlasting ones. Whether you are a Christian, searching or an unbeliever, I recommend you reading The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn. The facts he presents on God’s judgement of America are chilling to All.
Please find a moment to read this book. -God Bless
I am a God fearing Christian woman. I am growing in my knowledge and ability to witness. God is very clear on the fact that to walk in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must not judge and we are to Love everyone just as he does and leave the judging to him! Anyone that goes to church and reads the bible agrees that it is God’s word. If you are to believe his word you must believe ALL of it. He States with complete clarity that cannot be denied that homosexuality IS an abomination. One of my very dear friends is a Lesbian and I pray for her. I still love her but that does not mean I have to agree with her lifestyle. I am not to judge her nor am I to condone and say that it is okay. The Lord warned us that as the end drew near before he comes back for Final judgement, the churches world would become Lukewarm. This is the same in his eyes as denying him. I’m certain right now there are many that are shaking their heads and quick to anger but that is Satan driving you to do so. If you truly ask God to reveal the truth to you, he indeed will. Sometimes we misconstrue that inner voice tugging at us for our own conscience when in fact it is the Holy Spirit trying to lead us. I will pray that the blood of Christ washes over you and brings to light that if you believe some of his word you MUST believe all of it or your efforts are in vain. I like to use a scenario my wonderful grandma used when witnessing.. “If your right and I’m wrong, I have nothing to lose and will not be out anything from leading a God filled life. However if I’m right and your wrong, though have EVERYTHING to loose.” The path to Hell will be very long and wide. We will ALL bow down before The Father and be judged whether we agree with all his teachings or not. I just pray to be in the book of life and not an eternity of burning. Salvation is Free and the poorest person has the exact same opportunity to gain eternal life as does the most wealthy. I do believe in my heart that all signs point to the very near return of Christ. Will you be ready or will you follow the ways of the world? The choice is ultimately up to you and your home in his mansion is yours if you are willing to give up the worldly treasures for his everlasting ones. Whether you are a Christian, searching or an unbeliever, I recommend you reading The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn. The facts he presents on God’s judgement of America are chilling to All.
Please find a moment to read this book. -God Bless