Jim's Cafe, Sunday, March 22, 202

[Lane]

Hello SF friends. I hope youre all doing as well as possible today.

I was wondering if anyone here goes to church? If so, how does it enhance your life.

Also, what is your definition of spirituality and do you incorporate it in your life?

Thanks for taking the the time to read and answer.

@Angie @cymbele @KM76710 @seabird @chiastic_slide @Deadsoon @Kiwi2016 @SillyOldBear

 

[Lane]

@Witty_Sarcasm @1Lefty @may71 @JMG @AvidFan @LumberJack @AmberMarie @Road to Nowhere

 

[Lane]

@full @Pebble mouse @meow124 @Oizys Moros @Gonz @cev77 @Mid Night @total eclipse

 

[Lane]

@JanisSPK @Baywasp @1964dodge @cinnnamonflakez @Harrow @Bergerac @Winslow @FFurry

 

[Lane]

@JacekPolska @Fbr27 @lovelydevon @Lekatt @Mr Polite @Inastorm @nicktheundoer @Innocent Forever

 

[Lane]

I grew up Cathlic, but never a strong presence in the household. My mother was an atheist although she sent my sister's to catholic school. When my children were little I dabbled in Wicca.

I haven't been to church or practiced any religion in decades. I do try to treat people respectfully, not lie, and basically just be a good person. Thinking possibly of going to a non denominational church. Feel like I need some motivation or spirituality in life. I used to volunteer for PTA, girl a d boy scouts. I thought thru a church I could do that again.

 

[Lane]

@I_waste_everything @littlebears @Lonely dude30 @Auri @Congratsbaby @Holding my breath @TragicReality @Sassy Cat

 

[cev77]

As a clergy sexual abuse survivor I haven‘t had good experiences at church. However I remain spiritual. I pray a lot, sometimes listen to Christian music, and use some religious groups on social media. To me spirituality is about being a part of something bigger than myself.

 

[cymbele]

Like you, @Lane I grew up Catholic. Always seemed empty and remote and I resented the Church's viewpoint on women and that they should be obedient to a man although I never understood why. (I'm female for those who don't know). Most kids my age wanted to be confirmed so they could stop going to church. So I dropped out also even though I would pray giving thanks to God for being able to offer gifts and food to others.

Fast forward forty years to the time of separation and divorce I contacted the Catholic church to help rebuild the marriage. The local church didn't have time but an evangelical church made time. I started attending but the divorce came and I dropped out due to suicide attempts. After the divorce I started to go to that church as well as their DivorceCare program and I started to go to church and have a personal relationship with God. But God told me I was moving on and although I was angry at having to change eventually I accepted and waited. i figured God was going to tell me to move across the country or go on a mission but it turned out all He wanted me to do was switch local churches. It was good since the evangelical church didn't want to answer questions of doubt and where I am does.

This is too long and goes on But now I have to go to church (the new one). I have been here for at least 16 years. I could go on if you want; I haven't started on the philosophy. If you want to hear more please indicate and I will continue.

 

[JMG]

I was wondering if anyone here goes to church? If so, how does it enhance your life.

Also, what is your definition of spirituality and do you incorporate it in your life?

Thanks for posting a cafe for today Lane, and for tagging me too

1. No, I don’t go to church and never really have. I didn’t grow up in a religious family at all. Religion has always kinda confused me a bit tbh.

2. Spirituality to me is just being connected to yourself and to the universe. How I incorporate it into my life is by doing my best to be a good, kind and caring person, doing my best to do no harm, to help when I can and just to hopefully make the world a better place, even if it is in a small and limited way. Better than being a hellion who is a menace to society imo. I also try hard to never lie. White lies are an exception of course, but even them I try to be very careful with.

 

[Congratsbaby]

Hello SF friends. I hope youre all doing as well as possible today.

I was wondering if anyone here goes to church? If so, how does it enhance your life.

Also, what is your definition of spirituality and do you incorporate it in your life?

Thanks for taking the the time to read and answer.

@Angie @cymbele @KM76710 @seabird @chiastic_slide @Deadsoon @Kiwi2016 @SillyOldBear

Thankyou for the tag , in the later post. The picture is cute xD , quoting this though so I can overlook the question while typing.

I do not go to the church.

That's a good question , I don't think I have a fix set of definition for spirituality. I am trying to find the answer myself , not specifically but , I have questioned this and I believe through the course of my lifetime I may achieve the answer or it may keep shifting , from one meaning to another for me. Right now , i see it as a higher sense of conscience , empathy and intelligence too but intelligence can be of many types , but a particular type I can't really explain here lol. I do think , I try my best to do it. I don't necessarily see it or do it as me trying to be spiritual per say , just certain values I align with and with which I try to live my life.

You're welcome , thankyou for the tag and effort 💚

 

[may71]

If you want to hear more please indicate and I will continue.

I would like to hear more, please continue

 

[may71]

I was wondering if anyone here goes to church?

I've been going to both Hindu and Buddhist satsangs. I can't say that I have any one religion, since I don't necessarily buy, or even understand all aspects of any one particular religion. I think I may be a taoist in the sense that I'm trying to follow the true right way.

I think the essence of spirituality is a sense of devotion to the greater good.

 

[seabird]

@Lane hi, thanks for the cafe, & tag. Goodness is a powerful topic. : )

I do not go to church. Ex catholic, I stopped attending mass as soon as I left home at 17.

I admit I have a deep distrust of spiritual groups which involve a hierarchical power structure.

I've studied a (very) little of a few teachings, spent time at a Kundalini ashram, read a little bit about Hinuism, Buddhism, and, peripherally some autobiographies of women who've left certain fundamentalist organisations.

I was born with a little too much sensitivity one could say. I feel connected to and have a regard for everything, and I try to respect and enjoy communicating with almost everyone on this planet during this event we call life.

Best to you @Lane. 🌞☕️💐

 

[AmberMarie]

Thank you @Lane for opening. And for the tag.

This can be a very controversial conversation. You are quite brave to touch on the subject. i appreciate that, as you did so in a nice direction.

I was wondering if anyone here goes to church?
i used to every Sunday.

If so, how does it enhance your life.
my entire family would go. It brought us closer together as we were in the puppet ministry together.

Also, what is your definition of spirituality and do you incorporate it in your life?
It was extremely positive in our life. i consider myself as non-denominational, as there is no religion that i agree with entirely. So i take bits and pieces that i agree with and add them together. Kinda like the platypus. Maybe that's what i should call what i believe... the platypus religion.

 

[Angie]

I was wondering if anyone here goes to church? If so, how does it enhance your life.

I dabble with church attendance. My social anxiety gets in the way. Also, this morning I discovered all my church clothes are three sizes too big lol I believe in Christian values and theology wise I'm somewhere between Baptist and Presbyterian.

Also, what is your definition of spirituality and do you incorporate it in your life?

I listen to Christian music. I find the message in the lyrics to be comforting and encouraging. I listen to theology lectures and take notes.

As far as how I incorporate these teachings, I go back to what Jesus said, love God and love your neighbor. I try to pay attention to the people around me and I pray for them, offer a listening ear and drop little gifts by their apartments.

Great topic @Lane and bravo for how you presented it!

 

[LumberJack]

Thanks for tagging me @Lane and I enjoy the little pictures.

I was wondering if anyone here goes to church? If so, how does it enhance your life.
I don’t go to church exactly. I am fairly active in my local meditation center. On Sunday morning there’s usually a 2 hour meditation session open to the public. Occasionally there are Buddhism classes, which I very much enjoy.

I would say this enhances my life by being an anchor for my sanity. There are other people who are more practiced than I am, and I learn from their examples. Especially to keep my sense of humor. There are others who are just as crazy as I am and we can support each other in our mutual struggles.

Also, what is your definition of spirituality and do you incorporate it in your life?
Spirituality, for me, is the cultivation of peace, both within and outside of ourselves. When I want someone to be happy, including myself, what I really mean is for them to be at peace. With themselves, their loved ones, and their circumstances. Health fades, wealth is more trouble than it’s worth (look at the very rich; they are as miserable as anyone else despite having so much money that they couldn’t spend it in ten lifetimes), but to be at peace is an asset that cannot be taken away. It can be lost, but it’s easier to get back once you’ve found it before.

Putting this into practice, it comes down to my awareness. When I lose my temper or feel overwhelmed with fear and despair, I can notice that and feel compassion for that part that is suffering. Then, I can turn my attention to the present and ask what I can do, or what I need and what I might do to address that need. I’m rarely successful at this, but it is a plan, nonetheless.

 

[Inastorm]

Thanks for opening the cafe and the tag @Lane.

I used to go to church when I was a child and growing up until about 13 or 14 - went to bible class and was in the choir.

However, I lost interest. My friend at the time was the vicar's son, so was fun to hang out at the church and at his house.

I tend to dislike every religion now for a mixture of reasons - even Buddhism, which is the only one which makes some sense to me. I find religion in general oppressive and self centred. I get quite upset about the gender oppression and the way men tend to use it as a means to be dominant and control over women, that includes Christianity as well as the others - so in that vein, no thanks - but I do take on elements of Buddhism, such as peace love and kindness.

 

[Lane]

Like you, @Lane I grew up Catholic. Always seemed empty and remote and I resented the Church's viewpoint on women and that they should be obedient to a man although I never understood why. (I'm female for those who don't know). Most kids my age wanted to be confirmed so they could stop going to church. So I dropped out also even though I would pray giving thanks to God for being able to offer gifts and food to others.

Fast forward forty years to the time of separation and divorce I contacted the Catholic church to help rebuild the marriage. The local church didn't have time but an evangelical church made time. I started attending but the divorce came and I dropped out due to suicide attempts. After the divorce I started to go to that church as well as their DivorceCare program and I started to go to church and have a personal relationship with God. But God told me I was moving on and although I was angry at having to change eventually I accepted and waited. i figured God was going to tell me to move across the country or go on a mission but it turned out all He wanted me to do was switch local churches. It was good since the evangelical church didn't want to answer questions of doubt and where I am does.

This is too long and goes on But now I have to go to church (the new one). I have been here for at least 16 years. I could go on if you want; I haven't started on the philosophy. If you want to hear more please indicate and I will continue.

Thanks for sharing the info. S and im glad that you found a church that answers your questions. I always like to hear what you have to say. You helped give me an idea of what to look for in a church. Sure, I'd like to hear more when you're up to it.

 

[Lane]

As a clergy sexual abuse survivor I haven‘t had good experiences at church. However I remain spiritual. I pray a lot, sometimes listen to Christian music, and use some religious groups on social media. To me spirituality is about being a part of something bigger than myself.

Im glad that you have avenues toward your spirituality @cev77 and that your negative experience hasn't stopped you from practicing.