Atheist?

I don't consider myself an atheist and I find It odd to be described by something you don't have rather than what one does have. I do consider myself a very spiritual person but I'm just not very big on the God concept. That also includes that Jesus did not die for my sins. Beyond that I think there's lots to talk about in spirituality but I was just thinking, if I had to summarize it, this kind of clears the air. I have listened to Christian testimonies my entire life. I finally feel like I could give one but it would point more to Buddhist practice than orthodox Christian beliefs.

Spirituality

I often think about how I seem to be happier with my spirituality than I ever have been. I consider myself a Christian and have weekly fellowship as I attend the worship service. Even the name worship service is a bit of a problem though because more and more I see us praising God and assigning all these attributes to this figure. I also think that most people's theology probably comes from the hymns which in many ways are questionable are on the edge of the beliefs that the church ascribes to.

It was interesting This Sunday as our pastor prefers to use kin-dom to kingdom. This was the first time in a year that she really went into a specific reservation like this as it was Christ the King Sunday. She mentioned how King is not a term that we are familiar with, is not friendly or approachable, and has the markings of patriarchy. So for her the word has complicated baggage in feeling like it's bringing injustice to the world. The language is one of submission so it is not productive or caring and just feels wrong. She said it's okay to grow and learn and wrestle with a concept. It was a common term in biblical days and there was a contrast of Jesus who washed feet and ate with sinners. He forgave and practiced radical compassion. She said pastoral candidates are asked "How do you interpret Jesus is Lord. The correct answer is "He rules, I submit."

I am much farther out from standard Christian teachings but I reserve the right to define my own interpretation of Jesus. I think in the past I always thought that it was odd when people did that and that they should stick to the the teachings of their particular denomination. I couldn't understand how they could still be attending that particular church but now I am outside the mainstream and continue to attend. I am comfortable with my decision. If I started attending a Buddhist congregation on a weekly basis, I suppose that could change. Right now it is once a month and I sometimes am unable to attend.

"The Buddhist wisdom of selflessness is the unique character of Buddhism. This subtle understanding of our ego (egolessness), and the nature of reality in general, attract many educated people throughout the world. This subtle philosophy of life embedded in an ethic of happiness draws more and more non-Buddhists to the Buddhist way of life. Most non-Buddhists continue to follow their own religion inherited from their families. Yet many adopt a variety of Buddhist approaches to solving some of life’s more difficult challenges." 

"Following in the Footsteps of the Buddha" by Dr Barry Kerzin from One Dharma – Many Buddhist Traditions

Dogen’s 4 Key Teachings

Dogen’s 4 Key Teachings by Lion's Roar

Cultural Christian

I think a lot about my relationship to Christianity as I become more and more devoted to Zen Buddhist practice and thought. Today I kind of realized that I've decided in my spiritual journey to be a cultural Christian. I will remain in the church with my family and continue in my leadership positions. In the church I have been able to help people in their spiritual journey and have an ability to answer questions. I see no reason to give up that role as it does not conflict but rather is part of Zen Buddhist practice in which as an ordinary human being like everyone else, I vow to live aiming at the well-being of everyone, as the direction of my own life. 

I rejected a long time ago the notion that Christianity involves choosing either to follow Christ or to remain in the “evil world” or “paganism.” I think I have become quite the student of the Bible and am very comfortable having a Bible study focused on the biblical text and the context in which they were written. I have led quite a few Bible studies. I have also studied various authors on the spiritual path for a long time but have never found one that stuck are worked for me. I think that also helps me In being able to discuss their spiritual journey with people. I have previously said the parts of Christianity I like the best are Buddhist.

Most non-Buddhists continue to follow their own religion inherited from their families. Yet many adopt a variety of Buddhist approaches to solving some of life’s more difficult challenges." 

"Following in the Footsteps of the Buddha" by Dr Barry Kerzin from One Dharma – Many Buddhist Traditions