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