Finding my path

I recently left Christianity couldn't connect to it. This being it was too judgmental and so many rules to follow just to get to Heaven. Plus my mom is a pastor and you may know how that can be. In recent months I've been researching Buddhism (Nichiren) and Wicca . The connection I feel with these two religions is AMAZING! But my dilemma is can one follow both paths and grow spiritually without them bumping heads?

[psychoslice]

Yes its a smorgus board out there, so many belief systems, I think its best to pick the best that resonates with you, and meditate on that. Being a Christian you might like to read Joel Goldsmith books, he's more of a Christian mystic, and interprets the scriptures in a more metaphorical way which makes more sense.

[the_crow]

Christian Mysticism is the only form of that religion that makes the slightest sense. I often suspect that Jesus would be horrified, knowing what his message became, in the hands of the unenlightened.

[psychoslice]

Yes I think he would Crow, if he ever existed that is.

[the_crow]

Don't you imagine he ever existed?
I see no reason not to believe he did.
But as an ordinary man, who became a very un-ordinary man, after his enlightenment.

[Teal]

Lol at psychoslice.
You know I think you can like and study any religion you want. Take a bit from each you like and run with it. Who says you have to pick one? Who says you have to like everything about just one. I think the thing is some stuff will make sense and others you will have to take the time to make it make sense.

[Eternal Paradox]

Originally Posted by ConradM

I recently left Christianity couldn't connect to it. This being it was too judgmental and so many rules to follow just to get to Heaven. Plus my mom is a pastor and you may know how that can be. In recent months I've been researching Buddhism (Nichiren) and Wicca . The connection I feel with these two religions is AMAZING! But my dilemma is can one follow both paths and grow spiritually without them bumping heads?

My advice is that you don't need a religion. What is wrong with having your own set of ideas that incorporates everything you believe? I find we feel a need to "fit in" or be lead by someone we believe has the answers.

The truth is no-one has the answers. That is the path I found. I consider my beliefs somewhere between Buddhism and Native American. I don't consider myself either though. Allow yourself and your ideas room to grow.

[the_crow]

This is what should, and could be so liberating about 'taoism'.
Being not so much a religion, as 'The Way'.
Unfortunately, people take this idea as a shortcut, and thus perform no actual work towards spiritual progress, in favour of claiming 'it's all cool, man, but if you disagree with how I see it, you're wrong'.
This is the somewhat dubious value of religion: it is an organized thing, with a structure, and there is value in that.
Just how much value, is up to the individual practitioner.

[Eternal Paradox]

Originally Posted by the_crow

This is what should, and could be so liberating about 'taoism'.
Being not so much a religion, as 'The Way'.
Unfortunately, people take this idea as a shortcut, and thus perform no actual work towards spiritual progress, in favour of claiming 'it's all cool, man, but if you disagree with how I see it, you're wrong'.
This is the somewhat dubious value of religion: it is an organized thing, with a structure, and there is value in that.
Just how much value, is up to the individual practitioner.

With structure comes rigidity as well. I see what you are saying, but I personal don't see any benefits of organized religion. Not that I think it is bad...I urge everyone to make their own choices and decide what is right so long as they are respectful of others beliefs.

I agree though about the "If you don't agree you're wrong" attitude. Though I think it exists in every single religion as well.

Personally tomorrow I'll be reading the Dhammapada and Egyptian book of the dead. Even if someone chooses to follow a single religion I'd urge them to explore others for ideas.

[the_crow]

Ha. I really can't do organized religion, either.
I've given it a decent good shot, too.
Some of us just aren't wired that way.

Discovering taoism was a breath of Spring: I recognized 99% of it, from first exposure, and the other 1% didn't take very long to understand.