Druidry is growing around the world as people look for a spiritual practice that does not require strict obedience to a set of rules imposed by others.
Many folks look for specific instructions on how to contact a spiritual advisor or deity. Druidry does not give specific directions. Rather, it suggests that every person reach out to the Otherworld in their own way. This is similar to what practitioners of other belief systems do, including variations of Shamanism, the Asian term used for native belief systems in cultures around the world. Each has been modified as people adapt the principles to better fit the cultural traditions they know and are comfortable with.
This is also true of other spiritual traditions that live on in their cultures despite attempts by newer religious organizations to stamp them out. Sadly, this strategy has been the root of many wars -- the belief that one way is right and all others are evil. Politics and economics are usually cited as the causes of military conflict, but an underlying reason is often religious.
When conversations mix politics and religion, the result often leads to argument and violence. Add economics to the mix, and on a national level, this means war.
Some preachers assail faith healers as wishful thinkers or at worst as devil worshippers, especially those who do not share the same spiritual beliefs. And they criticize physicians who do not emphasize the healing power of faith. There is room for both. Each contributes to a person's well being. They both are healers -- one through faith and the other through the physical. That's why medical healers are called physicians.
Conflicts often arise between physicians and faith healers. It's not likely that some faith healers will abandon their criticism of medics, but it is possible to counter-balance what they say. They rely on their right to freedom of speech, but those who disagree can do the same.
A problem arises when radical preachers claim that right for themselves but want to take it away from others. At the same time, a preacher may want to establish his belief system as somehow official and others are unconstitutional.
In this context, some will ask which religion or belief system is best?
The answer is the one that works best for you. Find a spiritual path that is comfortable for you to follow and stay on it regardless of what others may say.
There is a temptation to share the cause of your spiritual or religious comfort with others in such a way as to convert them to your belief system.
Many folks look for specific instructions on how to contact a spiritual advisor or deity. Druidry does not give specific directions. Rather, it suggests that every person reach out to the Otherworld in their own way. This is similar to what practitioners of other belief systems do, including variations of Shamanism, the Asian term used for native belief systems in cultures around the world. Each has been modified as people adapt the principles to better fit the cultural traditions they know and are comfortable with.
This is also true of other spiritual traditions that live on in their cultures despite attempts by newer religious organizations to stamp them out. Sadly, this strategy has been the root of many wars -- the belief that one way is right and all others are evil. Politics and economics are usually cited as the causes of military conflict, but an underlying reason is often religious.
When conversations mix politics and religion, the result often leads to argument and violence. Add economics to the mix, and on a national level, this means war.
Some preachers assail faith healers as wishful thinkers or at worst as devil worshippers, especially those who do not share the same spiritual beliefs. And they criticize physicians who do not emphasize the healing power of faith. There is room for both. Each contributes to a person's well being. They both are healers -- one through faith and the other through the physical. That's why medical healers are called physicians.
Conflicts often arise between physicians and faith healers. It's not likely that some faith healers will abandon their criticism of medics, but it is possible to counter-balance what they say. They rely on their right to freedom of speech, but those who disagree can do the same.
A problem arises when radical preachers claim that right for themselves but want to take it away from others. At the same time, a preacher may want to establish his belief system as somehow official and others are unconstitutional.
In this context, some will ask which religion or belief system is best?
The answer is the one that works best for you. Find a spiritual path that is comfortable for you to follow and stay on it regardless of what others may say.
There is a temptation to share the cause of your spiritual or religious comfort with others in such a way as to convert them to your belief system.
If they ask, go ahead and share. Otherwise, don't do it, because what works for you may not work for others.
That way madness lies.
That way madness lies.
No comments:
Post a Comment