On Religion: Just a Little Taste
I don’t feel the need to identify myself with a religion. I take nothing away from those that do though. For the most part, those who aspire to be religious have good intentions, they just need guidance, and religion can supply that guidance to them.
Often I tell those who enquire that I am not a religious man, but I am most likely the most spiritual man that they’ll ever meet. Say that to someone with conviction, depending on their capability to 1. comprehend what was just said, and 2. be objective, you might get an is-this-guy-crazy look. And the answer to that is Fuck yeah. One of the craziest you’ll meet. Also, one of the kindest.
I could never deny my Cherokee heritage that runs through my body like the water of the stream runs over jagged rocks, smoothing out time like a speckled stone, soothing my sadness, kissing my soul, ever constantly reminding me of a warrior who will never rest, a medicine man who sees spirits in a wisp of smoke and heals the mind with calmness, and a wise man who knows that humanity is our purpose, and that peace can always be found within the sound of the wind.
To be the best man I can be, to hold compassion as the key to life, this is my guide, not because religion says I should or I fear eternal damnation, but because it is human to do so.
© James Eric Watkins
Often I tell those who enquire that I am not a religious man, but I am most likely the most spiritual man that they’ll ever meet. Say that to someone with conviction, depending on their capability to 1. comprehend what was just said, and 2. be objective, you might get an is-this-guy-crazy look. And the answer to that is Fuck yeah. One of the craziest you’ll meet. Also, one of the kindest.
I could never deny my Cherokee heritage that runs through my body like the water of the stream runs over jagged rocks, smoothing out time like a speckled stone, soothing my sadness, kissing my soul, ever constantly reminding me of a warrior who will never rest, a medicine man who sees spirits in a wisp of smoke and heals the mind with calmness, and a wise man who knows that humanity is our purpose, and that peace can always be found within the sound of the wind.
To be the best man I can be, to hold compassion as the key to life, this is my guide, not because religion says I should or I fear eternal damnation, but because it is human to do so.
© James Eric Watkins
posted by Sir James Eric Watkins at 11:40 PM
11 Comments:
amen.
I can't attribute my spirituality to my heritage, but I do attribute my lack of religion on my history, if that makes sense...
Spirituality and kindness are more important, as far as I'm concerned, than aligning yourself with an organized religion. I think it's part of why we have such a mutual respect and friendship James. We think alike, especially about this.
*hug*
I love you
~E
And I you, much. very much indeed.
I would agree to you being correct about the thinking alike on this subject,in part, leading to a mutual friendship and respect between us (It's great isn't?).
The cherokee, it's something I feel. I definitely wasn't raised with this way in mind.
I have always felt connected to the earth and it's phenonena though, something mystical.
It's only been within the last few years, that for whatever reason, I've been "remembering."
correction: its
Oh, and that makes perfect sense.
It's just not right to send your a child to bed fearing satan and hell to the point that they cannot sleep, or have them dance around saying I love Jesus, I love jesus to they are about to pass out. or....ah that's enough that.
I am so screwed up, but I'm trying. And friends like you make that much more easy.
As I mature and age (as if those two things were dependant on each other or regarded as occurances a thing that influences the other thing), I realize the words Sir James speaks is truth here. Regardless of formal religious upbringing or not. And that is why he has my resspect and admiration. Peace, my brotha!
Thank you, Mike. As you know, I value your friendship, your admiration, and your respect. The feeling is definitely mutual.
To be in touch with your spirit and your soul is profound and enables you to see beyond, to know more. I'm not convinced that organised religion ever leads anyone to those deep insights. I always say, there are many paths to the top of the mountain, we each journey in our own way. There is no right or wrong. We each do what works for us. But what does appall me is the heinous crimes against humanity committed in the name of religion.
atyllah, thankx for dropping in and your viewpoint.
I used to think somewhat like that, "there is no right or wrong. We each do what works for us,"
I'm not so sure I agree though.
The further I go up the mountain, the more I realize that there is most definitely a right and a wrong. And that having that view does not coincide with: "But what does appall me is the heinous crimes against humanity committed in the name of religion."
That appalls me as well, but....
a serial killer may think it right to kill. Or a rapist may feel that raping works for him.
But I don't agree.
There are universal rights and wrongs.
Again. thank you for dropping in.
Congrats, much health and luck upon the impending arrival of the lil papoose bro! Blessings for a happy healthy birth. Peace bro, to you and yours! ^5erz!
Wow, linked to your blog from far away, and am glad I did.
I am always interested in others' theories on religion. You and I see through the same spectacles. Thank you for writing it down and sharing. There is comfort in finding someone who feels the same way on such a difficult topic.
Hope all is well with your family.
Welcome to this place.
I've been waiting for you.
If you liked this, I encourage to order a copy of Flowers & Vortexes. It is truly unique.
~ James
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