reluctantexan --

Let me get this straight:  I post a comment in which I make an argument that appeals entirely to logic, specifically the law of non-contradiction, and you reply by making a judgement about my mental state by labeling me as "negative" and that my comments don't even deserve consideration by the original poster?   Do you have any justification for this kind of ad hominem response?

But regarding the rest of your post...

According to BuddhaNet, a major Buddhist website:

"There is no almighty God in Buddhism. There is no one to hand out rewards or punishments on a supposedly Judgement Day. Buddhism is strictly not a religion in the context of being a faith and worship owing allegiance to a supernatural being."

Ok, so maybe BuddhaNet, me, and practically everyone else is wrong on this issue.  That's possible.  But this can be easily settled by you telling me who this God is in Buddhism and why BuddhaNet is so confused about the religion they espouse?

Hi Sandra,

I'll take a different approach in my reply and answer your question as to if anyone else has felt the same, and stay away from quotes and book recommendations at this time.

I am Christian, but am also Native American/American Indian. I was raised Christian and knew nothing of my ancestory until junior high. That being said, I have always felt a "pull" of something different inside from what I was raised around. I believe in God, but am more Spiritual than religious.

At one point in my life, I met another Native woman that I bonded with, had a lot in common with and began a long distance friendship with, with only two meetings in person. She ridiculed me for "picking and choosing" aspects of each of my lives-the "white man life" and the "native life". Deep in my heart, I knew she was wrong for doing so and I was already confused enough. We each have our own beliefs, some being simple and others being complicated, but can we say that anothers is wrong if it is not harming anyone?  There is a reason you are seeking something other than what you grew up with, and it's really not uncommon from the people I've talked with. It's part of our nature to seek out what others believe in, what makes them them, makes them tick, to find out what more there is to learn in this life than what we've only known up to this point. I find now that I am completely comfortable with my beliefs from "both lives" and don't need validation from anyone. I don't force my beliefs on them and ask that they don't force their beliefs on me.

I congratulate you for answering the call and ask all that you come into contact with to be tolerant, as we each cannot have the exact same beliefs, thought processes, etc. We cannot always explain the desires that come up from within, but that does not make these desires wrong when there are no words to have others understand them.

Blessed journey, Heather-Soapwood

What a fascinating discussion. I wanted to share with you that after growing up Methodist I felt pulled to search in other areas. For me the difference between religion and spirituality is profound and in speaking with others I see this as the single largest block to most people's spiritual development. I applaud you for your desire to seek more spiritual connection beyond your current religious path. I second many other's who say the search and development of our spiritual nature deepens whatever faith tradition we chose to follow. I, like many Christians, became unenamored with traditional Christianity. I pretty much left organized religion and went seeking via many aspects such as meditation, yoga, Native American spirituality, and even studied Buddhism. What I found was the Divinity within myself that connects me to what I call God. I also found my way back to Christianity in its lesser known Esoteric or Mystical incarnation. Now when I want the social and uplifting experience of church I attend Unity, but I enjoy any event that deepens my spiritual understanding. For me a faith that says you cannot partake in other forms of spiritual awarenes is not faith, it is a dogma that is filled with "should's and shouldn'ts". I could not feel at home in that atmosphere, but completely honor anyone who does. So I definitely believe that one "can practice their faith and still explore other spiritual practices" and indeed they should! I feel an obligation to become my most highest spiritual Self and for me this has nothing at all to do with religion and everything to do with my personal connection to God.

Many Blessings,

Rebecca Blue Heron