Spirituality: defined as ones relationship with thier higher power, do you agree?

Answer 1

I agree completely.

I have heard it said "Religion is for those who are afraid of going to hell, and Spirituality is for those of us who have been there.

My childhood was extremely hellish.

Answer 2

As the first response stated, I would like to add to this. When people say a true connection with there inner self, some people can get an impression it's like just dealing with self. Gnostics feel we were all created with this piece of god that can be grown and expanded. I full agree with this idea. How you do it doesn't matter but when you start to open you can't deny something isn't there.

Another theory which seems to have gnostic and kabbalah roots is before creation god went through a self realization which formed what some people call chaos. However I think it was fear and knowing what would have to be done to have something. It was as if god had exploded and all his pieces are in us. This is not to say God doesn't exist besides within us but it bringers an understanding that is very interesting. This is a very simple explanation but further study would be recommended if it interests you.

Answer 3

Well, not necessarily - different people's spirituality takes very different forms.

One thing to note about the definition you're suggesting is that it's based around the idea of power relationships - i.e. higher power, lesser power, dominant, submissive. While this is very common in countries with a strong Judaeo-Christian tradition, so that we don't even notice the underlying assumption, that view of things can act as a barrier to a lot of people.

Even if we take "their higher power" to mean a power or divinity within themselves, I think many people would be more naturally inclined to see spirituality in terms more of love than of power.

Answer 4

I don't think there has to be any higher power. I see it more as your relationship with your true inner self, whether this be acted out through a religion or meditation or just being.

Answer 5

I disagree.

Spirituality:
1. the quality or fact of being spiritual.
2. incorporeal or immaterial nature.
3. predominantly spiritual character as shown in thought, life, etc.; spiritual tendency or tone.
4. Often, spiritualities. property or revenue of the church or of an ecclesiastic in his or her official capacity.

Answer 6

Yes. We are here to know and worship God. We can only know God through the Manifestation of God (e.g. Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab, Baha'u'llah).

Answer 7

Yes, whatever that HP may be