Why is it that out of all world religions, Christianity seems the least spiritual?

Question

I realize this may strike a nerve among Christians users on this site but this is merely an observation/opinion of mine.

To me, it seems that religions such as Paganism, Buddhism, and even Judaism seem much more spiritually oriented than Christianity. Christianity seems to focus more on spreading the word/converting others, fear of damnation, and doctrine/dogma.

Before you state that I don't understand what Christianity is "about", I do. I was raised Christian. I understand what it is supposed to be about however it seems indoctrine takes precedence above all else.

gg28ltl1s you prove my point perfectly. Instead of answering my question, you immediately jump into trying to convert me. My point exactly. Indoctrine takes precedence.

Answer 1

I understand what you are saying. There are some churches that are more concerned about dogma that actual spiritual things. There are a few reasons behind this. First, it depends on the church. There are some that are very, very spiritual. Next, some people associate being "spiritual" with being new age or Pagan. They do not associate it with something that is for Christianity at all. Some people state that spirituality and following a religion are two opposite things. Third, some Christians believe that the one thing they are here to do is to spread the gospel. Yes, that is important, but it's not the only thing that we should be doing on earth. I think some Christians are very spiritual because they are in touch with the creator of this universe so deeply that every moment they live is a time of prayer, praise, and worship. That is how I live my life. I wish more people were like that. It is an amazing life.

Answer 2

Hi Christy. The question you ask is going to cause many to try to "convert" you...however, Religious Freedom is supposed to be for everyone, of every religion. I have been a practicing pagan for my entire life. (47 years) I descend from a long line of Stregga Nonas (Italian witches) on my mothers side, and on my fathers side, is the Jewish half. Needless to say, it was quite fun in our home. The Jewish religion is actually considered a form of paganism simply because of the fact that many of the 'rituals' are done at home, and not a public place of gathering. As far as the Italian side is concerned, when the Catholic Church began "converting" its followers, those who chose not to convert were put to death and all they owned was confiscated by the Church. (and people wonder why the Church is so rich??) Those who were intelligent enough to play the game correctly, chose life and basically let the Church think they had won. And the various Gods/Goddesses became the angels and saints. (Hasn't it ever struck anyone odd that the Christians claim to be monothesiastic, yet also pray to numerous other heavenly beings??) However, even though the masses may have attended services every Sunday, they still celebrated their pagan holidays with their traditional pagan rituals...hence the Church decided that if you can't beat them, join them...in a sense. So, what the Church did was to take the various pagan holidays/customs and tweak them a bit to make it Church approved. For instance, Ostara became the Christian Easter...oddly enough, the coloring of eggs, the theme of rebirth, etc didn't change much. All Hallows Eve is/was Samhein, and our favorite...Christmas/Yule. As for other religions being more spiritual...of course they are, because the other religions are not out to convert everyone to their religion. It's not a contest of numbers, as it seems to be with the Christians. It's about being on a spiritual journey and being allowed to follow whatever path you so desire...not one that you are forced to conform to. Religion should never be about fear or converting or repeatedly reciting a litany of garbage that is shoved down your throat that you can not question...it's a personal experiece that SHOULD be different from everyone elses, because it is YOUR experience and as in snowflakes, no two people are alike. Even in Judaism, one is encouraged to ask questions even if they are perceived as bucking the system. Whereas in Christianity, any question that is perceived as being in conflict with the churches teachings is frowned upon. Anyway, I've said enough and I'm sure I've ruffled some feathers...but that's fine. That's what freedom is all about... "I will defend with my life the right for all people to believe what they choose, even if I myself do not."

Nemaste...Lady Grey Wolf

Answer 3

If you think that there are not any Christians who would know what you are talking about, you are wrong. I have been a Christian for 32 years, and I don’t like what I see happening in most of the church. II Tim 3:1-5 has certainly come to pass.

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

The best thing that we can do is to seek out the raiment who still follow after the Lord, and do our best to educate the others.

Answer 4

Other religions, like Islam and Buddhism, seek converts. So do Mormons.

If other religions seem more spiritual to you, this is a reflection of your own experiences with Christianity. I don't fault you in any way, you should recognize this fact. People have negative experiences with the religion they grew up with, and view others in a more positive light. Nothing wrong with that.

.

Answer 5

Christian tradition dictates that followers look to preachers, priests and pastors for spiritual guidance. Some do spend time reading and praying, but typically less time than the average buddhist or shintoist who spends several hours a day meditating. Muslims pray 5 times a day minimum, Christians aren't under such strict regiments, so they tend to let life take up most of their time.

Answer 6

I have been called christian , preacher, elect/chosen/called , and many other more unlikeable names but it is the way of life that I have chosen for myself and teach my children these beliefs that they may at least have an understanding to help them chose later in life. I am a peaceful, fun, loving individual that have achieved - with help due to my belief - an incredible inner peace & joy. To say the christianity is not spiritual only allows an understanding that there is room for much study and learning in the future. I wish you and all those that will/are attempting to learn/become good brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ the same success that I have obtained including this inner spiritual peace and love for all mankind no matter what their individual choices in religious beliefs. AMEN!

Answer 7

I see what you mean, but I think it's just Christianity today. With the dawn of Modernism, Christianity took a less spiritual and more rational base. I know the hardcore atheists will laugh at that idea, but it's not the same type of rationality. :)

This is really reflected in the Christian theology/philosophy written during time periods. In the pre-modern era it was all spiritual experiences with God, etc. Modernism saw theologians attempting to use logic to explain faith and thus the more spiritual aspect of it suffered.

With postmodernism becoming more and more relevant, I think you'll see a trend in Christianity becoming more spiritual than it has been these past few decades.

Answer 8

Yes, you're quite correct. Churchianity has replaced Christianity as a cult of believers rather than practitioners. It's become an easy way out for all one really must do according to modern day Christian dogma is ask Christ's forgiveness and you've done your atonement.

Answer 9

You may have been 'raised Christian', but you don't know the Savior and Lord of heaven and earth! He wasn't very "spiritual" in the eyes of His Spiritual leaders of the day. They constantly accused Him of NOT doing God's will. Being "raised in a garage" don't make you a Mercedes, or in a barn don't make you a tractor.
You are making quite a judgment and comparing "Christ-followers" with pagan religions and their ritual and rites and outward appearances, or seeming spirituality.
The Bible says God looks on the heart of a man anyway, not about his observances or dress or how many times a day he prays and remember that "if you give all you have and even give your body to be burned and have not LOVE, it profits you NOTHING! You Do recognize those religious teachings don't you? You may have been, all your life "churched" like me.
Be careful..., and I pray you allow God to minister to your disappointments and wounds and shows you the WAY. I've BEEN on that fruitless journey..., it 's going NOWHERE!!
Get to know HIM and stop trying to find spirituality!! Ask Jesus to make Himself REAL to YOU if He is a REAL God and was a REAL man.., (if you dare?) and forget the religious stuff!

Answer 10

You obviously have never experienced a living Christian spirituality and there are many. The Christian mystical and contemplative tradition is magnificent. Read St Teresa of Avila