Spiritual but not given to any particular faith...?

Question

This question is for those who are spiritual, but don't have a particular faith.. If someone was just starting on a spiritual path like yours.. what advice/recommendations, books, websites would you give them?

Thanks in advance for your kind assistance.

Answer 1

I would recommend beginning with the hallicinogenic-influenced classics such as "The Doors of Perception" by Aldous Huxley and the works of Carlos Castaneda,then deepening
with non-deist philosophy,particularly Schopenhauer's "The World as Will and Idea" and also pretty much everything by Carl Jung. Understanding ancient formations (deisms) of spirituality is best explored by reading Joseph Campbell and his adherents,although one should be careful to avoid his pure-science sociology perspective,which to my mind is just a matter of going from one extreme to another. He debunks deism,but with it all spirituality. But the real starting point is recognition of the difference between metaphysics and physical law. And of course the courage to create one's own path. It's like taking a plunge into undergrowth in a heavily forested area. Others have been there before,but no one has left a path. You may not either. It doesn't matter; what matters is your understanding of the spirituality that pervades the universe and your relationship with this largely uncharted domain or aspect of what we call reality. Thank you,Kallan. It's a very good question. I am sure anyone whose convictions trend toward non-deist spirituality deeply appreciates such consideration,as well as the interest in our views.

Answer 2

That's a very interesting and thought-provoking question. I think I have two quick (although most likely not satisfactory) answers. First, God does not always provide the "fruit" right after. Otherwise it would make things too easy. That gets back to the whole why do good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people questions. Second, sometimes we have received the "fruit" but we don't realize it. I'm reminded of a woman I met on my mission. She knew she should join the church, but she wanted a sign, or some sort of divine confirmation that she should. She prayed and prayed over it. One night while she was praying, the Spirit whispered to her, you've already received your answer. You don't need more. Good luck, and Happy New Year

Answer 3

Though I am of a specific faith, I would hope to give you some beneficial advice.
Man is by nature self-destructive. The path to Follow God or gain spiritual enlightenment involves putting aside your wants and desires, and maybe even stepping outside of what you maybe comfortable with, to do that which will bring you closer to God. Even if you are not interested in following Christ, his teachings have a universal value to them. By trying to follow what He teaches, I have found comfort, peace and joy beyond all description. I have found strength where none was to be had. I have been comforted in moments of such despair that I wanted to end it all, and that comfort I was given has supported me through countless other times of trouble.
So in short the advice I would give you is to study the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, and apply them in your life. As you do so you will find more than an abundance of spiritual enlightenment.

Answer 4

Well I'd say books on ever type of spiritual belief. It's really the best way to decide where your truth is. It's hard to say that because of so many books but, I think you let your higher self guide you as to the books you pick up. It won't let you down.

Answer 5

Go on line or to the library and research different faiths, beliefs, non religious based beliefs etc. There are thousands.
I have asked ?'s on different "beliefs" on here. It did not get me far. I would just type in religion or science, or atheism. Something like that should take you right to it. GL

Answer 6

Hmm.. so I suppose you're sort of just looking for the truth instead of committing to a specific religion right away?

I guess it would be best to explore religions and and dig deeper once you find something that looks promising.

Answer 7

http://www.psychics.co.uk
this is where I began my journey ( in a conscious way anyway )
although it is a psychic reading site , it is also a spiritual site with great people and great info and education

as far as books go
Coversations with God by Neale Donald Walsh ( I feel like a parrot now I repeat that so much lol )

and also any books concerning the spirit guide Silver Birch
http://website.lineone.net/~enlightenment/maurice_barbanell.htm

Answer 8

We are spiritual beings exploring and building our world.

God exists. But religion is man-made and has nothing to do with trying to understand God....rather, religion tries to gain control over people, land and materials to built itself up.

Be spiritual. Explore creation and try to seek God honestly. But DO distrust religion - often it's just another word for cult, regardless of which one you choose.

Answer 9

I was going to pass on this question, because it was not written to me,
however after reading you question and the answers that we given i find that I must.
I would not recommend any books, they are all written by people with their view points, and all are based to lead in their direction.

I would recommend for them to search themselves, find where their beliefs are, and then follow those beliefs, to the writing that more closely follow what their inner spirit leads them to.
if we are honest with them and with ourselves, we all want them to believe the way that we do, and any suggestion we give will be in an effort to lead them in the way that we believe.
and that is not always the path that they are given to follow.
we are given the path that we are to follow, but the real truth will search each of us out.

Answer 10

I guess it's because Agnostics don't really believe in God that we listen pretty hard to what he has to say.

The Bible and The Koran are must reads. But read them cover to cover. Not just the verses the Fundies like.

"Siddartha"--Herman Hesse
"The Screwtape Letters"--C.S. Lewis
"Letter to the Earth"--Mark Twain
"The Spiral Dance"--Starhawk

and my personal favorite, "Small Gods"--Terry Pratchett.

"Small Gods" is the best analysis of hierarchical religions that I've ever read, and it's rolling on the floor hilarious.