Spirituality is at the center of Christianity. God is Spirit and Jesus says if we want to reach Him we must worship Him in spirit. Jhn 4:23 “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”

Regardless of your interpretation of man’s spirituality here are some quick tips for inner peace, from an article written by a Co-Writer and sister in the Lord:

by Katturphil

“We are not just human beings; we are spiritual beings, having a human experience!” The moment I heard this statement it resonated within my being, at the very core of my spirit. Although I did not fully understand the profound implications of this statement at the time, I somehow knew that I was about to undergo a life changing experience that would forever change the way I perceive myself and humanity as a whole.

While strongly rooted in Christian ideology during adolescence and the greater part of early adulthood, I was left with a sense that something was missing; I felt incomplete. Although I continued to grow spiritually throughout life, I began to question everyone and everything in search of a deeper truth that I intuitively knew existed within me. There had to be more to the equation in connection to the balance of God, spirituality and humanity than what I had been taught to believe my entire life.

This deeper truth meant that an intense evaluation of my inner self (self awareness) would not only be necessary; it would be essential in finding the balance I sought by fusing my core Christian beliefs with the essence of my spirituality. Integrating both meant finally being able to live in harmony with myself and others, while giving me an even greater understanding and appreciation of nature.

The path to inner peace begins by learning how and why the human ego exists. The human ego plays a vital role in our conditioned thought processes; which are programmed responses we develop throughout our lives beginning with infancy. These conditioned thought processes, also known as the human ego, can best be described as, that little voice in our head. This attachment to the human ego is the justification we use in determining how and why we react to or control ourselves, others and situations around us that inevitably arise in our daily lives.

The result of identifying and subsequently letting go of the human ego is the beginning of awareness; which is living in the present moment. In doing so, a shift in perception takes place and ultimately brings balance within. And the good news is that once realized, it only takes a moment to undo years, even decades, of conditioned thought processes that had once imprisoned many of us to a life of victimization; thus, allowing the presence of peace within (inner peace), even in the midst of adversity, chaos, crisis, emotional dysfunction and stress.

The study of spiritual awareness literature has given me a significantly greater insight and appreciation to understanding how and why the human ego plays such a critical role in our lives. I’ve learned the importance of living in the present; also known as, “The Now,” some call it “a Space or Pause.” While others refer to it as a, “State of Consciousness.”

The insightful writings and teachings of author “Eckhart Tolle” have been and continue to be an inspiration to me. They have become an essential element in my journey. His writing style is easy to read and comprehend; no matter the individuals social status, geography, age, race or gender. It is an immense effort to collectively educate and bring enlightenment to individuals and humanity.

* Quick tips that you may find helpful on your journey to inner peace.

* Let go of ego

A key to ending conflict and suffering both personally and universally. Learn how manipulating and destructive the human ego is. Start today with educating yourself about spiritual awareness through reading, by keeping your own personal journal and begin a practice of meditation; even if it is only for short periods of time at first.

* Recognize that we all carry within us a Pain-Body

Learn how the pain-body feeds on your thoughts, and how the pain-body feeds on drama. Through understanding the pain-body you can learn to accept yourself and others in addition too any situation or circumstances that you encounter.

* Give up the Role Playing

When you stop playing into the roles or labels that others have assigned to you throughout your life; you will begin to recognize your own self awareness. Thus, allowing you to let go of the unnecessary baggage you once carried.

* Stop living in the past, stop living in the future

The unwillingness or the inability to let go of the past, and the unwillingness or inability to quit worrying about the future are human ego characteristics that prevent us from obtaining a path of inner peace. Learn the relevancy of living in the present moment. Afterall, all any of us have is, “The Now.”

* Recognize that your thoughts are power

Whether spoken or unspoken; begin to speak only positive thoughts to yourself about yourself.

* Rise above the world of objects

Learn to transcend materialism and let go of obstacles that can thwart your efforts in obtaining inner peace.

May your journey initiate a shift in perception and lead you to a path of consciousness!  

Although I am answering this question on the YES side, it would be just as easy to answer it NO. The problem is, today’s Christianity has become so diversified with its many denominations that though similar in their Biblical beliefs, some are very different in the doctrinal conception as to what is an acceptable definition of a true Christian. This is the reason I chose the answer from the yes side of this question.

Which denomination is right or which is wrong does appear to be of concern to some Christians seeking unity within their faith. It doesn’t, however, seem to effect their overall beliefs that the Bible is the undisputed (inspired to some and literal to others) word of God. If you asked this question to one of the popular eastern religions you would most likely receive a yes because in general, they feel they have not yet solved many of the mysteries of creation or of its Creator. To them knowledge and wisdom is a life long journey of awe that can only be supposed by the limited human intellect. I feel this a logical and sound approach to seeking truth. As for most Christians who have aligned themselves to fundamentalism, all the answers to understanding God and His ways may be found in the Bible and their Christian Creeds.

 

In this age of enlightenment when so many are seeking something to believe in whole heartedly, Christianity has become very confusing for the non-believer. What is sad is the fact that it has become even harder for a Christian to share his or her views among other Christians outside their own Church without the swords of denominational doctrine being drawn. What it inevitably comes down to is not so much is there room in Christianity for other beliefs, but can Christianity survive without considering other beliefs? I strongly believe that to reach a clear and unified definition of what constitutes a true believer, Christians must leave their separatist attitudes and return to their first love. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” 

For example, being versed in the Bible and many of the Holy writings of different religions, I have come to a personal understanding, which has allowed me to accept who and what Jesus said He is. I am now, therefore, attempting to live my life (His Life) according to His teachings (His Way) to find the truth (His Truth) contained in the experiences of a life directed by the Holy Spirit. On my journey through awe, the Bible is subject to interpretation by the Holy Spirit alone and not by the elucidation of other human minds, though they will and have always been spiritually evaluated, of course. If this makes me not a true or complete Christian, then so be it. Only God can judge ones heart and I am quite satisfied with that, even though some of my brethren consider me lost.

How is it that religious intolerance is now and has been throughout history, one of the major initiations of war and suffering in the world? How can the worship and service to a God of love and fellowship, peace and harmony, and truth and justice, lead men to commit such atrocious acts of brutality and degradation on the rest of humanity?  And this is all done in the name of God. Doesn’t this make you want to avoid religion altogether?

The answer to these questions is actually very simple. RELIGION is not a word or concept created by God, but by mankind. Jesus for one hated it, as evidenced by his contempt for the Pharisees and Sanhedrin. When religion succeeds in replacing the spiritual understanding, which God breathed into the nostrils of man, then man is left to the deficiency and depravity of his human nature.

To finish this narrative I can only speak for myself when I say, if there is not room in Christianity for other beliefs, Christians are robbing mankind of one of God’s greatest gifts. That is the gift of free will.

 

 

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