Hello all, I was raised Catholic. And while I still consider myself to be a Catholic, there are some things I disagree with. I won't get into all the details, but basically spirituality isn't about trying to guilt someone into thinking or acting certain ways. It is really about opening yourself up to a higher state of being. I am fascinated with near death experiences and have researched them on the internet. They were all pretty fascinating and many people's lives have been changed by their experiences with near death. Basically, I have found one common theme with all these experiences....that is there is no judgement or punishment awaiting you on the other side. Everyone of these stories that I have read (and I have read quite a few) say that they feel this overwhelming sense of love and joy. And a few of them said they have spoken to the light and/or angels and asked about religion. The common answer was that whatever religion you feel most comfortable with is the religion that is right for you. You don't even have to be religious, you can communicate with God or the Divine in whatever way works best for you. Hopefully, these messages can help people who may struggle with religion and faith into having a better understanding in what spirituality is all about. I heard this one quote from Scott Stapp (the lead singer of the band Creed), and he said something to the effect of "We are not a religious band. Rather, we are a spiritual band. Religion tells you what you aren't supposed to do, while spirituality opens you up more." I don't want people to be discouraged into thinking they can't follow their religions the same way anymore. Follow them with all your heart if it works for you and helps to open you up. Religion and spirituality can go hand and hand as long as you don't let it be something you fear or have guilt about, but rather allows you to open up and feel good.