I don't understand what this forum is about if you can't talk about the following:

No religious talk whatsoever is allowed here in this specific forum, including but not limited to church, clergy, the Bible, etc. Thank you.

What is Spiritual Support?

Squiggle

I don't understand it either. What's so offensive with saying bible or church? I'm not using a swear word or being horrible.

[alwaysrejoice]

I was like when I saw that too. I didn't let it bother me too much. Someone must have been offended at some point about people talking about those type of things. We can't offend anyone.

[Open Eyes]

LOL, the never ending question. It a sharing of Faith without talking about a specific organized faith.
God Bless you, may your faith keep you in peace. The support is of a general spiritual nature. It is in respect of all kinds of faiths without being specific. There is an art to this forum, but it is meant to convey a deep feeling of a genuine spiritual prayer. So you can say, I shall say prayers for you, and thats ok as long as you don't speak of a specific faith. And the reason is to avoid any debate of specific organized faiths. So in other words, this site is not about promoting any one specific faith or any debate where it becomes hostile at all, that wouldn't be supportive. So it is a place to offer prayers for those who are struggling. You can always read some of the other threads to see how people have used this forum.

Open Eyes

Originally Posted by Open Eyes

LOL, the never ending question. It a sharing of Faith without talking about a specific organized faith.
God Bless you, may your faith keep you in peace. The support is of a general spiritual nature. It is in respect of all kinds of faiths without being specific. There is an art to this forum, but it is meant to convey a deep feeling of a genuine spiritual prayer. So you can say, I shall say prayers for you, and thats ok as long as you don't speak of a specific faith. And the reason is to avoid any debate of specific organized faiths. So in other words, this site is not about promoting any one specific faith or any debate where it becomes hostile at all, that wouldn't be supportive. So it is a place to offer prayers for those who are struggling. You can always read some of the other threads to see how people have used this forum.

Open Eyes

I understand now.

[alwaysrejoice]

I post in this forum sometimes if someone is asking for prayer or support. I just know I cant say certain things. It is challenging to us though who have strong beliefs. I still pray for them the way I believe in.

[tohelpafriend]

Notice how much 'religious' talk there is about new age, etc., but we know how the enemy of our souls cowers at the truth, don't we. He's the one who wants to keep people in various bondages. It really is very strange like that at PC; I think I want to search for another site forum where freedom of speech is not impeded.

[Open Eyes]

tohelpafriend,

One of the more successful places to receive help is AA where they allow each person to draw from their personal power greater than themselves, of their personal choosing. AA is a spirtual program, not a program to promote any specific religion. And it also doesnt do finances, romances, or politics. So in essence it is a free spirtual offering of support that is truely about each individual without pushing any individual in any specific organized faith, political view, or bearing the burden to solve any member's financial issues. It is for each human no matter what circumstance they live in. And it is and has been a very successful program to help people who suffer from alcohol and drug addiction to find a way to improve their personal lives WITH SUPPORT OF OTHER'S WHO WISH TO DO THE SAME.

So, we can still offer prayers and spiritual support here with other members, support that "frees" that member to be whatever they want spiritually, it is not about any specific faith, it is more about a spiritual support from the various members here when that support is truely needed.

Therefore as we all come to PC we are not supposed to feel we are judged by our faith, political views or person wealth, it is about our personal struggles with whatever disorder or personal issue we are trying to overcome.

However, it is nice that there are some special forums that do have certain faith groups that some can go and find a more personal way to receive support, and it is hoped that in these groups there is no disrespect, if one doesn't want to be in that group, then one should respect those that do.

PEACE TO ALL!!!! MAY WE ALL FIND SUPPORT HERE AND RESPECT EACH OTHER'S STRUGGLES TO FIND PERSONAL PEACE AND WELL BEING.

Very Sincerely, and Respectfully,
Open Eyes

[sabby]

Thank you Open Eyes for your explanation about this forum to the others.

I think, the wonderful thing about this forum is that anyone can come here, from any religious or spiritual background, support others, look for support and not have to fear any religious discussion that may turn badly. This forum can also be used to discuss how spirituality may help you in your daily life in dealing with your mental health.

If by chance you are looking to discuss religion more specifically, we do have social groups that are run by other members that you can join to have your discussions.

I wish you all well!


sabby

[alwaysrejoice]

thanks, sabby, we are working on something.

[DenisDonnacha]

I think it's just so all people of different religions can talk about faith but without some people getting uncomfortable because the they don't follow a certain faith.
It also helps avoid religious arguments which can get ugly.

[IceCreamKid]

Originally Posted by tohelpafriend

Notice how much 'religious' talk there is about new age, etc., but we know how the enemy of our souls cowers at the truth, don't we. He's the one who wants to keep people in various bondages. It really is very strange like that at PC; I think I want to search for another site forum where freedom of speech is not impeded.

I know how the enemy of my soul rages and snarls at the truth, yes.

[Open Eyes]

"As OE says, keep your requests for support, and you offers of support, basic and in the realm of overall "spiritual" energy and you'll be fine. You might even be able to phrase things from your own experience, if it's edited, and share that too." quote JD

Yes, I know is can be hard to understand and some that struggle with mental illness often feel like they are being threatened or even misunderstood, it can be a part of how they developed their illness.
I know with my own PTSD I am easily triggered by feeling a sense of control from others, being misunderstood, or even being denied.

When we struggle to resolve our issues " genuine support" means that no one in any support group should be allowed to challenge us or hurt us, we should be allowed to come and express ourselves without being subjected to becoming a subject of debate, especially if we gain from our personal form of faith. The best way to achieve that is to be as general and accepting as possible in respect for all faiths.

It truely is not about denying anyone of having faith even though it may seem that way due to the current tone in the world today. But unfortunately that tone has always been there in some ways so we have to get beyond that here, not allow that in a place where members truely need to focus on their personal mental illnesses or issues that they are struggling with. But remember, if you need to connect with someone who shares your personal faith there is nothing wrong with PMing that person for support in that area.

Peace to all, support to all that need help and understanding
Open Eyes

[di meliora]

Spirituality means something different to everyone. For some, it's a personal lord, for others a feeling in the wind. Research shows that even skeptics can't stifle the sense of something greater. Humans can't help but ask big questions, even if no one's there to answer them. http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/spirituality

James Fowler talks about the Stages of Faith here: http://faculty.plts.edu/gpence/html/fowler.htm Is a discussion of faith in Fowler's context a violation of the guidelines for this forum?

Dostoevsky in The Brothers Karamazov:

"Much on earth is hidden from us, but to compensate we have been given a precious mystical sense of our living bond with the world of the spirit, with the higher heavenly world; and the roots of our thoughts and feelings are not here but in these higher realms. That is why many philosophers say that we cannot appreciate the true, full essence of things on earth. God took otherworldly seeds and sowed them on this earth. His garden grew up and everything that could sprout came forth, but what grows lives and is alive only through the feeling of its connection with the other mysterious world of the spirit. If that feeling weakens or is destroyed, spiritual awareness and growth will die away in you. Then you will be indifferent to life and even grow to hate it."

Fuller again, this time about secular spirituality:

Secular spirituality emphasizes humanistic qualities such as love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, responsibility, harmony, and a concern for others[2]:22, aspects of life and human experience which go beyond a purely materialist view of the world, without necessarily accepting belief in a supernatural reality or divine being. Spiritual practices such as mindfulness and meditation can be experienced as beneficial or even necessary for human fulfillment without any supernatural interpretation or explanation. Spirituality in this context may be a matter of nurturing thoughts, emotions, words and actions that are in harmony with a belief that everything in the universe is mutually dependent; this stance has much in common with some versions of Buddhist spirituality. A modern secular definition: "Spirituality exists wherever we struggle with the issues of how our lives fit into the greater scheme of things. This is true when our questions never give way to specific answers or give rise to specific practices such as prayer or meditation. we encounter spiritual issues every time we wonder where the universe comes from, why we are here, or what happens when we die. We also become spiritual when we become moved by values such as beauty, love, or creativity that seem to reveal a meaning or power beyond our visible world. An idea or practice is "spiritual" when it reveals our personal desire to establish a felt-relationship with the deepest meanings or powers governing life." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_spirituality

Spirituality also might be an integral part of Maslow's self-actualization. http://psychology.about.com/od/theor...chyneeds_2.htm To strive to understand yourself and your needs while progressing towards being one with self surely has a spiritual increment.

[(JD)]

Originally Posted by Elan Vital

James Fowler talks about the Stages of Faith here: http://faculty.plts.edu/gpence/html/fowler.htm Is a discussion of faith in Fowler's context a violation of the guidelines for this forum?

Dostoevsky in The Brothers Karamazov:

"Much on earth is hidden from us, but to compensate we have been given a precious mystical sense of our living bond with the world of the spirit, with the higher heavenly world; and the roots of our thoughts and feelings are not here but in these higher realms. That is why many philosophers say that we cannot appreciate the true, full essence of things on earth. God took otherworldly seeds and sowed them on this earth. His garden grew up and everything that could sprout came forth, but what grows lives and is alive only through the feeling of its connection with the other mysterious world of the spirit. If that feeling weakens or is destroyed, spiritual awareness and growth will die away in you. Then you will be indifferent to life and even grow to hate it."

Fuller again, this time about secular spirituality:

Secular spirituality emphasizes humanistic qualities such as love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, responsibility, harmony, and a concern for others[2]:22, aspects of life and human experience which go beyond a purely materialist view of the world, without necessarily accepting belief in a supernatural reality or divine being. Spiritual practices such as mindfulness and meditation can be experienced as beneficial or even necessary for human fulfillment without any supernatural interpretation or explanation. Spirituality in this context may be a matter of nurturing thoughts, emotions, words and actions that are in harmony with a belief that everything in the universe is mutually dependent; this stance has much in common with some versions of Buddhist spirituality. A modern secular definition: "Spirituality exists wherever we struggle with the issues of how our lives fit into the greater scheme of things. This is true when our questions never give way to specific answers or give rise to specific practices such as prayer or meditation. we encounter spiritual issues every time we wonder where the universe comes from, why we are here, or what happens when we die. We also become spiritual when we become moved by values such as beauty, love, or creativity that seem to reveal a meaning or power beyond our visible world. An idea or practice is "spiritual" when it reveals our personal desire to establish a felt-relationship with the deepest meanings or powers governing life." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_spirituality

Spirituality also might be an integral part of Maslow's self-actualization. http://psychology.about.com/od/theor...chyneeds_2.htm To strive to understand yourself and your needs while progressing towards being one with self surely has a spiritual increment.

But see? This is exactly what isn't allowed... because it presents humanism, buddhism etc. It's a tough gig, here on this forum.

[tohelpafriend]

Originally Posted by deniswazere

I think it's just so all people of different religions can talk about faith but without some people getting uncomfortable because the they don't follow a certain faith.
It also helps avoid religious arguments which can get ugly.

I agree; it is the arguments which can arise. Also, the presentation of religious/spiritual systems of belief and thought can really become offensive to some, and it is a form of proselytizing when definitions of terms become presentations of thought. "No religious talk" is a hard one to pin down, because we all have some or no beliefs. Talk of secular humanism, buddhism, new age practices, etc., is "religious", I agree here with J.D.'s point on the matter. For some, their personal beliefs define them, for others this is dialogue. I'm all for intellectual dialogue, but I do see how the moderators/administrators must have guidelines to keep the peace.

[Open Eyes]

Above all we don't want anyone who needs support to end up in a debate about any specific faith.

I can see that some have started groups for different organized faiths to join together, that is a nice addition to PC. something that offers another way to connect and find support without any harm.

Open Eyes

[sabby]

This thread has run it's course and had many good responses. Thank you everyone for responding and keeping things respectful.

Let's remember that there are active social groups for those who wish to discuss religious based topics. If you don't find one that fits you or your style, you are always welcome to create one of your own.

At this time, this thread will be closed.

Respectfully,
sabby