[yak0178]

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.

[(JD)]

I'm glad that you have kept to reading the good stories. There are many featuring the dark side though, too, but I wonder how I could relate that in a support forum.

I'm sure that there are many religions that do only tell you what you aren't supposed to do, but perhaps not all?

I agree that spirituality is key to life. Yes, I do think the whole world would be a better place if everyone were a bit more spiritual. IMO, Once one is spiritual in sincerity, the world DOES become a nicer place to live, because of the outlook by the viewer.

Thanks for your post, it's good to hear from more members here.

[Maven]

I've heard of all kinds of experiences, from people who claim they went to Heaven, some who went to Hell, and others who saw nothing at all.

[SeptemberMorn]

No, Yak, there is no judgement at the time of death. As a strong Christian, I believe that the judgement comes on Judgement Day. That is yet to come. There is no one in Heaven or Hell, yet. As Jesus said to the thief who hung next to Him and repented, "Verily I say unto you, this day you will be with Me in Paradise." That's not Heaven.

When the grandmother died, the nurse in attendance told us that she had screamed with her last breath. Maybe it's me, but that gives me some satisfaction since she was one of my perpetrators AND knew better than to do what she did!

On the other hand, my MIL sat up, smiled as she looked at something/someone at the foot of her bed and drew her last breath.

They were both professing Christians.

[Rhapsody]

I could not agree with you more...... for having a relationship with God is not about the four walls in a church but rather about the condition of your inner soul and spirit.... that which communicates with and through our higher state of being - that which we all came from.

I personally have learned not to argue with another over religion - religious matters (the differences) all Faiths have, for none of us are sure that we are doing all things 100% right per God..... for while the Bible was indeed ordained by God - it was pieced together (what would go in to it and what would be left out) by man-kind.

I do believe in a heaven and a hell - and while many religions believe differently on the facts of when we go there - I personally do not wish or desire to argue the difference with any one, for all that matters is that I GET THERE!! - that WE all get there.

I have seen good strong Christian Women pass on later in life and they have gone with a Peace about them that left a Smile on there face as they took their last breath..... and I have seen an elderly man pass with fear with in him and the screams of how hot it was and that he did not want to go there.
.... Only GOD really knows.

I personally will NEVER judge another based on their religion or religious beliefs no matter how different it is from my Christian Faith (and God would not want me to) - and in all reality most are not that much different, or at least not the parts that truly matter...... for we are all children of GOD, and He will give every one of us the opportunity to accept or deny Him before we die - no matter what Faith we follow..... therefore what is important is that we follow and not so much how, for if we follow the how will come to us and we will not have to look for it.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -