Good morning everyone. I hope this November morning finds you all well. I just want to start by thanking all of you for continuing to tune in to my posts each month. I think of these writings as a bit of a Dear Abby, (Dear MJ) or Anne Landers thoughts on faith each month. So I appreciate all the kind support and hope that these posts give you all some “food for thought” each month on continuing your faith journeys.
My husband and I just returned from 2 weeks in Thailand, Singapore and Bali. It was an amazing trip and I was able to learn little more about the Hindu, Buddha and Muslim religions having visited that part of the world. Wonderful people and amazing how their respective religious beliefs offer great wisdom on virtuous living.
So today I thought I would talk about the notion of embracing religion in general. Have you ever met people who say “I’m spiritual but not religious”? Often this may mean that they do not agree with specific religions but they still agree there’s a spiritual dimension to the world, something more than merely matter.
Although this is good, it seems to me that when they cast off religion, they refuse a major source of help in exploring our spiritual world. They may read spiritual books or seek out gurus but ultimately, their exploration is still self-determined and thus self-restraining. By ignoring the history and tradition of this whole field, all the doctrines, creeds, customs and liturgies, religion offers the collective wisdom of all who have gone before us.
According to Brandon Vogt, researcher for Bishop Robert Barron, his studies indicate that the shared consensus among our ancestors is that religion is helpful in navigating through life.
So if religion is generally good, does it mean that all religions are good and true? Probably not. Any religion may be wholly or partially true and helpful, or perhaps not at all. We have to examine them individually but it does mean that religion in general, offers a helpful way forward in the spiritual life beyond fickle guesswork and feelings, so therefore it’s at least worth exploring.
Here’s the thing, if God really wants us to know the truth, why would He force each of us to figure out these religious questions on our own? Wouldn’t that put people at a disadvantage? That just doesn’t seem like a great plan to me.
There are many religious denominations out there, each having their own history and doctrines. Brandon Vogt outlines his discovery of Catholicism after joining several different religious denominations. He says, the Catholic Church when I first discovered it, seemed to suggest, you are not on your own. It’s tradition which stretches back 1000’s of years, holds vast treasures of wisdom and insight, which God has revealed throughout scripture and unpacked through saints, popes, and the clergy which have been passed down through the generations, all for us. Whether we are peasants, or brilliant scholars, here is a proven road map to God that has helped countless people find Him says Vogt.
Vogt says he found this liberating, even before arguing whether Catholic tradition was actually true. As he examined each religion’s beliefs and rules, a sense grew in him that religion was actually helpful and life giving rather than stifling.
In our culture today, people are drawn to spiritual things, but are often stuck when it comes to God. They want to become more spiritual or tap into the divine world but they are often floating around without any direction and they don’t want to get bogged down with rigid rules, liturgy and doctrine.
Well, lets consider a referee in a hockey game. His goal in enforcing rules is not to wreck the game’s progress. He’s there to help it flourish. By enforcing rules that have proven to move the game forward, he’s a great and necessary part of it’s success. That’s why we need religion. Clerics, priests, bishops and popes are in a sense referees. Although, unfortunately they can at times get a bad reputation, the vast majority of them are not power hungry leaders, eager to crack down their doctrinal whips at wrongdoers. Instead, their primary duty is to ensure the smooth flow of the religious life for people, leading them towards a personal relationship with God.
One last argument to help people consider shifting from “spiritual but not religious” to “spiritual and religious”. Here it is…
Religion makes you happier and healthier. Nick Spencer and his colleagues from Theo analyzed 140 studies over 30 years and concluded that the correlation between religion and well being was strong. According to his research, religious people have lower rates of mental health issues, less depression, stronger marriages, better behaved children and longer and healthier lives including lower blood pressure, less stress, and lower rates of domestic abuse, addiction and crimes.
So, for all of these reasons and more, perhaps we skeptics can consider that religion may be a good thing beyond being just a spiritual person. If our goal is to always get to the truth – the truth about God, the universe and our purpose within it, we can use all the help we can get. That includes the help provided by religion, a stabilizing force that has helped billions of people over the centuries connect with God and progress in the spiritual life. Some of these thoughts are provided by Brandon Vogt. Just another nugget of wisdom for you all to consider in MJ’s “food for thought” this November 2018. See you in a month. Many blessings, MJ. xo
Just desire to say your article is as amazing.
The clarity for your put up is just nice and that i could
think you are knowledgeable in this subject. Fine together with your
permission allow me to grasp your feed to keep updated with imminent post.
Thanks one million and please continue the rewarding work.
Here is my webpage – pussy888 for pc
It’s fantastic that you are getting thoughts from this piece of writing as well as from our
discussion made at this place.
Also visit my web page – Aaa1188 (918Kiss-M.Com)
Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers
and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us valuable information to
work on. You have done a extraordinary job!
Feel free to visit my web site … love138 slot game list
Hi to every body, it’s my first go to see of this website; this web site consists of awesome and truly good information in favor
of visitors.
Here is my page; trainingteachers.org.za
Hola! I’ve been following your site for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead
and give you a shout out from Humble Tx! Just wanted
to mention keep up the fantastic work!
my web blog http://www.freeglobalclassifiedads.com
Whats up very nice web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb ..
I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?I am happy to find a lot of useful info
here within the put up, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks
for sharing.
Also visit my homepage; http://www.100liba.com/
It’s really very difficult in this full of activity life to listen news on Television,
thus I only use world wide web for that purpose, and get the newest news.
Here is my site; https://kebe.top/
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your website in internet
explorer, might check this? IE still is the marketplace chief and a huge component of people
will pass over your wonderful writing due to this problem.
Feel free to visit my website :: Jannie
I’m gone to say to my little brother, that he should
also visit this weblog on regular basis to take updated from latest information.
My webpage … sd.sagov.hu
As a Newbie, I am continuously browsing online for articles that can be of assistance to me.
Thank you
Also visit my web blog http://www.kosherkraigs.com
I don’t even understand how I stopped up right
here, however I thought this publish used to be
good. I don’t realize who you are however certainly
you’re going to a well-known blogger in case you aren’t already.
Cheers!
my blog; gamegamma.com.tw
I really like reading through a post that will make
men and women think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!
My website – alsancakizmir.com
I don’t even know the way I stopped up right here, but I believed this post used
to be great. I don’t know who you might be
however certainly you are going to a famous blogger in the event
you aren’t already. Cheers!
My blog; http://www.sex24888.com/
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!
my website: https://8fx.news/home.php?mod=space&uid=1204187&do=profile
I drop a comment when I especially enjoy a post on a website or if I have something to valuable to contribute to the conversation. Usually it’s a result of
the sincerness displayed in the article I looked at.
And after this article November Letter… – By My Side.
I was moved enough to drop a thought 🙂 I actually do have 2 questions for you
if it’s allright. Is it simply me or do some of these remarks come across like written by brain dead visitors?
😛 And, if you are posting at other online social sites,
I would like to keep up with you. Would you make a list the complete urls of
all your community pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
Also visit my site … gantnews.com
This is a really good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
Simple but very accurate info… Many thanks for sharing this one.
A must read post!
My blog post; https://kebe.top
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your web site. Do you ever run into any web
browser compatibility problems? A small number of my blog readers have complained
about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
Do you have any ideas to help fix this issue?
Here is my web blog – http://86x.org/home.php?mod=space&uid=184141&do=profile&from=space
Heey would you mind sharing ԝhicһ ƅlog pⅼaatform you’re working
with? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but
I’m having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolutіon and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because yoiᥙr design seems different
then most Ьlogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S Apologies for bwing off-toⲣic but I had to ask! http://yingyuliang.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=5484931&do=profile&from=space
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It if truth be told was once a leisure
account it. Look complex to far brought agreeable from you!
By the way, how can we keep up a correspondence?
Here is my site :: greatwall99 android download (918kiss-m.com)
Hi, this weekend is pleasant for me, as this moment i am reading this enormous
educational post here at my residence.
Also visit my site :: wm casino slot game
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found
that it’s really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels.
I will appreciate if you continue this in future.
A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Here is my web site: lionking888 game list
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you design this website yourself or did you hire
someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
thank you
my web site – club suncity original
I boց often and Ӏ genuinely thank you for yoour information.
This article has really ρeakеd myy interest. I’m going to bookmark your blog andd keep checking
for new details about once a week. I opted in for your RSႽ feed
as well. https://kuberjozka.ru/index.php?action=profile;u=18427
Saya tidak bisa menolak berkomentar. Baik ditulis!
my homepage; Situs agen joker
Saya tidak bisa menahan diri dari berkomentar.
Baik ditulis!
Stop by my web-site … Game slot qu峄慶 t岷縷Game slot online joker123
It’s νery simple to find ouut any mattfer on web as compareԀ to
textbooks, aѕ I found thios piece of writing at thnis web page.
Ꮃhat’s up, I would like to subscribe for this weblog to get
newest updates, therefore where can i do itt please
assist.
GooԀ aгticle. I am expeгiencіng many ᧐f these isѕues
as well.. https://Bookkeepingitsimple.com/how-small-business-owners-can-apply-for-disaster-loans/
Saya akan segera rebut rss Anda karena saya tidak bisa
bookmark !!, Saya sangat suka situs web Anda !
Here is my web blog; Joker123 slot terbaru; gameaco.com,
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting
a new project in a community in the same niche. Your
blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!
Enjoyed reading through this, very good stuff,
regards.
Feel free to visit my blog :: http://science-marketplace.org/user/profile/261674
Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is amazing, great written and
come with almost all important infos. I would like to peer extra posts like
this.
Also visit my website – allrealestateph.com
Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the other person’s weblog link on your page at proper place and other person will also do similar in favor of you.
Feel free to visit my homepage: forum.nobletronics.com
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked
submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways,
just wanted to say fantastic blog!
my blog post: benjamindinh.fr
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and
I am waiting for your next write ups thanks once again.
Here is my web blog – kebe.top
I need to to thank you for this good read!! I certainly loved every bit of it.
I have got you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you post?
Here is my blog post :: http://www.qiurom.com
Great website. Lots of useful information here. I am sending it to a few pals
ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks in your sweat!
Outstanding quest there. What occurred after? Take care!
Also visit my web blog kebe.top
I enjoy you because of all of your effort on this blog.
Gloria enjoys conducting internet research and it is easy to understand why.
Many of us hear all of the compelling means you
render helpful tactics by means of this blog and as well foster contribution from other people
on that theme plus our own princess is undoubtedly
becoming educated a whole lot. Take pleasure in the remaining portion of the
year. You have been performing a good job.
My page; http://www.babybargains.com.au
I am in fact delighted to read this website posts which includes plenty of
valuable data, thanks for providing these information.
I savor, result in I discovered just what I was
taking a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Stop by my page punbb.00web.net
I don’t ordinarily comment but I gotta admit appreciate
it for the post on this one :D.
Feel free to surf to my website … http://www.bigkahunahosting.com
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and
wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Here is my blog post https://wiki.cowise.info
I drop a leave a response each time I especially enjoy a post on a blog or I
have something to contribute to the discussion. Usually it’s caused
by the passion displayed in the article I browsed.
And on this post November Letter… – By My Side.
I was moved enough to drop a leave a responsea response
😛 I actually do have a couple of questions for you if you usually do not mind.
Could it be simply me or does it seem like some of the responses appear as if they are
written by brain dead individuals? 😛 And, if you are posting at other online social sites, I would like
to follow anything new you have to post. Could you
list every one of all your public pages like your twitter feed,
Facebook page or linkedin profile?
Also visit my blog … haisen.sakura.ne.jp
I don’t even understand how I finished up here, but I believed this publish was once good.
I do not know who you’re however certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger in the event you
are not already. Cheers!
Here is my web page: http://www.africatopforum.com/classifiedads/user/profile/132429
Saya telah menjelajah online lebih dari 4 jam hari ini, namun saya tidak
pernah menemukan artikel menarik seperti milik Anda. It’s
cukup berharga bagi saya. Menurut pendapat saya ,
jika semua pemilik situs dan blogger membuat konten yang baik seperti yang
Anda lakukan, net akan menjadi lebih berguna dari sebelumnya.
My website joker123 liga amanda
I believe this web site has very good written content posts.
My blog; http://www.bookclubs.ipt.pw
Hello there, just turned into aware of your weblog via Google, and found that it is
truly informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful in the event you proceed this in future.
Numerous people can be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
my site … http://smfpt2.smfpt.net/
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful &
it helped me out much. I’m hoping to offer one thing
again and aid others such as you aided me.
Visit my blog post :: http://www.bagleylawnservices.com
Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to ?return the want?.I am trying
to to find issues to improve my site!I guess its good enough to use some of your concepts!!
Feel free to surf to my site equipifieds.com
Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i
own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get
a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any help is very much appreciated.
Feel free to visit my site https://www.recoverlife.us/community/profile/battsmolly
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?
Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my website so i got here to return the desire?.I’m attempting
to in finding issues to enhance my website!I assume its ok to use a few of your concepts!!
My blog; freeholmes.com
It is not my first time to pay a quick visit this site,
i am visiting this website dailly and get good data from here all the time.
Look into my site: http://www.ptfang.com
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to
be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing
without having side effect , people can take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Look into my homepage :: khoquet.com
We wish to thank you once again for the gorgeous ideas you offered Janet when preparing her
own post-graduate research and also, most importantly, regarding providing many of the ideas in a blog post.
Provided that we had been aware of your site a year ago, i’d have been rescued from the unnecessary
measures we were taking. Thanks to you.
Feel free to visit my blog post :: http://www.meteoritegarden.com
Some really interesting details you have written.Aided me a lot, just what I was searching for : D.
I think other website proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and fantastic user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You’re an expert in this topic!
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!