Spiritual, But Not Religious? (with Father Thomas Keating)
PublishedJuly 11, 2010
Religious, but not Spiritual? Good News and Bad News from the World’s Largest Religion It takes a moment to reconcile oneself to the fact that the religious tradition of St. Francis and Mother Theresa is also the tradition of the Crusades and the Inquisition. Fr. Thomas Keating, considered one of the great contemplatives of our time, has spent a lifetime in the practice of Christianity, seeking and sharing its depths. The goal of the tradition, suggests Fr. Thomas in this week’s video, is transformation—but transformation into what? The answer depends on what stage of development you’re at. Beyond becoming a better person (though your family and friends may thank you profusely), beyond even becoming a saint, Fr. Thomas suggests that the goal of the mature Christian life is to become no thing. As with any developmental sequence, the subject of one stage becomes the object of the subject of the next—in this case, until absolute Subjectivity itself. The problem—and the challenge—lie in the fact that, among its 2 billion adherents, relatively few are aware of Christianity’s mystical tradition and contemplative path. Statements like “I’m spiritual, but not religious” actually come from a fairly evolved place, from which one rejects external aspects of the tradition, while still longing for its esoteric wisdom. Integral spirituality offers an entirely new perspective on this question. From this perspective, we can see that although the stories of the world’s religious … Video Rating: 4 / 5
BTW , I never said you should let science become your dogma or your God and its not what it is to me. If at some point there would be a reasonable evidence for a God, or ghosts or any kind of supernatural I would stop being an Atheist. But so far there is no evidence for such thing and no acceptable reason for me to believe it. Also, though I do love Astronomy and Cosmology , I don’t revere nature. Now DANCE !
50 Responses to Spiritual, But Not Religious? (with Father Thomas Keating)
@Frogstomp121 –While I agree with you, sort of, I do think that because God is one there is uniformity in his mind. If all religions are good–they may contain some good-then no religion is good. For example, the principle of non-contradiciton is not present in eastern “religions,” so I have great problems with their concept of God. Their concept of God is very subjective–in my mind, Dalai Lama, for example, which does not allow for an objective reality.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
@klokker0007 It doesn’t need “God”, but depending on what one means by the word, it DOES need G_d, the deeper reality that is the power that looks out fo your eyes.
Yes, exactly, free of religion and all its trappings, its history, its burdens. Free to be what I am supposed to be. I surrender to the real reality. You have a nice day.
@Parkminster7 God loves you so much that he would use me and I’m sure other true lovers of Jesus to come and warn you about this man and his false teachings. Jesus doesn’t want you lost. He doesn’t. However this guy calling himself a father (Jesus told us to call NO MAN father) is misleading people and teaching hinduism. These things will be so in these last days though. For those that have an ear, they will hear and won’t be snared in the trap this man and many false teachers lay for people.
@Parkminster7 That is absolutely ok. If you disagree with me, that’s fine. However instead of just listening to me, do your research. Research what I say. Then not only that, compare this man’s doctrines to the BIBLE. It’s contrary. First of all, Catholicism is completely contrary to the BIBLE so already he is off. Purgatory, Eucharist, Pope, Nuns, Priests (we are all priests when we come to Jesus, not these guys) are all unbiblical. So already he starts with false doctrine & leads you to more.
@nir8vana interesting that many religions rely on the answers coming from ones self…the assertion that there is a small piece of divinity withn us from which the wisdom we need can be relayed? I heard a priest in the movie “Boondock Saints” refer to the soul as a “Connection” to the almighty…the more I study religions and philosophy the more truth I find about the human condition
Religions separate us from one another, make us have more conflicts and making us more blind to the Truth. The Truth is that we took the teachings of all those Spiritual Masters and made them as religions. That was not God’s intention. We must end religion and unite again as the Spiritual or Awakened because Spirituality is OUR PATH to knowledge and truth and unfortunately we have forgotten that path. So lets Wake up, Remember and Practice it to Awaken ourselves again.
The Truth is very simple thing, you don’t need a religion to it. These theologists are just trying to confuse people who are “weaker” than them. Such a shame. But you have to get it yourself.
@klokker0007 No, but it needs that which is called God. In order to not be caught in the false self, I have to be standing on solid ground. Where is this place from which everything is seen. It must be real and it must be present at all times under all circumstances. Without this rock to stand on I would be at the mercy of everything that arrises in my mind, every thought and emotion.
@KakkoiGuy1 you seem like a very intelligent man so let me ask you. Where is your experience of Jesus taking place ? where are you experiencing Jesus ? take your time. Take a good look. Where is this Jesus that you speak of ? Where does he live ?
@claudelebel55 You’ll see this man’s teachings are false and guiding people through the wide gate. I encourage you to do that my friend. I love you enough to be truthful with you. Unlike these catholic monks and so called priests who have no love for people whatsoever, and mislead them away from the cross into idolatry and selfworship as well. Look to Jesus and keep your eyes on Him. My final exhortation to you. With love
@claudelebel55 Only you can answer that question though. I can’t do that for you. Looking within will mislead you as well. God knows that man’s heart is flawed by sin so He wants us to look to HIM and not to ourselves. Looking to ourselves is actually satanism and making one’s self god. These men are teaching satanism. Trust in Jesus alone. Open your Bible and read daily and pray for understanding on things you don’t.
@claudelebel55 Will you follow these “evolved” Christians and their new age anti Chirstian beliefs mixed with paganism or will you trust in Jesus’ Words and what he did ALONE? Jesus and the Apostles would have condemned Keating for teaching heresies and false gospels. What will you believe? My friend, eternity is a long time to spend in Hell for not having the truth and believing a lie. Are you ready to follow Keating there? I hope not.
@claudelebel55 Actually, Keating isn’t a Chrisitan at all. Plus we aren’t to call these men “Father”. Jesus said that. Not me. Another thing is that Jesus quoted scripture many times. You know, that same Bible you claim I quote. When tempted He said “It is written…It is written…It is written… or Haven’t you read?…..” He constantly referred to scriptures because the scriptures are God’s Word. 🙂 The question you have to ask yourself is this…When Claude dies, where will he go?
@KakkoiGuy1 I don’t care about quotes from the Bible. Look within and check it out for yourself. Otherwise it is mere belief. Everybody quotes his favourite book, throws quotes at the other guy. It is not helpful. Speak from your own experience. That’s what Jesus did and that’s why the priests (upholders of dogma and holy books) were upset. Maybe you are an evolved Christian, I don’t know. Father Keating is and that I do know.
@claudelebel55 You should be on your knees praising Him and thanking Him because that is what we all deserve plus hell. Another reference of seperation that is caused by sin is when Adam sinned in the Garden. Remember God asked “Adam where art thou?” It wasn’t because He didn’t know where He was but because Adam was spiritually alive through connection to God. When he sinned, he no longer was connected to the true and Holy God. Genesis chps1-4.
@Frogstomp121 you are used to be an atheist and now you belive in god? You found it out? congrats 😉 You are so rare
@Frogstomp121 –While I agree with you, sort of, I do think that because God is one there is uniformity in his mind. If all religions are good–they may contain some good-then no religion is good. For example, the principle of non-contradiciton is not present in eastern “religions,” so I have great problems with their concept of God. Their concept of God is very subjective–in my mind, Dalai Lama, for example, which does not allow for an objective reality.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
– John 14:6-7 (New International Version)
Brilliant conversation !
I just love Father Keating.
@klokker0007 It doesn’t need “God”, but depending on what one means by the word, it DOES need G_d, the deeper reality that is the power that looks out fo your eyes.
Atheists need bullshit. God offers truth. Simple truth: I AM WHO AM! Academics need monkey shit like this. God Bless ’em. Pussies.
Yes, exactly, free of religion and all its trappings, its history, its burdens. Free to be what I am supposed to be. I surrender to the real reality. You have a nice day.
@KakkoiGuy1 grow up and open your mind. this is waaaay bigger than just christianity.
@Parkminster7 God loves you so much that he would use me and I’m sure other true lovers of Jesus to come and warn you about this man and his false teachings. Jesus doesn’t want you lost. He doesn’t. However this guy calling himself a father (Jesus told us to call NO MAN father) is misleading people and teaching hinduism. These things will be so in these last days though. For those that have an ear, they will hear and won’t be snared in the trap this man and many false teachers lay for people.
@Parkminster7 That is absolutely ok. If you disagree with me, that’s fine. However instead of just listening to me, do your research. Research what I say. Then not only that, compare this man’s doctrines to the BIBLE. It’s contrary. First of all, Catholicism is completely contrary to the BIBLE so already he is off. Purgatory, Eucharist, Pope, Nuns, Priests (we are all priests when we come to Jesus, not these guys) are all unbiblical. So already he starts with false doctrine & leads you to more.
@KakkoiGuy1 I disagree with you and know that you speak absolute untruth.
Watch out for so called Pure Spirit, the open door for suspect influences disgusied as “Holy.”
@Avonaco76 You can definitely find pieces of truth from all religions, but those ideologies are still wrong.
Is this man a Catholic Priest? He sounds very progressive for a man of the cloth. I like the cut of his jib.
@nir8vana interesting that many religions rely on the answers coming from ones self…the assertion that there is a small piece of divinity withn us from which the wisdom we need can be relayed? I heard a priest in the movie “Boondock Saints” refer to the soul as a “Connection” to the almighty…the more I study religions and philosophy the more truth I find about the human condition
Religions separate us from one another, make us have more conflicts and making us more blind to the Truth. The Truth is that we took the teachings of all those Spiritual Masters and made them as religions. That was not God’s intention. We must end religion and unite again as the Spiritual or Awakened because Spirituality is OUR PATH to knowledge and truth and unfortunately we have forgotten that path. So lets Wake up, Remember and Practice it to Awaken ourselves again.
The Truth is very simple thing, you don’t need a religion to it. These theologists are just trying to confuse people who are “weaker” than them. Such a shame. But you have to get it yourself.
@klokker0007 No, but it needs that which is called God. In order to not be caught in the false self, I have to be standing on solid ground. Where is this place from which everything is seen. It must be real and it must be present at all times under all circumstances. Without this rock to stand on I would be at the mercy of everything that arrises in my mind, every thought and emotion.
@KakkoiGuy1 you seem like a very intelligent man so let me ask you. Where is your experience of Jesus taking place ? where are you experiencing Jesus ? take your time. Take a good look. Where is this Jesus that you speak of ? Where does he live ?
@claudelebel55 You’ll see this man’s teachings are false and guiding people through the wide gate. I encourage you to do that my friend. I love you enough to be truthful with you. Unlike these catholic monks and so called priests who have no love for people whatsoever, and mislead them away from the cross into idolatry and selfworship as well. Look to Jesus and keep your eyes on Him. My final exhortation to you. With love
@claudelebel55 Only you can answer that question though. I can’t do that for you. Looking within will mislead you as well. God knows that man’s heart is flawed by sin so He wants us to look to HIM and not to ourselves. Looking to ourselves is actually satanism and making one’s self god. These men are teaching satanism. Trust in Jesus alone. Open your Bible and read daily and pray for understanding on things you don’t.
@claudelebel55 Will you follow these “evolved” Christians and their new age anti Chirstian beliefs mixed with paganism or will you trust in Jesus’ Words and what he did ALONE? Jesus and the Apostles would have condemned Keating for teaching heresies and false gospels. What will you believe? My friend, eternity is a long time to spend in Hell for not having the truth and believing a lie. Are you ready to follow Keating there? I hope not.
@claudelebel55 Actually, Keating isn’t a Chrisitan at all. Plus we aren’t to call these men “Father”. Jesus said that. Not me. Another thing is that Jesus quoted scripture many times. You know, that same Bible you claim I quote. When tempted He said “It is written…It is written…It is written… or Haven’t you read?…..” He constantly referred to scriptures because the scriptures are God’s Word. 🙂 The question you have to ask yourself is this…When Claude dies, where will he go?
@KakkoiGuy1 I don’t care about quotes from the Bible. Look within and check it out for yourself. Otherwise it is mere belief. Everybody quotes his favourite book, throws quotes at the other guy. It is not helpful. Speak from your own experience. That’s what Jesus did and that’s why the priests (upholders of dogma and holy books) were upset. Maybe you are an evolved Christian, I don’t know. Father Keating is and that I do know.
@claudelebel55 You should be on your knees praising Him and thanking Him because that is what we all deserve plus hell. Another reference of seperation that is caused by sin is when Adam sinned in the Garden. Remember God asked “Adam where art thou?” It wasn’t because He didn’t know where He was but because Adam was spiritually alive through connection to God. When he sinned, he no longer was connected to the true and Holy God. Genesis chps1-4.