OK, I can see I already have more things to say in this post than will make for a short read. So if it gets too long (or overbearing), I apologize in advance. (Or if I am just too incoherent, please let me know!)

I once read that one of the problems with “new age” spirituality, is that it is like a buffet table, where you just sample what you want and move along to the next thing that looks appetizing. As opposed to going in-depth into a given religion or belief system, where you take your favorite dish, so to speak, along with any sides that come with it, like them or not. I think there is something to be said for both approaches. I was raised in the Catholic church. Some of the rituals, for example, could be very powerful. But I got tired of having myself, and everyone around me in church being called a sinner every Sunday. And I always awaited the mystical moment (first communion, confirmation, a million times in church), without success. (I know, I know, I was looking for the moment coming from without!) But the whole sinner concept never set well with me, so in my teens, I started searching for my God connection elsewhere.

[First aside: I also once read that the Catholic church has some special word (which escapes me) for "ex-Catholics." I do not view myself as an ex-Catholic, just as "not a Catholic." When I became a vegetarian for two or three years once, I didn't view myself as an ex-meat eater; or when I went back to eating meat, I was not an ex-vegetarian. I just was what I was, and wasn't what I wasn't. This practice, of organizations or people, pulling you into their belief system (whether you want to be there or not) is sometimes referred to as "involuntary induction."]

So in church, I was involuntarily inducted into the category of “sinner.”

So, OK, I will examine the buffet table approach I subsequently/occasionally followed more fully in another post.

I have had many conversations with people over the years who have very strong belief systems (which could also be considered very conservative). Time and time again I am involuntarily inducted into the “sinner” category. (Maybe it’s just me!) Today I had a clear thought on the difference between my approach (certainly Course inspired) and people with other belief systems.

The comparison, however unlikely it may sound, involves how our legal system works. In my approach, everyone is innocent (not even until proven guilty, as I do not believe in guilt/sin). I do not need to judge, as everyone is innocent by default. In the system of involuntary induction, I am judged as guilty (a sinner) – no matter what my beliefs are. And any “defense” I may proffer, seems to be ignored by the court. Interesting…

So although I do not agree with, nor care for many of the belief systems that are out there, I absolutely believe in the right of any person to believe what they wish. Some of these people think their belief system is the “only true way.” To me, there are lots and lots of valid ways to get back to God (or however you wish to state it). I will continue on my path, which is presently the Course. I guess that is enough for this evening.

My blessings to you, wherever you might be on your path…