Natasha Crain, an expert in content for parents seeking to disciple their children, joins the discussion on navigating faith. They explore the intriguing concept of being 'spiritual but not religious' and the importance of deeper commitments. Natasha emphasizes the role of parent responsibility in instilling a strong Christian worldview. They also examine the perspectives surrounding the Good Samaritan parable and tackle challenging topics like modern prophecy and the influence of psychedelics on spirituality.
Identifying as 'spiritual but not religious' often reflects a desire for personal freedom without commitment to any structured beliefs.
The tension between seeking open-mindedness and adhering to core truths can create a chaotic belief system lacking stability.
Many individuals distance themselves from organized religion due to negative stigma, inadvertently reinforcing stereotypes of hypocrisy and judgment.
Embracing a spiritual identity may lead to a fragmented worldview, hindering an individual's ability to experience and understand biblical truths.
Deep dives
Spiritual vs. Religious: A Common Dilemma
Many individuals identify as 'spiritual but not religious' to express a desire for personal freedom without the constraints of organized religion. This perspective often stems from feelings of being unbound by strict doctrines or commitments, allowing for a more personal and subjective approach to spirituality. However, this mindset can lead to the illusion that one is free of any ties when, in reality, they may simply be adopting the ever-changing beliefs of the surrounding culture. Over time, this approach can create a chaotic belief system that lacks a solid foundation, exposing individuals to cultural influences rather than providing them with a stable religious anchor.
Open-Mindedness: A Double-Edged Sword
The notion of open-mindedness is frequently championed by those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, encompassing a wide acceptance of varying truths. While this can foster a tolerant attitude towards diverse beliefs, it may also result in a lack of commitment to any single truth. Embracing all possibilities without a firm grounding can lead to a diluted worldview that fails to hold onto essential truths about life and faith. When individuals hold their beliefs loosely, it may create confusion and inconsistencies in their understanding of core spiritual teachings.
The Stigma of Religion
Claiming to be spiritual rather than religious often arises from a desire to distance oneself from the negative stigma traditionally associated with organized religion. This stigma may be based on perceived hypocrisy or instances of harm caused by religious institutions throughout history, leading individuals to shy away from the term 'religious'. However, relinquishing the identity of being religious can inadvertently reinforce these negative stereotypes, suggesting that genuine belief and practice are undesirable. Thus, the desire to avoid stigma might hinder individuals from fully engaging with the rich traditions and practices that organized religion can offer.
The Baggage of Religious Identity
One common justification for the spiritual but not religious dichotomy is the belief that identifying with a particular faith entails unwanted baggage, such as preconceived notions or guilt stemming from negative historical events. Many individuals fear being judged or misunderstood based on their religious affiliation, prompting them to reject collective religious identity altogether. However, this avoidance neglects the opportunity to embrace the positive aspects of faith, support systems, and community found within organized religion. Accepting a faith identity also means confronting its complexities and histories rather than entirely dismissing its merits.
The Never-Ending Search for Truth
Those who identify as spiritual often pride themselves on being seekers of truth, embracing the idea that the journey itself holds more importance than reaching any final destination. This approach promotes continuous exploration without the need for definitive beliefs, which can foster personal growth. However, in perpetually seeking without arriving at any concrete understanding, individuals may prevent themselves from ever truly knowing and experiencing biblical truths. The spiritual journey can thrive with a sense of purpose, but stagnation can occur when the pursuit of truth is mired in ambiguity.
Embracing All Spiritual Leaders
A frequently cited benefit of identifying as spiritual instead of religious is the acceptance and reverence for various spiritual teachers and leaders across numerous faiths. This belief system allows individuals to draw wisdom from a multitude of spiritual traditions, creating a sense of inclusivity. However, embracing contradictory teachings from different religious leaders can lead to a fragmented worldview lacking coherence. Ultimately, genuine spirituality requires grappling with the core differences in beliefs rather than attempting to harmonize conflicting ideologies without distinction.
The Reality of Religious Identity
Individuals may claim to be spiritual but not religious as a way to avoid societal pressures; however, everyone possesses some form of belief system that influences their choices and values. By denying a definitive religious identity, individuals may inadvertently align themselves with cultural trends instead, compromising their spiritual integrity. Genuine religion, rooted in truth and the teachings of Christ, provides a framework for understanding life's complexities and moral dilemmas. Accepting this framework enables individuals to navigate life's challenges with resilience rather than simply absorbing an ever-fluctuating array of contemporary belief systems.
CLICK HERE for the video on Christophanies (appearances of Jesus) in the Old Testament.
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CLICK HERE for Foundation Worldview which has actual video lessons to help teach your kids a Christian worldview.
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0:00 - Intro
0:07 {Spiritual but Not Religious?} How should we respond when someone says, “I’m not religious, I’m spiritual”?
23:14 {Who is our “Neighbor”?} “Who, then, is my neighbor?” In Luke 10:25-37, I know the Good Samaritan is me, but who does the "neighbor" he helped represent? I have never met a naked, beaten, and robbed Jew…I don't think.
26:35 {About Mid-Acts Dispensationalism} Can you give some more information on the Mid-Acts Dispensationalism movement? It sounds biblical.
31:11 {Should Ungodly Behavior Cause Doubt?} If I were to doubt Christianity (I don't), it would be because of a lack of holiness. Christians seem to be jerks at the same rate as the world, or more. Why is this, if we have the Holy Spirit?
36:40 {God in the Garden} Who was walking in the garden in Genesis 3:8? Was it Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit, or all three?
41:50 {About Anglo/British Israelism} What are your thoughts on Anglo-Israelism or British Israelism? It is the belief that America and the British commonwealth are physical descendants of Israel.
44:41 {Discerning True vs. False Prophecies} How do you test WOF prophecy when it sounds more like insights/encouragements, not foretelling future events? What SHOULD modern prophecy sound like?
48:49 {Is Fear of Hell a Valid Motivator?} Would a death bed conversion work if the main driving factor is the fear of Hell rather than choosing to trust God?
51:58 {Biblical Advice for Parents} What advice can you give to parents in these times to help them raise children who choose to trust and follow Jesus later in life? Can you do a biblical series on parenting?
55:33 {What Should I Do if I Question My Salvation?} If someone is thinking that they might not be saved, seeing their sinfulness, what should they do? “Not sinning” sort of seems like a Band-Aid on the problem.
1:00:07 {Singular vs. Plural Pronouns for God?} Why is it improper to refer to God as "they" instead of "He," since He is three persons? Example of the problem: "He spoke to Job out of the storm" tends to make us think the Father alone is speaking.
1:03:03 {Can Past Sins Disqualify a Man from Leadership?} If a man’s pre-salvation life is especially disgraceful, could he ever truly be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2)? Could old sin, then, even if confessed, disqualify him from being a pastor or elder?
1:09:07 {About the Geneva Bible} In your study of Bible translations, have you ever looked at the Geneva Bible that I believe the pilgrims used? What is its textual basis? Do you think Christians should read it?
1:12:54 {Is there Room in Christianity for Psychedelics?} Given the resurgence of psychedelics for recreation and therapeutic use in Western society, is there room for it in Christianity, or should its use stay separate from spiritual practice?
1:17:59 {What were the “Horns” on the Altar?} Why did the altar in the Tabernacle have the horns? Could you please clarify this?
1:20:20 {What does it Mean to “Share in Christ’s Sufferings”?} When we share in Christ’s sufferings, does that refer only to suffering that comes in opposition to doing God’s will, or can it also include something like suffering through a disease or a loss?
1:24:35 {Is Anyone Presently in Hell?} Is Hell something that is taking place right now, or is that a future reality after the final judgment (Luke 16:19-31)?
1:27:19 {Seminary Suggestions and How to Study Well} I’m currently a Junior in high school and plan to go to a seminary after school to become a preacher. How and where do I start studying the Bible to become a true BibleThinker?
1:30:56 {Are there Multiple “Gods” in Jeremiah?} Why does Jeremiah 46:25 and Jeremiah 51:44 make it seem like there are multiple gods? How can God punish a god that doesn’t exist?
1:35:41 {Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?} Should prayer be a dialogue or monologue? How should we determine if instances of humans having a dialogue with God in the Bible are to be taken as normative?
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