I was not raised with religion/spirituality at all, didn't even know what people thought "god" was until some kid in middle school tried to drag me to her church, convinced that I was going to hell. (didn't go, needless to say, but she preached at me up and down all year).

Since then, I've had a pretty negative view of organized religion, mostly due to observing the behavior of many people who consider themselves "religious", but seem very narrow-minded and FEARFUL, and very "if you're not with us, you're in Hell". Tolerance seems to be lacking.

Since reading The Four Agreements, I've read about Don Miguel's version of spirituality, and while it resonates MORE with me than "organized" religion...I still don't really buy it. I don't feel the need for any sort of "god/spirit/otherworld/afterlife/great creator" thing. Just can't get into it. I don't judge the people who DO believe, I just don't personally.

Instead, I focus on living HERE and NOW, and practicing T4A and doing my best at it. I'd rather focus on the what IS, and what could BE through my own influence and actions, rather than a nebulous "other/great being"......

That's me. How about you? I'm interested to hear the variety of responses, this seems like a very diverse group.

I take very ecclectic approach to spirituality and draw from Judaism, Buddhism, certain channeled writings and my own personal impressions. After studying Orthodox Judaism for 3 years I have come to appreciate the rational behind an organized religion. That said, I also belive that often the organization gets in the way of the principles the religion was designed to represent in the first place.

The Four Agreements does not appear to be aligned with some Judaic thought as I know it. Judaism seems to be very concerned with the protecting other person's feelings while the Four Agreements clearly places the responsibility of one's feelings on oneself. I agree with the later approach. When one is coddled or sheltered to protect them from getting their feelings hurt they are often denied valuable experiences for growth and deepening one's spirit. This is not to say we should not be sensitive to another, simply to not feel responsible for another's reaction. The 4 Agreements seems to encourage such growth whereas my understandng of Judaism does not.

Judaic thought on being impeccable with one's word is completely in synch with The Four Agreements. In Kabbalah, one's word is the means by which one creates one's reality. An interesting article on Judaic views on one's word can be found at www.chabad.org/library/article.asp




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