Modern pilgrims: More people are traveling for spirituality

With today being yet another somber anniversary in America of a day this country will never forget (9/11). And a day after yet more Americans suffered devastation from Mother Nature, Americans have been through a lot. We are being tested. Some are even asking whether 'God is causing all this?'

While I will address the last question in a post later today, this post is about 'Modern Pilgrims.' In this article linked here, it speaks about how though 'traditional religion' is on the decline in many countries,' people are very much seeking 'spirituality.'

While most of Europe has already seen its churches emptied, America appears to be the 'last country' that still embraces Christianity. In many parts of America Christianity is still very much flourishing. Yet in other parts of the country, the opposite is occurring. So there is a divide, a shift happening in America and it's not based solely along political lines.

While I am not one of those whom claim that America was 'founded as a Christian nation,' some historians and ministers still do cling to this notion. I have looked into this personally because you can't always believe what you hear or read, especially in the day and age in which we now live. This is why I do much of my own research, so I can come up with the conclusions based on the evidence that I personally find, as opposed to leaving it to others.

So while churches are indeed going through a transformation, and whether a person attends a 'traditional church,' make no mistake the churches in America are not what they once stood for, or even believed in many cases. While I grew up attending church, I personally do not attend any church, as there isn't any that I agree with. I'm sure there are many others like me who have left the church.

And yet though I have left the church, the reality is the reverse...as I find it and view it as the church has 'left me!' Same can be said with many whom have been affiliated with a particular political party. Times are changing. Whether this is for the worse, or the better, it is what we decide to make of it as an individual, and as a nation. There will always be those among us who 'believe' in something greater than ourselves, as there will be those who do not.

Both sides have their convictions and whether you agree or disagree, it is to be respected. I can understand why a person cannot believe in a God. While I may not agree with them, it is for me to respect their convictions, and leave them be. I certainly do not agree with Islam having read a lot about it after the events of 9/11. But, if that is what someone wants to believe, that is their right. Of course, using a religion as an excuse to commit 'terror' is quite another road, and should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

But never mind 'organized religion.' Spirituality is what we're dealing with. I have always felt the need to believe in 'something.' I have always been a Believer, as I know there is something greater out there with an infinite wisdom who has created us, and this earth, and we are not here on accident, nor did this world 'create itself.' While some would disagree, that's fine. I would wager more people believe as I do, than those who do not.

While 'organized religion' basically no longer suits my needs, which is a shame. That is what it was intended to do. But man being man, they have over time crept into far too many religious systems, and corrupted it for their own personal gains. While its not an accurate reflection of the core value of the religion, it does tarnish the image of a particular religion. For example, there are far too many 'greedy preachers' out there looking out more for themselves, than for those whom they claim to help.

This has become far too commonplace, and such persons ruin it for other. So many are now seeking spirituality as a personal means of staying 'connected' to what they believe in. This may be dangerous spiritually speaking, but it is a journey, and this is where the idea of being a 'pilgrim' derives from. Throughout the centuries, many (as now) have felt the need to travel to various 'religious destinations' in their personal quest for a belief system, to confirm their belief system, or to 'test' various belief systems. But as they saying goes, it's not the 'destination' that matters as much as it is what lays within the 'journey.' It is within the confines of the journey that many will accept, or reject certain ideals which they may have been taught, or will come to accept as a result of personal experience.

"Pilgrims" have been around for centuries. And the idea is making a comeback. While many cannot afford to travel to exotic countries, one can take a pilgrimage right where they live. There is an inherent difference between 'religion' and 'spirituality.' And while the two are not always mutually exclusive, they can add to the other. On the contrary, spirituality can also determine whether a person decides to belong to a 'organized religion,' or decides to follow one on their own.