I was responding to a friend's email. My response should have been three or four words, but it kept growing as I kept "thinking."
Religions are not something to believe in. They are, at their best, a gathering of people who support each other in each one's spiritual quest. I think (not "believe") that there are and have been some individuals who have left hints on spiritual growth: Gautama, Jesus, Isaiah, Rumi, Meister Eckhart, George Fox, Gerald Gardiner (in modern times). Those who become "followers" are making the mistake of orthodoxy. But those who learn insights for their own growth can find inspiration.
I've spent much of my adult life trying to understand people and reality. I am a psychologist/counselor, spiritual coach, and searcher. (A coach is not great performer, but is skilled at helping others with talent become better at something.)
Spirituality is finding the answer to one question: Why not commit suicide? (Albert Camus). Life without purpose is inherently absurd, subject to some happiness within and with others, but mostly pain, suffering, illness, war. It only becomes meaningful when one chooses a purpose for which to live.
Not sure we know so much as we think we do. If we did, we would not be facing the threat of global climate change, continued war, and a Republican Congress whose agenda is destroying the middle class.
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