Like Stingray, I have never practiced any religion. The only time I have stepped into religious gatherings is when I was on tourist trips - into the old cathedrals in Europe or mosques and temples in Asia and the Middle East. :)

Despite that, I have been drawn to reading all the various works and consider myself quite spiritual. But - apart from others who know me well - none would consider me spiritual. I keep it to myself, and like it that way. I think a person's spiritual unfoldment is personal to them - and I enjoy parts of everything I have read.

I actually support individual spirituality. In organized religion, it is too easy for most to get their views narrowed and take things as dogma. Many of the most spiritual people I know - started - in the church (or something similar) and then one day...stopped going.

It's interesting that you raise this question, because I myself have newly come into Christianity (about half a year ago). Previously I was a Buddhist.

I consider myself a non-denominational Christian, if there is such a thing. I attend church service occasionally, when I feel like I'd like to be in a house of God. I do it "anonymously" i.e. I don't join any cell groups nor do I know anyone there.

I don't rule out becoming more involved in church life down the road, but at the moment I have no such inclination as I prefer a quieter, more self-reflective approach. I think this phase of being in touch with our inner selves and God is essential for spiritual growth. Too many people around us may in fact hinder our progress, as we each have our own paths to walk and should not feel pressured by others to go at their preferred pace.

I admit that my former Buddhist background may have had some influence on my current approach to spirituality. I had always treated it as a philosophy of life, and continue to do so even as a Christian.

Jaianniah, I think you are doing fine. :)

Do you want to be considered a spiritual person, or do you want to be a spiritual person?

I see religion as having many social functions, such as teaching people how to treat each other well, understanding basic moral structures, etc. People come together under one roof to affirm their basic beliefs, and be validated by the presence of others with the same beliefs. And, of course, to worship God. In the best of churches, you can feel God's presence there.

Our church has a name for all of this: they call it corporate worship, which to me sounds like an oxymoron.

At one time, our church was a renegade operation; the members of our church were some of the first to wear jeans on a regular basis to services, and use contemporary music as a vehicle for worship. The main sanctuary, where most of the services are held, was originally a supermarket.

But then our church got civilized; today they have a shiny new office building, and the jeans and music now feel more like a uniform.

I used to do sound mixing for them as a volunteer activity. It was an incredible experience; I got to worship in a way that exercised my talents, and I believe that everyone benefited from my efforts. But in time it got to feel more like a job than a calling, and the focus shifted from finding connection with God to not offending people. Eventually, I was given some time off so that they could train new people, and I was never asked to come back, and I was never told why.

I tell you this, not because I want you to feel sympathy for me, but because I feel that church is ultimately something you should outgrow, at least from a spiritual standpoint. Even my pastor said that his church was "Christianity 101," meaning that his purpose was to teach spiritual basics, not to raise up a congregation of spiritual gurus.

Anyone of any faith can be spiritual even agnostics, remember Jesus when asked, "what is the greatest commandment" said love. I believe it was "love your brothers as I have loved you."

Many people do this greatest commandment without even knowing God; many do this but know God in other ways as in other religions. To have compassion, respect, and consideration for all, Jesus said, "I came to you, I was hungry and you feed me, I came to you, I was tired and you gave me a place to rest, I came to you, and I was without cloths and you clothed me." No one knew he was Jesus, but did do these things for him and so he says this is a good person and rewards this person as good.

So there are many that practice in a Christian way of Love, Compassion, Forgiveness, Kindness, and Service without even knowing God or knowing God in some other way, and maybe even only believing in the possibly of God.

Spiritual people live the way, Religious people study the way, Agnostics or Atheists may or not (depending on the person) live the way without knowing it.

All of this of course is the most basic level of the way, not getting into the deeper mysteries that Jesus taught.

well the question to this answer is did the religion came from someone reading a book or someone that as direct experiance? the book of religion still have some truth but earing some one reading a book and reading the book your self are 2 different things! do you want some one making a reality for you or do you want to experiance the reality your self? i find it best to go with empty mind and experiance something then having false precept about something! other people view of things and your view of things can be different! does some one that lives in a place with no religion make him not spiritual? think about jesus(in the desert fighting the temptation) buddha(in the forest meditating) all sage and hermit and mystic zen monk why are they going in peaceful place? are they spiritual? don't tell someone religious about this they are not ready yet!