Meditation, Meditation, Meditation is the key!

Meditation is the most important key to unlocking that inner chamber within each one of us. Unfortunately, this process inevitably leads to a inner and personal relationship with God, which makes certain leaders of organised formal religion nervous. But one would ask why would a "man of God" be nervous of people reconnecting with God on their own? the word religion it is said to be as follows:

"Webster's Collegiate Dictionary traces the word back to an old Latin word religio meaning "taboo, restraint." A deeper study discovers the word comes from the two words re and ligare. Re is a prefix meaning "return," and ligare means "to bind;" in other words, "return to bondage." Do you still want some of that "old-time religion" " http://www.tentmaker.org/Dew/Dew1/D1-EtymologyOfReligion.html

The key concept then to religion is appears to re-connect man to God. This is important because it is the sole purpose of religion.

The Church in Christian belief or the community of any belief system then forms a support structure for the believer very much like the Sangha. This community acts as a refuge for the believer.

But times have changed the younger generation are questioning the religion and putting the religious organisations to the test of relevance. In the past this was not a problem because in the past people simply followed their parents belief. This could be referred to as inherited beliefs. This belief was followed because the person grew up with it like a habit almost, without questioning it and because of the effects of the religious community, the belief stuck unquestioned.

Now the younger generation queries everything. Religion especially literalist interpreted religion is either becoming fanatical or being criticised. The later being subject to the problem that spiritual works must be interpreted spiritually and not literally.

In essence Gnosis is a spiritual practice which has tremendous potential to fill the immense spiritual void which is being created by organised religion failing to meet their communities real hunger for spiritual relationship with God. Because apart from the chanting, prayers and wonderful music, the youth now are wanting a real connection with God not just the other man made bits and pieces, which although beautiful do not necessarily create a inner feeling of connection.

I personally believe that either religious groups must recognise the benifits of embrassing Gnosis and other paths which could be complimentary to their systems or they will continue to go down the path of no return.