Are There Dangers to Being Spiritual?

In a recent CNN article by John Blake titled “Are there dangers in being spiritual but not religious?” John referred to a survey that stated more “millenials”, (people between the ages of 18 and 29 years old), identify themselves as being “spiritual” rather than “religious”. He describes it as trendy phrase people use to describe their beliefs. There is even an acronym for the phrase SBNR.

Okay, I’m more of a “tweener” myself having been born in the 60′s, but if I were asked about my religious views, my response would be the same…”I’m spiritual but not religious”. I have a tremendous connection to spirit and the divine, but I am not affiliated with any particular religious organization.

Now, I can understand why some of the religious pundits feel the way that they do, but to refer to the growing trend of SBNR as dangerous? Don’t you think that statement is just a teeny bit melodramatic?

Organized religion is in a battle for its very existence. While people continue to the leave the church and new memberships are down, scandal and deceit continue to flood the headlines and haunt the hierarchy. Atrocities committed in the name of religion by inbred fanatics, (can you say, Westboro Baptist Church?), has worn down the resolve of many generations. Is it no wonder why people are thinking for themselves and disassociating from these organizations?

The very definition of spirituality is changing. No longer is the path to spiritual growth being considered to be through an organization with a facilitator that will speak to God for them. Spiritual people have come to the conclusion that the dogmas associated with organized religion and the “my way or the highway” mentality doesn’t serve anyone. They realize that God fearing needs to be replaced with God loving, that God is not a distant deity that resides “up there”, but that God is… and God’s love is… within all of us. Spiritually minded people are taking responsibility for their awakening and developing their own personal relationship based on all-inclusive love of humanity and spirit.

Is this dangerous? Well some think so, they claim that SBNR people are selfish, egotistical and just plain lazy. That being spiritual but not religious can lead to being complacent and self-centered, while damaging the community at large. There point is that SBNR people have no connection with their community so “Why help the poor”.

SBNR individuals as a whole, care deeply about their communities, their environment and the damage that humanity has propagated on their fellow man and the planet. They are developing a very personal connection with spirit and God and have studied tirelessly on the subject and continue to grow, all the while maintaining an open mind that allows others to embrace their views without verbal or physical persecution.

All around the World old structure, financial institution, corporations and governments are being dissolved and dismantled. The energy of the times is pulling away the veil to expose the abominations that have been committed. Organized religion has had their shot over thousands of years to spiritually evolve this planet and failed, the true meanings and teachings have been lost in a struggle for power, money and control. Tell me…where does the real danger lie?