Spirituality – Deep vs. Superficial
What shows itself as spirituality may be pretty superficial.
Please read first: [see: “Spirituality“]
Many people seem to be looking for the superficial kind.
Many are not even looking for spirituality in spirituality, but rather any evasion ― providing the idea that “this is not all” while not carrying any threat.
The ‘search for spirituality’ is, in that case, a search to remain comfortably numb.
No possible threat → no possible depth.
Spirituality is not necessarily heavy and dark.
It can be light and jolly ― and deep.
It can even be not-looking-like-spirituality ― and deep.
It can be heavy and dark ― and deep.
It cannot be merely superficial. Something superficial that looks like spirituality is a gross fake ― to be stayed as far away from as possible.
Why is there so much fake?
On the one hand, because of the complexity of the domain. This makes it challenging to see reality, let alone grasp it, and distinguish the interesting from the fluke. Also, it makes it difficult to talk about it with clarity, let alone to hear the clarity in another person’s talking.
On the other hand, it’s easy to make oneself look exciting and important. One brings some of the expected elements together and builds a following that is even ready to bring sacrifices: money, time, adoration.
Also, many prospect-followers are mainly looking for something straightforward, easily graspable, easily digestible. Sadly, this is running away from superficiality towards superficiality.
Thus, many people fall into the trap.
Many stay in it for long ― even lifelong.
It can become a habit, an ingrained pattern, also a flowing together with others out of comfort. [see: “Streaming Underneath“]
Right.
Then there is genuine spirituality.
It can be in every breath you take, in everything you look at, in every thought and feeling.
Everybody can live a life of deep spirituality, also while living a ‘normal life.’ You don’t need to evade anything but superficiality.
It’s not what, but how: parallel, distributed. [see: “What is ‘Parallel’?“]
Related Posts
Sea of Faith
It’s an excellent idea, all religions coming together in a sea of faith. For someone outside of any organized religion, this may feel like coming home for oneself and everyone else. It didn’t work out in the past. On several occasions, in places as remote from each other as the Netherlands and India, attempts have Read the full article…
Compassionate Evangelicalism, an Invitation
Evangelicalism has an immense impact on world politics. It counts 80 million adherents (voters) in the US and many also in other countries such as Brazil. At its core, it is about sharing the good news — literally, the Evangelion of Jesus. For centuries, this has been understood as the message of salvation, a call Read the full article…
Have Christians Forgotten Jesus?
Or better, have many Christians ever known Jesus? Apparently, many have not to the full extent. This blog puts Jesus in the present. Why? It just feels right while writing, as it also feels right to treat him not as a god or fairy tale personage but as a human being for now. What a Read the full article…