'A threat to democracy': William Barr's speech on religious freedom alarms liberal Catholics

[patphil]

28. There's always been a big difference between religion and spirituality

Religion is man made. It's invariably founded on spiritual truth, but that truth gets lost over time as the people who run the religion insert their views and/or interpretations into the mix and overwrite the original spiritual message.
Constantine did this to the teachings of Jesus.
King Ashoka did this to the teachings of Buddha
Brigham Young did this to the teachings of Joseph Smith.
Islamic Generals did this to the teachings of Muhammad.
I doubt if there is a single major religion that hasn't been perverted by self-serving, corrupt, power hungry people.
And, of course, religions continue to attract people who use their religion's doctrine as a tool to dominate and control others (Barr's moral order).
Heaven save us from the religious "zealot", especially when they get the power to force their will on others.
William Barr is one of those people.

Spirituality comes from the understanding of, and adherence to, the original message that was given to us from one who was truly enlightened.
It's never exclusive, always inclusive.
It doesn't looks for ways to suppress people, always to lift them up.
It doesn't divide people, always calls to unify them.
Spiritual truth doesn't look to establish a "moral order". It works on a much higher level. It speaks to the heart and the soul, and those who adhere to the message automatically treat each other with love and respect.


Patrick Phillips