What's Your Definition of "Spiritual Need?...

by expatbrit 11 Replies latest jw friends

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  expatbrit

  "Spiritual Need." One of the JW's favourite catchphrases.

  "We are conscious of our spiritual need" they say in a self-congratulatory way.

  "The vast majority are NOT conscious of their spiritual need" they say in a condemnatory way, to provide some reason why no one listens to them any more.

  So what is it?

  Here's my definition: "spiritual need" is an irrational fear of the unknown. An inability to face life without convenient pre-packaged ideas so that you don't have to try and figure things out for yourself. The "need" is a want, a desire for the ease of dependence.

  What do you think? Any other definitions?

  Expatbrit
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  Satanus

  From dictionary com

  su·per·sti·tion n.

  1. An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome.

  2. A belief, practice, or rite irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by faith in magic or chance.

  3. A fearful or abject state of mind resulting from such ignorance or irrationality.

  4. Idolatry.
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  RunningMan

  I've always thought that this was a rather profound scripture, and that "spiritual need" refers to the deep yearning of the soul. So, you can never really be happy unless you come to grips with your basic needs.

  Jw's, of course, equate all spirituality with the organization, so "spiritual need" becomes the need for the borg.

  But, I found something very interesting about this scripture. In most translations, the Bible doesn't say this at all. It says "Blessed are the poor in spirit". This is a completely different thought.
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  Beans

  I think that it is for people who get a great deal of inner peace from believing that God is the only answer.For them it is "someone" who can answer all there prayers no matter what the question!I think that it is a sign of weakness,ones inability to decide,judge for themselves between reality and truth!
  Beans

  Man that was good,sometimes I surprise myself!
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  Smoldering Wick

  Our “spiritual need” may be met when we experience a wholeness within our self, with other humans or with God. Spirituality is one aspect of the total person. For a person to function as an integrated whole, the individual must experience harmony in mind, spirit and body.

  Spirituality is often mistakenly equated to, or used synonymously with, institutionalized religion. In a very specific sense, spirituality refers to the eternal relationship between the individual and God. In a very broad definition, spirituality is 'that which inspires in one the desire to transcend the realm of the material.' Aspects of spirituality are qualities of forgiveness, love, hope and trust that can be experienced in relationship between two people as well as God.

  We can fulfill our spiritual need through acts that show love, hope, humility, trust and forgiveness towards others. Relationships with other people can also fill our spiritual need…giving us fulfillment in life and providing a purpose for living.

  Religion may give attention to spirituality but, by nature can actually hinder us in attaining our ‘spiritual need.’
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  wonderwoman77

  Well how would I define spiritual need? That is a good question. For me it is finding inner harmony. Being at peace with myself and the universe. It is having a connection with your soul. When you get that connection, you have a connection to something greater than you. I do not experience that connection all the time, but I had this great experience this summer. I felt so connected with myself that I felt connected with something higher, that something higher is what I call God. I have a need to experience that sometimes. Sometimes I attempt this through meditation, sometimes through readings from all types of philosophical and religious backgrounds. To me that is what my spirtual need is...
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  Thomas Poole

  "Spiritual Need?...

  1. ...what someone would like to have after it is too late.

  2. Something the natural man does not know about, such as "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

  This is quite profound.

  It explains that a natural man CANNOT KNOW OR EVEN RECOGNIZED spiritual things.

  THIS IS WHY THEY CANNOT FIND PROOF or understand when one trys to help them.
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  LaDonnaAna

  Drambuie on ice,

  Ana
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  butalbee

  Another pair of shoes...
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  Valentine

  Hi ((( expat)))))))))
  Interesting question there!
  
  I'm in agreement with SW here. For me,spiritual need is my connection to people,nature and the world around me.I've learned that the sense of this isn't one that can be proscribed by any religion tenet or dogma.
  Its about the whole gestalt of the individual as one grows,changes and adapts to life and new experiences.It's about plunging in and accepting lifes challenges as a means to grow. It's about saying NO to complacency,despair,alibis that keep one truant from life. And it's about giving back these strengths,so others can benefit and live more fully.
  And in doing the above one can and does find joy in life,by living it fully.
  Thanks for letting me share.hugs,T

  Todays Affirmation:
  The complete lack of evidence is the surest sign that the conspiracy is working.