Spirituality--Solo or Social?

[_sock puppet]

Does spirituality grow out of social interaction (such as fellowship in a church) or individual experience and reflection?

I hear Mormons all claim that their feeling/interpretation came in individual moments. No day of pentecost in this dispensation?

[_kairos]

Few understand true spirituality particularly those who are raised in religions like the LDS, RC or the chief spinoffs thereof. In the first half of one's life if you are associated with the above faith traditions your spirituality is built around rules, regulations, merit-reward and punishment standards, dualistic thinking (right and wrong, good and evil are the only choices). This is because your life is ego driven- I, Me, Mine are the focus as you strive to determine who you are, what career path you will chose, what "things" you want to attain. This "box" of rules, disciplinary standards, church/religion performance/worthiness standards keeps your ego in check in the first half of life.But true spirituallity comes only when a crisis,loss of job/careeer failure, divorce or serious family estrangent, or something similar confonts you and you "suffer" but lean on the faith that God is in charge and you surrender to God's will with whatever faith you have. Coming through such a crisis is transforming(conversion) and the rules/regs/worthiness /merit and reward "go out the window" because the way you think is entirely different, your consciousness of God is one of intimate personal relationship- in fact in the second half of life You know who you are, and you know that you know and that makes all the difference and the box of first half of life criteria are no longer applicable.
Some say second half of life people have "fallen"(remember that crisis or major failure period that you experienced ) upward and closer to God.
Second half of life people i know are those men and women who have true wisdom about life, care little for the "things" of the world, seek to alleviate suffering wherever they encounter it and know God in an intimate way reflected in the deep love, joy and peace they experience.
The spirituality of second half of life peole is social and personal.
Not a sermon , just a thought

[_Nightlion]

Does spirituality grow out of social interaction (such as fellowship in a church) or individual experience and reflection?

I hear Mormons all claim that their feeling/interpretation came in individual moments. No day of pentecost in this dispensation?

The Jews who experienced Pentecost were specifically groomed for it. First they were for the most part witnesses to the earthly ministry of the Savior. Second they had just spent 40 miraculous days with the risen Christ teaching them from time to time. When he finished he commanded that they continue with one accord until they did receive the baptism of fire which was the promise of the Father unto all those who come unto Christ just and true.

The lack of preparation for this event in the LDS Church is mind-bogglingly stupid. The social is all in all. It supplants and dissolves, it prevents and hides the promise of the Father, the earnest of salvation and that unction from on High that changes people and gives them a new heart from God whereby they can cry Abba Father, knowing by experience the reality of the Living God.

Yet, from our youngest days the social can assist the spiritual by making up a nurturing nucleus that enlarges a soul to expect charity and learn to give it freely in the innocence of youthful optimism. Certainly helped me personally.

[_Hoops]

I was eager to comment but I have no idea what you mean by spirituality. I suspect what you mean is nothing like what I mean.

[_sock puppet]

I was eager to comment but I have no idea what you mean by spirituality. I suspect what you mean is nothing like what I mean.

I don't use the word, but many here do. The question is posed to try to find out what some of those of you who do use the term mean. So, Hoops, please answer it per your meaning, whatever that may be.

[_Hoops]

Spirituality grows out of communing with God. That is done alone and within a community. However, I would add that I believe participating in life is the greatest reflection of one's spirituality and the vehicle by which it grows. I don't begrudge those who choose to withdraw from participating for spiritual reasons. I just disagree.