BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Spirituality Recognize the spirituality in others?

Can you recognize the spirituality in other people who are of a different faith, or have a different belief system, than your own?

Without a doubt

It is so wonderful that if one has an open mind and heart it is possible to recognize the beauty/spirituality in another. Some of the most interesting conversations I have had in life have been with a person of a different belief system than mine. To share and listen helps each other to grow.

Phyllis, Absolutely, and I think this is so needed right now - an ability to recognize and respect other's journeys and beliefs. And there are so many common themes and experiences across all the different traditions. Also, the traits we often associate with spirituality - compassion, generosity, a strong moral compass - aren't necessarily tied to people with a specific belief system either.

being on this board, I believe, has helped me with recognizing spirituality in others. Just learning about others' beliefs and feelings has gone a long way to opening my eyes about how others worship and live.

I think what draws me so much to conversations with others on spirituality and their beliefs is the compassion one has for others, regardless of differences.

Years ago I often had conversations with a man from Russia. He was a computer tech where I worked. He had a heavy Russian accent and loved to discuss religion. He is Jewish, I am Christian with Native American beliefs blended in.

We both loved studying religions and beliefs and sometimes met after work at the local pub. We talked for hours about our faiths and major religions of the world. We both learned so much from each other. The one thing that started and kept our friendship going was compassion for our own beliefs, compassion for the belief of others, compassion for humankind and sharing knowledge.

We were so sad to part when he went back to Russia. We parted, knowing we would never see each other again, with great respect and a profound feeling of love (platonic) for each other. He was married and anxious to return to his family.

I believe that everyone who comes into our lives can be a teacher if we but listen and respect.

What a beautiful story Phyllis. I do recognize the spirituality in others - though sometimes I have to remind myself to see it. Especially when they are getting on my case about my beliefs LOL. But as you have said, they are teachers, and I learn a great deal when I sit back and watch and listen and allow myself to learn.

Good for you, Deanna. One of the wonderful beauties in life is to see everyone as a teacher and to listen and learn. Even if we disagree with them, they will teach us something. Often what they teach us is that what we believe in works for us.

My Russian friend and I sometimes got into wild disagreements and debated for half the night -- but, we always parted with a hug and the realization that we each learned something.

Hello, I am new to BellaOnline and this forum. Your question is right at the heart of an issue that is overwhelming my heart. I hope the folks who follow this thread can give some guidance. I am a Christian, but with lots of what others call Pagan and Wicca at the foundation of my values. My stepson is married to a dear woman who identifies herself as a pagan, and we have many things in common. However, she is always in pain (physical, emotional, and spiritual) and is overwhelmed by chaos, confusion, and despair. I perceive that this is because she has no spiritual grounding and her Pagan beliefs do not provide comfort or sustenance. I know she was born into a Christian home...Go to #2 post

#2: but don't know when or why she accepted Paganism. She is raising our grandchildren without any reference to Christianity which made Christmas somewhat awkward. I would like to offer her the comfort I feel in my faith, but I am myself offended by Right Wing Fundamentalists who portray Christianity as the only religion. We are new in our relationship, and I do want her to see me as her Crone, her resource, and her friend. Do I wait for her to ask me, or is there a way I can open the conversation?