Felling lost, Will spirituality help me?

[jojo75]

I am 31 and am increasingly feeling lost in this race we call life. I was not bought up with a faith of any sort and didn't really think about it till i had my son 2.5 years ago. Anyway, everything seems so driven by money, and it seems that your worth as a person is judged by what you have, the car you drive etc... I don't want to bring my son up in a world where so much emphasis is put on this, I have a feeling that the way things are heading we will one day have to walk away from all materialistic posessions. Anyway the point of this is the ask will reading the bible help me to be a little more positive about life.. What would be the best bible to buy? sorry guys i got a bit carried away.. Thanks for any help.

[naomi24]

Hello Jojo, I know what you mean about the materialistic world we inhabit, but I don't think buying a bible or going down the route of religion is the way to find spirituality. You're more likely to find your own spirituality and your own take on life in nature and the wonders of the universe than in a book written by men.

[jake-the-peg]

We look at the world through the people we are friends with through the papers we read, the television we watch.

In many western countries the most dominant culture is money and possession orientated - this is no accident companies selling thes goods pay millions to ensure that it it is.

But it's not the only culture.

A number of religous movements have very different values but there are a number of other non-religious groups that do too, for example a lot of people involved in the green movement in whatever way.

It sounds to me that your core problem is with this default culture and reading a bible, koran or sutra won't help that in itself. It's the community values you seem to be looking for.

If you don't change the company you keep, the media you watch and read you run the risk of going from being unhappy to being religous and unhappy

Best of luck

[Octavius]

The nature of man has always been materialistic, from wanting the sharpest stone axe for carving and hunting to money and goods for trading to the latest electronic gizmo, fastest car and worldly possessions. Our children will grow into that society whether we like or not, we just have to make sure they are prepared and ready for it in order to survive it or thrive in it.

It sounds more like you are disillusioned with life, unhappy and don�t really understand why.

I agree with the above, whilst reading holy scripture can really do no harm and may serve to broaden your ideology and understanding of those doctrines, it is not a certainty that you will achieve spiritual ease or enlightenment (although of course, anything is possible).

Providing you are not experiencing some form of depression requiring specific help, then if you are really feeling lost in society and seeking something spiritual, then perhaps - as many who are disillusioned with materialism do - you could look into Buddhism?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhi sm/

[luna-tic]

Hello Jo, All the possessions in the world are no substitute for love, time spent with your family or being part of this world we call home.
Many find comfort in the simple things; nature, music, reading but sometimes there arises a need for direction, a sense of purpose but in no way should this be measured by what others have got.
It really is up to you if you think religion/ the bible will help but I'm sure philosophically, emotionally and spiritually there are many other ways to help you without treading the path of doctrines.
Take care Jo.

[RATTER15]

Follow naomis24's advice and you wont go far wrong, if you start relying on the bible you will be even more disillusioned with life!!

Take a little time everyday to sit quietly, No radio or TV, burn some incense, light a few candles and create a relaxing atmosphere, and reflect on all the good things that have happened in your life. We have a few Buddhas dotted about the place, these create balance and harmony in our lives.

Buddha is not a god!!