[Amatrine]

I grew up going to church believing what I was tought. Then in my early 20's I actually sat down for a month and read the bible myself, and came to the conclusion from what I read, that I did not believe what the churches tought. Then in doing research found where a lot of beliefs originated.

I have not gone to church in years, as a result but have a strong spirituality.
I have a connection that is ever present to God, or awareness, one and same to me. I teach my daughter what I believe. I do teach her to pray,
and to have that connectivness.

I also believe organised religion is just not the way. In my opinion, it comes down to power. Churches want power, governments use religion or lack of it for power. At the same time, I do not bash those that go to church, and believe the way they do. That is where they need to be . I just choose not
to be told what it is correct, but to understand from my own understanding.
Not because I am told it is this way or that.

While I do believe a lot of the bible, I think there are different relegions that have a piece of it correct somewhere. I also have no faith in man in the sense, that they change things. Look how many versions of the bible there are, and how many verses have been changes over the years.
So while I believe the inpsiration is correct, I do not take it word for word.

I go with my gut on what feels right, to me and that extenal power outside myself, yet inside of me.

Ama