Do you keep a religious journal?

[Sha'irullah]

I of all people maintain a lengthy journal filled with theological matters and ideas. Am i alone on this idea?

 

[illykitty]

I do, a physical one and a file on the PC as well.

Although I've got to say, I write ideas in the PC one, while the journal documents my struggles more.

I think the reason is because ideas can be changed/edited, while my moods and struggles, I want to keep those on paper to see the progress (or lack of ^^') and it feels a lot better to physically write these feelings down.

 

[Sees]

I keep notes and write things but not much in a journal sense. Mostly to pass down to children/family later on and help with oral tradition. It is all of life...philosophy, theology, spirituality and practices, advice on love and money...everything for complete way of life or path.

I'm sure there are other old-school pagans doing similar

 

[lewisnotmiller]

I used to keep a journal filled with snippets of ideas and thoughts. Most of the ideas and thoughts were from others, bits and pieces I'd picked up from all sorts of places. Religion, philosophy, poetry, song lyrics. Whatever. But amongst it were little explanations on why I found thing interesting or profound, as well as thoughts of my own.

It was like a bower bird's nest...lol

But whilst I've thought of it, I have to admit, I've never sat down and put my various thoughts into any sort of cohesive form.

 

[Quintessence]

I'd hazard to say the majority of Neopagans have something like this. One of the major characteristics of Neopaganism is that each person is basically responsible for their own path. For many (if not most), this means creating a book or computer reference that details out their theology, their practices, and their experiences (sometimes called a Book of Shadows). I have very extensive files for such things myself, and it's a constant work in progress. Some of it is archived references of things that are not my own. I have a journal program I use to sometimes record day-to-day musings relating to my path. Some are carefully researched and written files on things that pertain to my path, some of which I really ought to throw at a publisher one of these days.

 

[Jainarayan]

My journal is pretty much the topics I've started and questions I've asked here; it's easy enough to find them. I can see that my beliefs and views have definitely changed over time by going back over those posts.

 

[psychoslice]

Yes I kept a journal for quite awhile, then someone tod me I should make it into a book which I did.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

I of all people maintain a lengthy journal filled with theological matters and ideas. Am i alone on this idea?

I have, but I typically burn them or throw them out after a while. Old crystallized ideas stagnate.

 

[Sha'irullah]

I'd hazard to say the majority of Neopagans have something like this. One of the major characteristics of Neopaganism is that each person is basically responsible for their own path. For many (if not most), this means creating a book or computer reference that details out their theology, their practices, and their experiences (sometimes called a Book of Shadows). I have very extensive files for such things myself, and it's a constant work in progress. Some of it is archived references of things that are not my own. I have a journal program I use to sometimes record day-to-day musings relating to my path. Some are carefully researched and written files on things that pertain to my path, some of which I really ought to throw at a publisher one of these days.

So I am not alone on this then. I have found that paganism requires much theol and historical study than any religion ever. I am still filling a whole journal with a data archive of deities from Nabeatian, Arabic and Mesopotamian periods. Although i find that connecting with god/gods on an intellectual level is rewarding. After all i am a Deist

 

[Aupmanyav]

I keep them in my mind. I have arrived at my final position, so there is hardly any chance of a change.

 

[Philomath]

I of all people maintain a lengthy journal filled with theological matters and ideas. Am i alone on this idea?

One of my Goals for this year was to start one but I've been slacking off with it :/

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

I of all people maintain a lengthy journal filled with theological matters and ideas. Am i alone on this idea?

I'm not sure if this is quite what you're talking about, but I have this:

The Religiologue - a Travelogue of Religions

I haven't posted to it in some time. I just found it way too draining and unpleasant to be surrounded by religion on a regular basis.

 

[Sha'irullah]

I'm not sure if this is quite what you're talking about, but I have this:

The Religiologue - a Travelogue of Religions

I haven't posted to it in some time. I just found it way too draining and unpleasant to be surrounded by religion on a regular basis.

This is exactly what I was talking about

 

[Sha'irullah]

One of my Goals for this year was to start one but I've been slacking off with it :/

Don't slack brother! The pen awaits your guidance . I find that writing is a great emotional release, main reason many of us are on forums I guess

 

[Sha'irullah]

I keep them in my mind. I have arrived at my final position, so there is hardly any chance of a change.

There is a word people use to describe this thought, they call it stubborn

 

[psychoslice]

I keep them in my mind. I have arrived at my final position, so there is hardly any chance of a change.

I understand what you are saying for I have arrived also, a journal is now nothing but entertainment.

 

[Aupmanyav]

There is a word people use to describe this thought, they call it stubborn

Is it always like that? My position includes possibility of change when science tells me whether the energy/matter in the universe is eternal or arises from 'absolute nothing'. I think without knowing my views and deciding about them is not fair.

Edited to include: And I do not think that information is going to be available in my life-time (perhaps less than 10 more years). Perhaps my grandchildren will know.

 

[nilsz]

To some extent. I have a blog that in part serves the purpose. I also scribble philosophical thoughts down into text files, but I have failed to keep them sufficiently structured to make it feel worthwhile to look back at them.

Currently I am attempting to program myself a system that makes it trivial to index and query text files by such things as dates, tags, revisions, or any arbitrary metadata. Initially meant for my idea of a decentralized social network platform (based around distribution of digitally signed files and metadata), but I realize that it could also be used for a personal compendium.

 

[Contemplative Cat]

The book is finished but it wont be published. Its the Gnostic book of Maa-ga.
Its got suttras, selections from Matthew, heart sutra, upanishads, selections of the bhagavad gita & the yoga vasistha. the Atmabdha And the Gospel of Philip.
with equal parts new writting useing generic universal themes. Based on Advaita vedanta, tantric yoga, Buddhist, and Gnostic Christian, and Sufi Muslim.
It was fun for a while now its done and finished

This mind is hyperfocused when itsnot quiet. So its a hobby, for my family to read.

 

[Philomath]

Don't slack brother! The pen awaits your guidance . I find that writing is a great emotional release, main reason many of us are on forums I guess

I'll take your advice and try to start it this weekend.