Hmmm different experiences I guess, though admittedly I stay away from most organized religions. Most of the "religious" folks I know don't tolerate questions about the existence of god very well, though I've had good discussion on this topic with clergy.

I do stay far away from "big box" churches, because they seem more about playing a part than living in the mystery. Maybe I've been lucky. But how can one not question God, existence and all? How else to learn about being human than to question what isn't human?

But I think people who look for shortcuts in life look for shortcuts in religion, too. They want someone to tell them that if they just show up once a week, stand up, sit down, stand up, sing, sit down, pass the plate, stand up, sing, and shake hands they're covered and continue to put less thought into the meaning of life than they put into which value menu to pick up on the way home.

Some of us don't see such a separation between religion and spirituality. Religion is a convenient framework through which we can explore our spirituality. For me, faith isn't refraining from questioning, it's trusting that if I continue to pursue answers I'll eventually arrive wherever I'm supposed to be.

If I don't question, that's the same as sitting still. And I'll never reach my full potential -- of spirit, soul, intellect, humanity, whathaveyou -- if I'm sitting still.