Originally Posted by
XbriX
Then you don't believe aspects of straightedge lead to spirituality? Straightedge, to me and many others, allows stepping stones to spirituality and i cannot ingore the connect and i cannot see how it is not closley related. I believe it is spiritual for everyone. At a show it unites, the energy is strong, as if we are all one, you can't deny that straightedge people have a spiritual connection with eachother. It may not be techinally within the 'straightedge definition' but it is a fact to me that it is a huge part of straightedge. Many people choose to be straightedge to further their spirituality, people i know. This is bigger than just my beliefs. This is more than the surface, these are underlying layers, the core of human beings and their self control. A definition can be taken many ways, it can be seen differentally by others. It doesn't mean they don't understand, it doesn't mean they aren't straightedge. What I've studied and read about straightedge and my experience is that for many it is believed a clear head would help them focus on their spirituality. Straightedge ideas open these doors. You can't deny it.
"Attitudes towards spirituality
Straight edge is not a religion; it is a philosophy. Some straight edgers feel that having a clear mind is a better way to approach life and/or spirituality. Many are atheist, or agnostic, often believing in personal responsibility and rejecting the idea of a deity or any divine moral law. However, there are those who consider Christianity a very important addition to their sXe life. In many circles, the lifestyle has associations with spirituality—there were at one time significant Hare Krishna straight edge movements. Christians involved in the punk/hardcore subculture sometimes consider themselves straight edge; indeed, the rejection of illicit substances, alcohol consumption (particularly underage) and premarital sex is commonly encouraged by many mainstream churches and their youth groups. It should not be assumed, however, that the self-identification as straight edge is a casual replacement of one label with another. Prominent self-identified Christian straight edgers include the ex-bassist of Throwdown, at least one member of Comeback Kid, and at least one member of Stretch Arm Strong. There has also been criticism of Christians being involved within the straight edge community—reflected in songs such as "This Ain't No Cross On My Hand" by Limp Wrist, "Real Edgemen Hate Jesus" by XfilesX, and "Straight Edge Punks Not Christian Fucks" by Crucial Attack. "
You can have one without the other, you can be straightegde and not spiritual and be spiritual and not straightedge but its hard for me to understand how someone can believe there is no connection. That straightedge has nothing to do with spirituality? To me it has brought me closer to it, it helped me further myself. If i never discovered this lifestyle, things would be different
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