"I'm
not really religious…but I am a spiritual person." Many of us feel
that way and express ourselves in just these words. The sentiment speaks of
the disinterest or discomfort that many people have with religious organizations
or overtly religious practices such as worship or prayer. "Spirituality"
seems to mean "I have feelings and awarenesses that I can't label any other
way than as 'spiritual.' They come from deep inside myself."
I understand human beings in a slightly different way. Every person is a 'spiritual' person. Spirituality is a part of who we are. It is that part of our psyches that allows us to be moved by music or by holding a newborn. Suddenly we are aware that there is more to life than just ourselves. There is something beyond us which inspires awe in us when we catch a glimpse of it.
Many of us look upon the negative aspects and actions of religious organizations over the centuries and say, "That's not for me."
Some folks however express their spirituality, at least partly, through religious convictions or actions or associations. "We are," as John Dominic Crossan wrote, "hard-wired for religion." That means, to me at least, that each of us 'spiritual beings' has the capacity for religious sentiment, association or action.
What about the possibility that our need for a religion of some kind might be focused on another aspect of life? Those matters that draw and consume the greater part of our time and interest might be a replacement for a traditional religion. I recently watched a documentary that revealed the lengths to which some computer gamers go in their obsession or passion. Fourteen hours a day was a regular pattern, including withdrawal from the family and work. Could we describe that as a religious commitment, with virtually all of life given to the "god of the game?"
Over the last three decades, researchers have gradually come to see that a central passion in our culture is consumerism. We buy to be happy. We shop for entertainment as well as for socializing. The mall has taken the place once played by the cathedral in the Middle Ages. The cathedral was not only the central place of worship, but all the market and the community healers were there as well. Life revolved around the cathedral then, just as life revolves around our favorite mall today. For thousands of people, a day without the experience of looking at, admiring and purchasing something is an empty and lonely day.
The Stanley Cup finals capture the attention and passion of many and they reach a frenzied climax. A commentator said in a recent broadcast; "Hockey is Canada's religion in winter."
The Old Testament prophets frequently railed at the Israelites because of their frequent turning to idols - something that replaced the God of Israel. Although their strong language would be repugnant to most of us today, ponder for a moment the underlying truth of what they were saying. For what are we created? Is there a purpose to our living? Most of us are filled with passion. Where should it be placed?
These are all religious questions, and every young person asks them in one form or another as they move from high school into the world of higher education or work. Older folks are often forced to wrestle with them again when a major change brings with it new directions, for example when a job is lost, when disability demands that new tasks be undertaken, or when all the children are gone and life assumes a completely new aspect. Welcome to the world of religion, and to the struggle to find resources with which to answer those questions and redirect your life.
Congregational News Nov. 2009 Vol. 16 No. 2