We used the Latin derivitive of the word religion, "religio", which means "to do something with scrupulous attention to detail" to help distinguish religion from spirituality. Class discussion and several blog posts have explored the implications made by those who claim to be spiritual and not religious. Debate can be held about the spiritual practices of one who claims to not be religious but by definition is "guilty" of practicing their spirituality religiously. It's of little consequence how a person chooses to self-identify and it seems that those who claim to be spiritual, not religious are making a broader statement of taking conscious responsibility for their beliefs and practices as opposed to engaging in practices and holding beliefs because a religious/spiritual leader has indicated how it should be done. By the same token, a person can choose to be religious about a belief or practice, making for a boring debate. It reminds of the juvenile self-proclaimed outcast who dresses like all of the other self-proclaimed outcasts- by juvenile I'm referring to youth not maturity level, though we could create a discussion on that matter alone.
We also spent time in class discussing the notion that there are "no tiger gods where there are no tigers." The current access to mass media available to billions of people allows the experience of learning about and engaging in religious practices of cultures and peoples vastly different from one's culture of origin. People, for the first time in history, have access to endless information right in the palms of their hands and I think this contributes largely to the notion of identifying as spiritual. People in Western culture want to separate the religion (read dogma) of their forefathers from the ideas of spirituality of other religions that can be explored with a sense of personal freedom and wonder. We all know someone who is religious about finding new ways to be spiritual, new beliefs to explore, and new practices to, um, practice. There are now tiger gods where there are no tigers and in the opportunity to explore religious doctrine and practice lives the opportunity to deepen spiritual awareness and to religiously practice the deepening of spiritual awareness. I am spiritual. And about that, I'm religious. But don't call me a religious person, yo!!! -love, GenX
Hi Jackie,
ReplyDeleteI like how you looked at the word religion as doing something with "scrupulous attention to detail." (hope I spelled scrupulous right...just kidding) Your point about making a "broader statement" and taking "conscious responsibility" for our beliefs instead of just accepting what a minister tells us, I think describes the term "spiritual" well. I have always thought of religion as that which one is told to believe, and spirituality as the beliefs we come up with ourselves. I wonder if spirituality allows the religions to connect at a deeper level, providing for greater commonality instead of differences. It seems to me that spirituality is a unifying quality based on the main ideas of religion. Spirituality seems to be based more on "broad" ideas such as universal love, peace, goodwill, caring for each other, and heart...qualitites are are prevelent in most religions. The way these are applied in our religions is very different however. Maybe the fact that spirituality helps join us together is actually the beginnings of another religion. I feel, however, that as long as we stay true to our inner calling and not the outer words of other, we will always be fresh, hip, changing, evolving, and happy. Enjoyed your comments. Peace Jacquie
Jackie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your thoughts on the religion spirit debate, especially the ending! I agree. I suppose if I find a way to get with "religion" (and I often do) then it is up to me to claim that connection. However, I really don't like others calling me religious. Hives almost break out on my skin!!! Yuck! It just doesn't fit who I am. I am spiritual. I like the distinction. I am spiritual. Yes. That fits.