Reframing Religion as Part Education

One definition of the word education is “the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.”  (Dictionary.com, 10/10/2012)  

Our theology class, as I expected, has brought many issues that have been scarfed in the back of my mind to the forefront.  I’m not sure what to do with all that.  Thanks a lot, Dr. Tom – you’re not just making me think, you’re asking me to self-inquire, research, scratch my head and actually come up with an opinion!  Darn the “powers of reasoning and judgment!” 

In this academic setting, I truly am preparing myself to be intellectual and ready for a ‘mature’ life of critical analysis, I dare think.

For me, intellectual maturity requires that I engage in articulation. Not just solely to restate what the issue is, but to internalize, regurgitate it (in my own words), decide how I feel about something, where I stand and then, be able to communicate that in a logical, intellectual, researched-based paper or presentation. 

Wow – that just sounds like a whole lot of graduate level work.  It is time to step up and step out of my indecision shell.  No  more gingerly thinking about this issue or that – whether what I think is right or wrong, but rather, to plunge in, get soaking wet, if I must, with intellectual inquiry and process all that is presented.

One of the most revealing “ah-has” I received in this week’s lecture was the reframing of the simple word ‘religion.’  For the most part, an average American would associate the word religious with the word dogma or have an immediate association of a devote follower of rules and regulations set by a church, temple or synagogue.  Then, I must admit, for most of my life, I saw “religion” through the lens of an average American.

Dr. Tom then pointed out that in most cultures until relatively modern times, religion has been more associated with practices rather than specific beliefs.  Interesting.  It may be so that there is no distinction between religion / practice / belief.  

Culture then, is derived from a group’s religion and religious practices.  From there, arises tradition and cultural norms.  For me, the concept is easier to comprehend when placed in the context of a nomadic tribe as I can see how religion (practices) leads way to their culture.  (i.e. a worship in the sea lends way to the reverent practices of bowing to the sea).

It is interesting to contemplate practice versus culture in the group of people who consider themselves “Spiritual but not religious (SBNR).” This group, while considering themselves ‘not religious’ are also non-secular.  Statistics show that 33% of the American population consider themselves SBNR.*  

* (10/11/2012 - http://www.nowpublic.com/culture/statistics-show-33-americans-spiritual-not-religious)

So what is their religion in the context of practices?  It is interesting to consider what, exactly, that label means.  Is it simply a label used to say, “I believe in a higher power, just not in organized religion as I do not care for the dogma and the means of control of how I practice my religion.”  

Perhaps it is a statement to mean, “I believe in a higher power but I do not have any practices that are associated with it.”  

Is it self categorized to distance from the practices of our conservative Judeo-Christian culture?  As a community, perhaps we have gotten to a point where we just simply reject the traditions and practices of one religion.  It may be that empirical knowledge has lead way to the SBNR movement.  There is actually a church in Michigan that is called the “Spiritual But Not Religious Church” claiming “All religions contain some wisdom, but not one religion contains all wisdom.” (http://www.sbnr.org/)

Finding this information broadens my understanding and tolerance for traditional, organized religion – I get that it is the practices of the group that actually brings everyone together.  This includes practices that are unappealing to me.  Just because it may not work for me personally does not mean I cannot be delighted that there are people who carry on practices and traditions of their religious group.  It’s none of my bees wax what they believe, right?  Diversity is what makes the world an interesting place and it should be celebrated!

What about Unity and new thought – are we Christian or part of the SBNR movement?  Although the Unity movement is founded on Christianity, much of our practices are eastern (particularly Buddhist), relating to meditation, silence, surrender.  

Our tradition and practice of meditation, going into The Silence, prayer, Sunday celebration services are, in fact, our ‘religious’ practice – this leads way to the culture of who we are and is the driving force of what we do as a movement.

New Thought has helped me reframe much of my perspective in the world:  to see things right, rather to make them right – to see them differently, to hold a different thought in mind so that results of what appears is manifested consciously – to live in harmony with what is.

My home church in Portland, Oregon had placed a sign posting, “Spiritual, but nor Religious” and attendance increased by approximately 10% for the month it was posted.  It would appear to me that religious rebels and folks who are considered ‘faithless’ in the conservative, traditional sense would most likely classify themselves as SBNR.  

I suspect that practices are not yet defined for this relatively new ‘religious group’ of the larger SBNR movement – it may be too soon to tell.  (hhhmmm..The Religion (practices) of The Spiritual But Not Religious Movement - interesting!)

The lesson here in the word ‘religion’ is part of my process of education.  While words are basically just symbols of what the actual is, it is a tool of knowledge and understanding.  Reframing and looking closely at terminology is part of my spiritual growth.  

 Looking deeply and at what matters for me helps me define my limits, preferences and choices.  I can have a deeper understanding and appreciation of where others are coming from, support them in their spiritual growth, and truly live in a world that works for all.  ~ ELF

(As an aside, the political satire columns of The Onion" has a recent piece from a Catholic priest.  I do believe he is one of my favorites.  Enjoy!)

http://www.theonion.com/articles/priest-religious-but-not-really-spiritual,17373/)

Me, Theologian?

It is the 2nd week of classes...and I keep hearing my teacher call me (us students) "Theologians." 

A passing thought came to me last night, "How did I come to be considered a theologian?"  Yes, of course, Stone and Duke in How to Think Theologically states, "To be Christian is to be a theologian.  There are no exceptions."

... None, really?

What if I considered myself an ecclectic Christian, embracing all faiths - does that still make me a Theologian?  or Christian, for that matter?  Can I be both?

How did I, who was reared Buddhist, and a self-professed religious rebel come to be considered a theologian?  Admittedly, I have always visualized a theologian to be a thinker - a philosopher that grows a white beard, male, intellectual, aged, authoritative and living a monastic life, with little or no interface with the world.  How do I fit in this outdated visual I have in my head?  Sounds like I need a new perspective!

I have always considered myself a bhakti, living my life one heart-centered moment at a time.  But now, what..What is Life asking of me?  I need not simply to take my head along, but use it too??

I came to Unity Institute to deepen my spiritual walk and to learn how to apply time-tested universal principles to my life. I love the Unity concept and embrace Unity teachings because they are indeed positive, practical pluses that have helped me live an amazing life.  I came here to learn to help others.

Right now, I feel like I need some help of my own in the overwhelm of having too many questions (...someone make it stop!)

I find myself now constantly grappling with issues of Ultimate Concern:  life and death, the nature of God, the metaphysical theology of sin, good and evil, sense consciousness and the nature of religion versus spirituality and more.    Questions that go round and round, without a provable answer, to which, I end up affirming that my faith is what I choose to believe.

My spouse, on the other hand, is a brilliant thinker and philosopher - he loves to think and talk in philosophical terms.  One of the most admirable qualities about him is the critical way in which he has been trained to look at an issue and be able to ask the right questions...and then proceed to give arguments for both sides.   It appears to be so fluid and easy for him to identify the issues, discuss, compare and contrast and make points that support his argument.  He is a master at thinking critically on his feet and loving conflict - I celebrate him for that! 

As for me, I feel so envious of that ability!  It is a gift to be able to pick up any issue, at any time, anywhere of the day and argue and debate for the sake of debate itself.  I wonder if that is an innate ability, inclination or a learned skill?

As a "Theologian" on training wheels, I grapple with whether or not I am even asking the right questions  , let alone figure out what answers are available to me...and if I do not see the answer I like, can I make it up as I go along?  This is after all, the study of God , and who, really is the authority??

I know it is a time for deep personal spiritual growth (through the exercise of my amazing intellect, of course -- gosh, I hope it doesn't hurt!).

There is a deep yearning within to know, to learn, to understand (especially to 'get' those whose believes differ so much from my own) and yes, even to grapple. 

There is a well-spring of non-stop questioning that goes through my consciousness.  Even though I do feel a bit overwhelmed with the internal process in which I am currently experiencing (It is like a non stop question factory), it is time for  ownership. 

And I am ready (deep breath)...well, as ready as a child learning to ride a bicycle for the first time! 

Timid, a bit nervous, but ready to take it on!

...and who knows, someday, perhaps ... with some skill and practice, I may even be able to let go of the handle bars!   ~ELF

Peace Within

My thoughts this morning are centered around peace within in the context of disagreement.

Aside from the obvious of why it is difficult for people to live and let live and agree to disagree with one another, my question is how peace is cultivated and sustained from within.

There is the outer peace making, and then there is the inner true essence of not simply being peaceful, but being peace.

In the face of conflict, it may be that I say to a respected colleague, I see your point of view, and I respectfully disagree.  Your position is such and such and I do not see it that way.  As Dr. Tom says, you see things differently, and that makes you my equal.  When we use the method versus content model in understanding another's point of view, we are practicing peace.

When we practice the method versus content model in peace making, we are looking specifically at the method in which a conclusion is drawn, and not at all on the content of the subject.

The point above is most interesting to me as I am reminded that every person sees the world from a certain orientation, biased based on upbringing, culture, education, socio-economic orientation in life. 

No one can escape or deny this - all of the programming, heritage, culture and DNA that we carry around is part of our manifestation.  Only by awareness of this programming and background, and how it positions our lenses can we understand that we are no different from the other.  My theology, and what I choose to believe is that there is no other.  There is only one, and the one is the healing harmonizing power of love.

As the song goes: "There ain't no good guys, there ain't no bad guys.  There's only you  and I and we just disagree."

So how do I practice peace in a world of conflict?  Shall I sit in my ivory tower and pray and meditate all day?  How shall I descend on 'real life' and join other human beings in practicing, cultivating and developing peaceful and (dare I say, loving) ways of conflict resolution?
 
It is human nature to care and be passionate about a topic that is considered dear and near to the heart - let's say, for example - the "simple" topic of life versus choice.   The common denominator is, of course, the question of morality - whether we have the right to abort a fetus.

When we look at the content of this issue, we see the distinctly different perspectives:  One sees that life begins at conception.  The other side sees that life is not viable until a certain stage of development in the womb. 

In examining the methodology, we can see the reason behind the conclusion of what is.  And from there, we can have a conversation of not right or wrong, but to have a means of understanding.

I believe that asking the right questions will inspire the right answers:

• So how do we stay centered in such a deeply personal conversation and maintain the utmost respect for the other?
• We know that there is a possibility to co-exist in a world with different ideals, values and practices.  But how do we truly cultivate a world that works for all?     
• What is our own personal spiritual practice so that we do not get caught up in the conversation, lose perspective and advocate peace?  
• How do we bring our spiritual best into practical use?   

It may sound like a total cliche, but I truly believe that peace begins with me. 

Learning to be peace is not easy, but I do believe it is possible for each and everyone of us, should we honestly and authentically chose it for ourselves.  It is a life long work to remember wisdom and then, we must choose to grow up (Spiritually) so that we can implement the wisdom itself.

It takes a consciousness of knowing that I am not my programming, not my thoughts, not my ideals, not my values, not my emotions.  Remembering and centering on the knowing that what I am in Spirit, in a human incarnation.

It is a life long quest to come into full awareness of our programming (Orientation, biases, etc), to allow the skin of who we think we are to dissolve and to learn peace by seeing love in all.