Religion

The word “religion” has suffered a meaning drift and is now used almost interchangeably with faith, belief, dogma, and doctrine. Having a meaningful conversation about religion is difficult when people are not clear about its definition. I find it useful to place religion in the same category that both philosophy and science are held. Each word denotes an area of study. Science examines the rules or laws that underly the workings of the material universe. Philosophy examines the way we think and ascribe meaning to concepts. Religion examines the relationship between human beings and God, and the implications it has with regard to how we decide to live. Just as science has scientists, philosophy has philosophers, religion needs religionists.

Religionists examine the whole of their religious life using their intellect and experience in search of what is true, false, and simply unknown. If an idea or model is discovered to be false or highly unlikely, it should be let go and replaced with a search for something more accurate. This process is analogous to the scientific method. There is nothing to fear in admitting that we have misperceived or misunderstood a religious concept. It makes sense that as we mature, our depth in understanding God should deepen. If we hold on to religious concepts that we now understand fail the passage of time, we are likely to create trouble in the world. Religion needs religionists of all creeds and colors if it is to escape the bondage of dogma. Each individual regardless of their particular faith is responsible for their religious maturation resulting in increased capability to bring love into the world.