Religion

Religion has been the source of much good throughout the world. Religion has historically introduced us to a higher power that is beyond our physical selves. In religion there are many beautiful, useful and helpful teachings, tools, rituals and celebrations that can lift our thoughts and bring good into our lives.

As religion is so important to so many, it may be helpful to ask: What is religion and what is its purpose? 

Religion is generally understood to refer to the link between humans and a higher power. It is based on the Latin “ligare” which means to join or link. So “re-ligion” points to “re-joining” or “re-linking” to a higher power. This implies a link that already is, but which has been obscured, or forgotten in the human experience.

Religions offer ways to re-establish the link with the higher power. Then sometimes in the Personal View religion is seen in terms of a relationship with a higher power similar to our relationships with others. In this view, we may even see the higher power in the image and likeness of man, as a father in heaven whom we seek to please and ask favors. 

Sometimes we take on a religious identity that becomes a view we need to defend. We tend to protect these views and conflict with others of different views. So, if there is conflict with others about religion how do we escape it and live in harmony?

The Spiritual View can enhance our understanding of our religion as it acknowledges the essential qualities taught in all religions. There is no question that peace, love, gratitude, wisdom, compassion, and assurance bring the same good to everyone in all religions.

With the Spiritual View, we are expressions of the higher power of spiritual qualities, rather than the Personal View of a higher power being here for us and our religious identity.

This view offers relief from religious conflict. The Spiritual View recognizes that what is generally referred to in religions as a “higher power” is actually the spiritual qualities that need to be seen and expressed to protect and guide us in our lives. 

Upon looking carefully we can see that all religions are based on the universal need of humankind to realize their capacity to express peace, assurance, gratitude, love, integrity, compassion — and all the spiritual qualities that bring harmonious life to ourselves and others.