On the usage of the word religion: I had someone today take issue with my negative usage of the word religion. I know there are friends out there who would disagree with this, but I think the contemporary trend towards using the word religion in a negative sense is a good thing. First of all, words are always morphing and changing. Its not the word (which is only a sound/symbol) that matters, but the idea the word conveys. There is not really a word out there that conveys this idea that the word religion is trending towards, which is the very negative aspect of credal spirituality such as fear, guilt, dogma-worship, exclusivism, sectarianism, us-versus-them, strict adherence to rigid systematic doctrine, showy emotionalism, groupthink, scolding of thinking out of the box, judgmentalism of those not in your particular group/denomination/community, idolization of preachers, and going through the motions of lifeless service and ritualism. All of these are trademarks of religion through the ages I think moreso, or at least equal with, community and charity. This is why I think in our time there has been a backlash against religion in general, and thus the word religion has developed a negative connotation, and this negative usage of the word is becoming embraced within parts of Christianity. I think this is a good development even though its a semantic one. There is not really an all-encompassing word that describes these negative aspects better. And there are other words we can use for the good aspects. If someone uses the word religion in a good old-fashioned way, I will know what they mean, and appreciate it. If someone uses the word in a negative way, I will also know what they mean and appreciate it. We live in times where I believe God is really getting to the heart and reality of the matter, so even the all-encompassing word we have always used for spiritual devotion is in upheaval and under scrutiny. This is a good revolution and will not come without much conversation and debate. This is how we progress forward into greater reality.
Posted on: Fri, 30 May 2014 06:34:27 +0000
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