Religion vs religious institutions vs spiritual vs at home
If we mention the word religion many of us will have a very negative reaction. For many of us religion is associated with an institution, the representatives of which work hard to convince us and others that we are sinners and unless we deny who we are destined to be eternally punished. Often some adult males who in a particular society are elevated to the role of leaders because of their family background, their gender, the race, the sexual orientation, their social class or some other criteria have decided what writings are sacred, how to interpret those writings and how to apply their interpretations to the rest of the community or at least the community members who are acceptable in that framework. All too often, women, poor people, “lower class people”, those who admit to other than heterosexual desires, those who are not identified as a particular race, and those who question the authority of the leaders will be excluded either from that religious group or from the leadership of that religious group. Interpretations of religious books are consistent with what will allow that elite/selective group of people to hold on to the leadership and, thus, the power in that institution.
In other words, for many religion is indeed what Karl Marx referred to as the opium of the people. Is not surprising that many who are struggling with recovering from active addiction find the 12 step program a hinderance and not an aide to their recovery. Although many of the 12 step programs stress that they are a spiritual program and not a religious program, the word god – god of one’s understanding - the use of the term god triggers very painful associations. In some of the 12 step meetings I have attended Christian prayers such as “The Lord’s Prayer” are recited. The serenity prayer is a prayer and uses the word god.
Even the word spiritual is associated with negative connotation for many. Oxford dictionary defines spiritual as “connected with the human spirit, rather than the body or physical things.” Spirit is another of those loosely defined concepts which by definition is ethereal – something which can easily lead to questions of the basic nature of humans. Are we humans by nature good, bad, evil, sinful, caring, self-centered, survivalist or none of these? Can one equate spirit with energy which is neither created nor destroyed? How do we account for the fact that the DNA contains a detailed history of all our ancestors? How do we account for the fact that so many humans are loving and generous? How do we account for the fact that so many humans are not able or willing to consider the rights or needs others?
What kind of sick god would allow despotic rulers, pandemics or gas chambers. How do we account for the fact that out of religious institutions often comes powerful leaders for social justice as well as those who are the most nefarious oppressors?
These questions are addressed by philosophers and theologians in volumes which require the time, patience, and skills of those who speak refined and eloquent “double speak”- as opposed to the crass double speak of charlatans.
What if we might never have the answers but can focus on what intuitively seems to be the best of us humans – taking care of each other; dancing as if no one is watching; sharing our excess or `1/2 of what we have with our neighbor; when budgets allow using stimulus money to help local businesses or charitable organizations; appreciating the sunshine while not being deluded into thinking we no longer need to practice social distancing; preparing a meal and dropping it off to a neighbor who may not be able to safely cook for themselves.
My experience is that when I embrace all as equally deserving of love, support and access to all that is needed for a quality life I feel at home. When I follow the sage advice I have heard from friends who managed to move towards reclaiming their childlike dance of delight by “keeping it simple stupid” I know I am at home. With or without a concept of God or a higher being; with or without a religious institution, I can be intentional about reserving a place at the table for all.
Written April 16, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
If we mention the word religion many of us will have a very negative reaction. For many of us religion is associated with an institution, the representatives of which work hard to convince us and others that we are sinners and unless we deny who we are destined to be eternally punished. Often some adult males who in a particular society are elevated to the role of leaders because of their family background, their gender, the race, the sexual orientation, their social class or some other criteria have decided what writings are sacred, how to interpret those writings and how to apply their interpretations to the rest of the community or at least the community members who are acceptable in that framework. All too often, women, poor people, “lower class people”, those who admit to other than heterosexual desires, those who are not identified as a particular race, and those who question the authority of the leaders will be excluded either from that religious group or from the leadership of that religious group. Interpretations of religious books are consistent with what will allow that elite/selective group of people to hold on to the leadership and, thus, the power in that institution.
In other words, for many religion is indeed what Karl Marx referred to as the opium of the people. Is not surprising that many who are struggling with recovering from active addiction find the 12 step program a hinderance and not an aide to their recovery. Although many of the 12 step programs stress that they are a spiritual program and not a religious program, the word god – god of one’s understanding - the use of the term god triggers very painful associations. In some of the 12 step meetings I have attended Christian prayers such as “The Lord’s Prayer” are recited. The serenity prayer is a prayer and uses the word god.
Even the word spiritual is associated with negative connotation for many. Oxford dictionary defines spiritual as “connected with the human spirit, rather than the body or physical things.” Spirit is another of those loosely defined concepts which by definition is ethereal – something which can easily lead to questions of the basic nature of humans. Are we humans by nature good, bad, evil, sinful, caring, self-centered, survivalist or none of these? Can one equate spirit with energy which is neither created nor destroyed? How do we account for the fact that the DNA contains a detailed history of all our ancestors? How do we account for the fact that so many humans are loving and generous? How do we account for the fact that so many humans are not able or willing to consider the rights or needs others?
What kind of sick god would allow despotic rulers, pandemics or gas chambers. How do we account for the fact that out of religious institutions often comes powerful leaders for social justice as well as those who are the most nefarious oppressors?
These questions are addressed by philosophers and theologians in volumes which require the time, patience, and skills of those who speak refined and eloquent “double speak”- as opposed to the crass double speak of charlatans.
What if we might never have the answers but can focus on what intuitively seems to be the best of us humans – taking care of each other; dancing as if no one is watching; sharing our excess or `1/2 of what we have with our neighbor; when budgets allow using stimulus money to help local businesses or charitable organizations; appreciating the sunshine while not being deluded into thinking we no longer need to practice social distancing; preparing a meal and dropping it off to a neighbor who may not be able to safely cook for themselves.
My experience is that when I embrace all as equally deserving of love, support and access to all that is needed for a quality life I feel at home. When I follow the sage advice I have heard from friends who managed to move towards reclaiming their childlike dance of delight by “keeping it simple stupid” I know I am at home. With or without a concept of God or a higher being; with or without a religious institution, I can be intentional about reserving a place at the table for all.
Written April 16, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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