At the risk of sounding like a “lukewarm” fence sitter that will deeply disappoint both sides of the battle between secularism and religion, I have felt impressed to put in words the non-religious reasons that I still find value in religious observance. I assume that there are others like me who may struggle with maintaining authenticity and integrity when in social/religious environments that command or at least expect conformity. I hope that my thoughts will be of some benefit to others who are searching for a comfortable, livable fit that mutually involves critical thinking and religious practice.
I often feel trapped in the space between the excitement of the never ending pursuit of knowledge and the warm, familiarity of faith. While I don’t believe they are mutually exclusive as some seculars might argue, they often intersect in a less than neat and comfortable way. I value freethinking and feel uneasy when an organization asks me to disregard any evidence that isn’t in its favour but I also recognize that rigid dogma exists in abundance outside of religion as well.
I shy away from labels but if I’m going to be honest, I’m agnostic but too afraid to tell anyone at church. I’m Mormon but quick to dismiss the cultural implications associated with the church, especially when among academics. I feel drawn to the humanist movement in theory but find that in practice it looks more like mocking religion rather than promoting well-being for humanity. I have liberal viewpoints that separate me from most of my conservative family and church community yet my conservative roots and religious affiliation often keep me on the outs in liberal circles.
To be clear, I am not conflicted in what I believe or what I value. I have more moral and ethical clarity now than ever in my life. My conflict comes from finding a place where I feel like I fit in. I think we all search for like-minded people who share our most cherished beliefs and values. I have felt the skin-crawling discomfort of being in a room full of people that have an opinion diametrically opposed to my own and I have likewise felt the burning euphoria of mass resonance, and I have had these experiences both at church and at university or other secular gatherings.
So far, neither of those places has told me that I am not welcome so I continue to patronize the lot. A sort of, philosophical hedging of bets.
All of this is to say, that I don’t perfectly fit in anywhere as much as I would like to. Unfortunately for me, it seems that a perfect fit would require changes to my core self; changes that, at least right now, I am unwilling to make in either direction. While I continue to attempt to gain knowledge by staying on the broad shoulders of academia and science I have rediscovered the value of religious affiliation and observance. When I say religious affiliation and observance I’m talking about an ‘all-in’ attitude. I’m not interested in a passive-aggressive, veiled protest approach that consists of showing up to church while refusing to participate or contribute in anyway because of contrasting principles. This approach will only hurt the individual. I believe that such a person is better off either cutting ties or recommitting, any other course of action will make them feel even more resentful and contrary to the church while missing any of the possible benefits of religiosity. It’s a losing approach that will lead to dissatisfaction and dissonance.
Carl Rogers in “On Becoming a Person” emphasizes the importance of personal congruence. Be clear on who you want to be and constantly evaluate whether you are growing closer to or further away from that person. Waging a war against your religion while you are in it is not congruent behaviour. Take a break. But first maybe take a look at the ways that I have been able to use religion to help me become who I want to be. Then decide.
By no means do I believe that religion has a monopoly on any of the following commodities but it is convenient that I can get all of them in one, neatly wrapped package.
This is the term that I’m using to describe the feeling of awe. Seeing beauty and sacredness in the world around me. Positive Psychology as well as the mindfulness movement have illustrated empirically that being able to “stop and smell the roses” has immensely advantageous implications and benefits. We only have the present. We only have our living, conscience experience. Yes, we are influenced greatly by our memories of the past and our fears and aspirations of the future but quite simply we can only be certain of our living experience which is the here and now. Mindfulness allows us to be deeply aware of the wonders and beauty that surround at any given moment. It brings gratitude for every breath of air and every pulse of blood in our veins. Similarly, in religious experience, I am offered opportunities for mindful prayer and reflection to allow gratitude to settle in my heart. I was taught as a child and continue to be taught the practice of reverent, pensive mental exercise. Religion is rich in symbolism and ritual that invoke a sacred beauty that can only be experienced so I won’t bother trying to describe it.Recommended reading/ viewing (de Botton, Religion for Atheists; Richard Seymour, How Beauty Feels, Ted 2011)
This list is not extensive and will probably be amended/added to in time. The references to literature are from completely secular authors/viewpoints. I cite them mainly to share ideas that I found poignant and purposeful. I did not mean to discredit religious points of view or texts.
]]>When Hezekiah started his reign, he inherited a kingdom from his father and grandfather, who each had reigned in unrighteousness. They had disrespected the temple and let it get to a state disuse and misuse.
His first order of business was to gather the Levites together to sanctify the temple. Once the temple was back to working order, he invited all of Israel to come together to celebrate the Passover, something they hadn’t done for a long time.
This brings us to 2 Chr. 30:17–20:
For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the Lord.
For a multitude of the people . . . had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.
I found inspiration in these verses. To me, it was a reminder that we should be welcoming to those who might not be perfect but whose hearts are in the right place and who want to be there.
Visitors welcome.
]]>Now all these things are available as apps on iPods / iPhones. So they have a little “Sunday” page on their device that has all of the things we will let them do during sacrament metting if they are bored. Our rule is, if you use to do it on paper, you can do it on your iPod.
I’m sure we’re not the only ones who do this. Any suggestions for good sacrament meeting apps?
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