Spirituality and Religion

By Bob Voglewede
Avera Health Vice President of Mission Services

The term, "spirituality," is everywhere today. Books, conferences and public figures are discussing it. And why? Perhaps because we're all looking for something not available at the Mall of America.

We know that we are, in part, spiritual. We have an unseen dimension that needs and seeks love, beauty, freedom, forgiveness, etc. Our spirits, in other words, need spiritual nourishment.

We also have questions about life: "What's my life-purpose? What happens after we die? Is there a Greater Being that accounts for all I can see and touch? What life-principles will bring me the deepest integration and peace?" And so forth. This questioning is a spiritual activity, and we're searching for meaning when we look for answers.

Often we pursue these spiritual activities alone. But sometimes we note what a community that shares a religion has to say: "Perhaps we can be helpful. We have a lot of experience we can share with you. Going back centuries, our ancestors, too, searched for meaning, for love, for beauty , and today we have their accumulated experience and wisdom. Out of that experience and wisdom we've developed certain beliefs that we're willing to share with you. We can put you into contact with what you seek, especially the Ultimate Love, Beauty, Forgiveness, etc."

In addition, the people of a religious tradition may tell us, "Centuries ago our ancestors sifted through poems, stories, axioms for daily living, glorified histories, etc. and preserved those they felt were special. That collection of writings has come down to us today - we call it our 'Scriptures' - and we believe that God has communicated teachings and wisdom to us through these writings."

And how do religious communities understand those scriptures? Some will say, "It's very simple. It's like going to a large jewelry box, and laying at hand are adornments of silver, gold, platinum, etc. You just pick out a ready-made jewel for any occasion and wear it."

Others will say, "It's not that simple. It's more like going to a wonderful collection of colorful rocks. Holding up each rock we can see there are precious metals throughout, but the metals are embedded. One has to work on a rock, with the help of learned others, to extract the full rich ore. It requires the labors of many to grasp what's really there."

In terms of spirituality, however, the question is: what do the leaders and people of the religion community do to the spirits of those seeking love, creativity, energy for life, or intimacy with God?

Every religion, of course, has its pluses and minuses. And in a brief space one can only indicate some features. But let me pose two models on a broad spectrum:

Toward one end of the spectrum are religions that are more defensive in spirit. Perceiving widespread worldly threat, their adherents pull back, build walls, and stay poised for "dangers" at the gate. In many respects it's a comforting way to live. Leaders generally have ready answers for every life situation. They know without hesitation who God will save and won't save, as well as what's in God's mind about a host of matters. People's roles are clear, discipline sure, conformity widespread, and community closeness a rewarding by-product. This model of religion offers security, clarity and a certain freedom from many of life's tensions.

Towards the other end of the spectrum are religions that see the world and most people as flawed, but essentially good. They perceive that God can be found everywhere and that as people we are meant to appreciate diversity, explore the sciences, savor the arts and work towards a socially just world. Recognizing that God's magnanimity is far greater than our limited minds can know, and that God's ways often are not our ways, leaders go slow in declaring "God's will." In addition, given life's complexity, decisions are arrived at by weighing the data of experience and the results of reason, as well as the wisdom of the religious tradition. This model of religion demands more of members, but results in more adult-like living.

Two approaches to life. Each profoundly impacts the spirits of its members, as well as their human development. By considering them it's hoped we take time to reflect: In what ways does my religious tradition nurture my spirit, and what does it have to offer someone seeking fuller spiritual life?