When Religion Fails

When Religion Fails

“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

 Matthew 5:3

            Diana Butler-Bass’ cites the years 2000-2010 as “ because of the many challenges faced by the church through outside influences, long-term problems and issues of justice. There has arisen a ‘holy discontent’ which is the beginning of change. This discontent is not only in the church but politics, economics, and life in general has raised concerns. But what also occurred is that there is a longing to find a community where a more just and loving form of Christian faith is enacted.

The Horrible Decade” for the Christian church in the US

            The question of religious versus spiritual has taken on new forms of the church’s life. Good worship- leads to spiritual encounters; but religion is the work of a church and is organized. Can these two co-exist—the religious and spiritual? The purposeful community learning to become like Jesus through spiritual practices. It sounds possible but in reality, this ‘and’ concept may cause further divisions and conflict.

            Maybe we need to turn to the root of religion—‘religio’ for it means faith, living, subjective experience including love, veneration, devotion, awe, worship, transcendence, trust a way of life, an attitude toward the divine or nature, or  a  “particular way of seeing and feeling the world.” This ‘religio’ is what many people are seeking and calling it spirituality for lack of a better term; something new that is really old—faith which is the personal response to the terror and splendour and living concern of God.”

            Butler Bass then states that this faith is ‘a Great Returning to ancient understandings of the human quest for the divine. Reclaiming a faith “where belief is not quite the same thing as an answer, where behaviour is not following a list of dos and don’ts, and where belonging to Christian community is less like joining an exclusive club and more of a relationship with God and others.”(p.99)

Question for Reflection:

1)      Do you think that Butler Bass is correct in thinking that we are looking for spiritual growth vs religion of the past generations? What does spirituality mean for you and what are you seeking in your relationship with God?

2)      “Religio” reflects a Great Returning to ancient understandings of the human quest for God and to return t the basic questions of believing, behaving, and belonging and exploring each of these with an open heart. What is your response to this thought? How do you anticipate how this “Great Return” will play out today?

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PRAYER

Holy God in faith you call to us and rejoice in our following you with faith. Help us to understand the changes facing our churches/ governance and even who you call us to be in mission and ministry. Show us your way to grow in faith and speak to us a clear path to follow for we are seeking to be your children in faith and to grow knowing that you will guide us always. Amen.

Diana Butler-Bass Christianity after Religion: the end of church and the birth of a new spiritual awakening. .New York Harper2012 (chapter3)