Franciscan Fractal
Contemplating Today’s Culture through the Eyes of St. Francis & the Life of Christ
Spiritual But Not Religious
“The time is surely coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land; not a famine of bread, or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord… They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it.” Amos 8:11,12b
By looking at the life of St. Francis, it would not be difficult to make the case that he was spiritual. In fact, his later life was very spiritual. His worldview was that everything was created good, and beauty was found in the interconnectedness of all things. Spirituality seemed to emanate from the very center of his being.
What is often missed when looking at the life of St. Francis is that he was not only very spiritual, but also very religious. He attended mass almost daily. His spirituality didn’t arise from nature alone, but from the Word of God planted deep within his heart by the church.
The use of the term “spirituality” seems to be on the rise. It is based on a search for meaning and relationship to the world and beyond, whether it be through yoga, meditation, or simply slowing down in nature. A person who embraces spirituality can often receive a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
Many people who speak of being “spiritual but not religious” have actually started out with some type of religious exposure or background. When the rituals of religion or the church seem to contradict the reality of their own personal life, they stop participating in religion and “head out” on their own. Leaving behind the religious practices for a time can feel liberating. However, abandoning religious practices that have been created over thousands of years may undercut the deep spiritual core that is found in all major ancient religions. Spiritualty needs another context besides having personal authority over one’s mind.
The danger of leaving religion behind exposes a person to the tyranny of the self (ego) that attempts to interpret the world on its own terms. Imagining to be spiritual is one of the ego’s foils. It creates an “illusionary spirituality.” The concept of sin can be pushed aside, and transcending one’s self can become the ultimate goal.
This “illusionary spiritual” world feels good, even if it is imaginary. This good feeling can last for a long time. However, the challenges of life eventually confront a peaceful image. Age, sickness, financial challenges, and even sin itself, all impinge upon the imaginary world that claims that spirituality is all that a person needs to experience.
On the other hand, historic religions (Islam, Hindu, and especially Judaism and Christianity) are based upon actions that confront the realities of life, including sin and redemption. It has taken thousands of years for religions to find ways to respond to these issues. The religious voices of many within churches over the centuries have attempted to articulate a theology where a person dies to self, instead of attempting to transcend one’s self. For spirituality to enter the world of justice, it needs to take on the mantle of religion.
In addition, true spirituality requires more than a person simply meditating and feeling at one-with-the-universe. True spirituality is but the first step in working out a deeper sense of connection with God. This spirituality leads to connection with others to address issues of justice in a real, and often, harsh world. The church has always been about justice, and the work of justice requires a deep, deep sense of ego-free spirituality.
While nature can provide a sense of all things working together, it takes the Word of God for us to learn how to live together. Connecting with nature is admirable; however, nature does not teach us how to live in harmony with one another. When an animal is hungry or threatened, it kills to survive. In contrast, Jesus teaches us to love one another, feed the hungry, care for the poor, protect the orphan, and be willing to die for the other person.
And, in what manner are we to feed the hungry, care for the poor, and protect the orphan? It is typically together in community, and in the congregational and churchwide expressions of religion (think church food pantries or social service agencies like Samaritas or denominational world relief/hunger organizations).
The true follower of Christ says, “I am spiritual AND I am religious.” Those who can only say one or the other, may miss the deeper meaning of relationship with the one true God.
Prayers and Blessings,
Fr. John
