When it comes to defining the difference between religion and spirituality, I find it hard to do, but I think such a difference was best stated in class on Monday. Spirituality is an inner feeling of connection, whether it's to a higher power, nature, or something else, while religion is seeks to explain spirituality in a structured form. In this way the two are related, but not exactly the same. However, while spirituality can exist without religion, religion cannot exist without spirituality.
As for myself, I am not committed to any one religion or belief system, though I was raised [for a time] within the Lutheran Church. When I was younger (until around age 10) I wasn't very religious, but I did believe in God and the teachings of the Bible. Due to events that have transpired since that time, I have personally found God to be a hard concept to believe in. I do not pray or attend religious services (unless invited to do so [eg: host family goes to church, I tag along]), but I am not opposed to them either. I understand how people can use religion for good, and I find the different belief systems of the world very interesting. While some see religion as a powerful thing looking only to benefit itself, I am not in any way, shape, or form opposed to organized religion--I just choose not to believe in one. Additionally, I do not denounce the exist of a God or God[s] because I cannot prove one way or another (though I do find many aspects of science highly convincing). If God is real, I am sure He is understanding of those who choose not to believe in Him.
I also feel like religion had a great reason to come about: morality. However, I do not feel that, in the modern day, one needs to be religious to have morals. I like to think I have strong principles, and I stick to them because of who I am, not because I fear the wrath of some higher power should I not abide by certain rules.
Again, if there is a God, I would have to side with Brandon in saying that, as individuals, God likely does not have a deep connection with all of us. I know Leigh-Ann said she feels she has a 'relationship with Christ', and I definitely believe she feels she does, but I just find that a hard thing to imagine. I could elaborate, but I do not think I will--religion is just too touchy, and I do not wish to make any enemies via blogging!! Just know I respect this view entirely, but I just can't fathom it personally.
If I had to say one thing about religion that bothers me is hypocrisy, and I mean this for every religion. As far as I know, religions are supposed to teach tolerance and acceptance, and yet I know people (no names being named) who seem to reject others or degrade them because they happen to believe in a different God/question the existence of God. They consider themselves children of God and devout Christians, and yet do not seem open to accepting (or, at the very least, respecting) the views of others. That is something I do not understand and find ridiculously frustrating.
As for how the South reflects religion, I would say just look to our class on Monday:
Three students spoke, two from the North (Pennsylvania and New York, respectively) and one form the South. Guess who was devoted to religion and guess who seemed to question it... The student from the South felt very strongly about her religion while the other two identified themselves as agnostic and deist, which believes God exists, but that He is not involved in our day-to-day endeavors. To say that this was unexpected would be a lie. The South seems to be much more, I don't want to say 'open', but concerned with religion, and that is obvious on a daily basis. Coming from Pennsylvania, I was not used to seeing such a huge influence by religion upon the lives of the people, nor was I prepared for how devoted/how much time the people seem to give to their religion. It does not bother me, but it is just different.
Yes well... I have work to do for tomorrow and Thursday, so I ought to be going!
Toodles!
Holland
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