Reflection: "Where the godless don't go"

Whilst browsing the internet for something interesting, current and relevant to read I came across this article which really grabbed my attention. *Do give it a read if you fancy (it might give this post a bit more context and perhaps significance..)

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/08/why-i-believe-in-god

I was immediately drawn in by the honest, real and relatable tone of the writer and found her arguments and claims refreshing as well as authentic and (in my opinion), valid.

I felt much relief when she addressed and renounced the common (and frustraing) misconceptions about those who have spiritual beliefs, more specifically Christians. She writes, "We come to church with our own set of baggage: greed, envy, anger, depression and laziness. We can be close-minded and belligerent. Sometimes we drive one another crazy." Whilst some may consider this admission irrelevant, I think that one of the biggest things that separates believers from non-believers (and vice versa) is the regrettable tendency of each to depreciate each others ideas and obtain a superiority over one another. Therefore, Gee Lewis' attempt to expose the common struggles of her religous peers and highlight their ordinariness acts as an effort to dismantle this barrier and unite humans instead.

The difference (which is arguable fundamental) for her as a Christian lies in what she places her hope, trust and reliance in. "But we keep coming back because we believe, and that belief translates into action."

I LOVE the clear distinction that she makes between 'religion' and 'spirituality'.  I personally cannot stand the term 'religious' - I find that when mentioned, an 'inevitable' opportunity for criticism arises and if I'm brutally honest, it even leaves the poor 'religious' one open to immediate judgement because the connotations appear, for the most part, negative. Hence, I find this quote brilliantly engaging: "I'm not religious, but I am a spiritual person."  Interestingly, when the author that she refers to announced this, "everyone cheered".. To me this shows that people clearly desire 'something' greater than what that life on earth offers us and that we arguably find the concept of spirituality enticing, fascinating and perhaps even admirable. But when it comes to religion, the notion is  unsatisfactory, meaningless and for some absurdly pointless!

The climax (and my highlight) of the article comes towards the end when Tiffany Gee Lewis explains thoughtfully the impact that religion has had on her life and human existence. I largely identify with her declaration that religion changes the way that we view the everyday, it can cause us to consider our own 'self' as part of a bigger picture, it motivates us to serve and be expectant beyond earthly reality. 


"Religion has made me, a wholly selfish person, into someone who cares about something bigger than myself. I don't drop to my knees every morning in some blind fanaticism, but to say, "God, I am at your service." For the faithful, we choose to see God in everything – the first crocus of spring, the curve of a young child's face. We hear his voice, not in a burning bush, but telling us how to parent a challenging child or help a friend." 


I find her ability to recognise, address and challenge the criticism that religion faces with a brutal honesty that presents strong and relevant arguments admirable. I'd like to think that I share her confident assurance of how faith is a choice which brings (at it's simplest) pure joy and appreciation.

Is it ever right for one to denounce this..?