On Spirituality | Why Religion Matters
Why religion matters: true religion forms virtue,
prepares the soul for spirituality, and opens the way to the Paraclete—the Holy Spirit.
Why Religion Matters
You need religion.
If your religion makes the Holy Spirit come and stay by your side, it is true religion.
If your religion makes the Holy Spirit come and stay by your side, it is true religion.
Booster Rockets
Religion, then, may be likened to booster rockets.
Solid fuel. Liquid fuel.
It doesn't matter.
The mission is the same:
Break free from gravity.
Once that is done, the view of space is the same.
Solid fuel. Liquid fuel.
It doesn't matter.
The mission is the same:
Break free from gravity.
Once that is done, the view of space is the same.
The Gift of the Paraclete
True religion leads to spirituality.
It bequeaths the Paraclete to believers.
Paraclete is an interesting word, derived from the Greek Paraklētos (παράκλητος).
Most Christians know Him simply as the Holy Spirit.
It bequeaths the Paraclete to believers.
Paraclete is an interesting word, derived from the Greek Paraklētos (παράκλητος).
Most Christians know Him simply as the Holy Spirit.
What Is The Paraclete?
Paraklētos is a term found in the New Testament, especially in the writings of John.
It means: "One who is called alongside to help."
But its richness extends far beyond that.
It may also be translated as:
• Advocate
• Helper
• Comforter
• Counselor
• Intercessor
Why Belief Comes First
Belief, then, is a prerequisite for spirituality.
Why?
Simple.
Spirituality is for the disciplined.
For the good.
Not the bad. Neither the ugly.
Why?
Simple.
Spirituality is for the disciplined.
For the good.
Not the bad. Neither the ugly.
The Danger of Untethered Spirituality
Because spirituality, untethered from moral formation, is easily profaned.
It can inflate the ego rather than purify the soul.
It can make men feel powerful before it makes them good.
And power without goodness has never ended well.
It can inflate the ego rather than purify the soul.
It can make men feel powerful before it makes them good.
And power without goodness has never ended well.
Religion as a Sieve
Religion, therefore, serves a purpose.
It is the sieve that prepares the soul for the waters of spirituality.
Spirituality without religion is often impure.
I just brewed a cup of coffee...
It is the sieve that prepares the soul for the waters of spirituality.
Spirituality without religion is often impure.
I just brewed a cup of coffee...
The Virtue Before the Vision
Without discipline, spirituality can become little more than self-worship dressed in sacred language.
Many seek spiritual experiences while avoiding spiritual formation.
They want illumination without discipline.
They want illumination without discipline.
Wisdom without obedience.
Mysticism without virtue.
But every authentic spiritual tradition teaches the same lesson:
Before the soul can ascend, it must first be purified.
The vessel must be prepared before it can receive the wine.
Where the Roads Converge
Yet something remarkable happens when men and women travel far enough along the spiritual path.
The labels begin to matter less.
The virtues begin to matter more.
The virtues begin to matter more.
Compassion.
Humility.
Humility.
Mercy.
Patience.
Truthfulness.
Love.
The truly spiritual person becomes increasingly recognisable, regardless of which road brought him there.
And beyond religion, deep into spirituality, there is almost no daylight between the saints and sages of different faiths.
Religion, then, may be likened to booster rockets.
Solid fuel.
Liquid fuel.
Liquid fuel.
It doesn't matter.
The mission is the same:
Break free from gravity.
And once that is done,
the view of space is the same.
I rest my case.
Don Kenobi
#OldManInTheMolue
#MyFrancisEssays
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