thecanessacorner

On another topic I observed that the original meaning of religion is to look upon all things and bind everything together into a coherent whole. Seen this way, religion is humanity’s attempt to make sense out of the world, the universe and our own lives, and live meaningful lives with a humble reverence toward that reality that is greater and more powerful than we are. It does not necessarily mean that we know quite what that reality is.

In this view of things, there is no conflict between science and religion, because science is always about trying to figure things out. Whatever brings us together as brothers and sisters sharing a common humanity is religious; whatever divides us, most distinctly, is not religious, but anti-religious.

This view of religion is humble and reverent. It recognizes that we do not have the answers to the most ultimate questions, but are continually seeking them. Albert Einstein put it this way: “Try and penetrate with our limited means the secrets of nature and you will find that, beyond all the discernible laws and connections, there remains something subtle, intangible and inexplicable. Veneration for this force beyond anything that we can comprehend is my religion.”

Unfortunately, in my view, too many religious traditions have tried taking the easy way, declaring themselves to be right instead of examining things to see whether they were conforming to the right. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, the question is not whether God is on our side, but whether we are on God’s side.

I hope that Kevin’s blog is a success, and that people in this community, who do not see eye to eye on many of these questions, will find a way to come together in greater understanding. That would truly be a miracle, and yes, I do believe in such things.