Preparing for Discussion - Religion: Spirituality is not Enough - Part 3

For a recap of Lillian Daniel's thoughts on religion and spirituality, visit her blog post here: Spiritual But Not Religious? Please Stop Boring Me. It's pretty short. Go ahead. Look it up.

Now consider these passages of scripture as you continue to sift through your ideas of religion and/or/vs spirituality:

-> Matthew 13: 1-43 This is the parable of the sower and the seeds. What does this passage mean about putting down roots? How does one put down roots and grow into a flourishing, fruit-producing plant?

-> Hosea 14 This is a passage about God renewing Israel, causing them to "bloom" again. The facilitator guide asks: Where is God in this passage? What is God doing? What are the qualities of God? And what insights does this text offer with regard to God's role in our blooming and growth?

-> 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 

-> Romans 12:3-8

These last two passages deal with "the body of Christ," the community of believers that make up the church. What does it mean that the we are all members of one body? Does this mean that we cannot possibly practice faith on our own? What about people, who find themselves unable to be part of a community of believers?

The facilitator guide also asks some questions for more personal reflection: What is your part in the body of Christ? What gifts do you bring? How do/could you contribute to the strength of the community? How challenging would it be to try to create a community with only your own personal gifts and strengths?

One final question that I continue to find myself asking: Why does the church community consider the early New Testament church to be the beginning of our religious and spiritual tradition? Is it not true that our tradition goes all the way back to Genesis? Why doesn't the church (as a general whole) celebrate Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, etc..., but we readily embrace Advent, Christmas, and Easter? When and why did this shift happen?

I thought it might also be fun and interesting to include this article on the role of traditions in families: Direction: Rituals and Family Strength. The role of traditions and rituals are much the same in the church "family," as they are in each of our individual families. Food for thought...

Peace!