There is, I think, a real question about maintaining our humanity if we abandon our belief in the spiritual
It seems to me, as well, that it's about our humanity, our human spirit. The question is whether religion is THE path or A path or whether it leads us in the opposite direction.
In an earlier discussion on this subject I recall some difference in how people looked at humanity. I did not check the dictionary then but I think it illustrates the underlying difference at that time.
Main Entry: hu·man·i·ty
1 : the quality or state of being humane
2 a : the quality or state of being human
I recall a POV that, since human traits are both noble and ignoble, that humanity encompassed both. I prefer to look at definition number one and focus on that which is best about humans.
Main Entry: hu·man·ism
3 : a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values; especially : a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason
Contemporary religions have elements that reinforce both noble and ignoble aspects of humanity. To the extent that you practice a religion that is uplifting, your humanity is elevated. To the extend that you follow a religion that is dehumanizing, you are, at best, stunted in your spiritual growth, at worst, degraded.
Glorifying religion without making those distinctions is not constructive, IMO. Your point said "spiritual" rather than "religious." I don't know if that distinction was intentional or not, but I consider it important. I don't think that humanity will progress until and unless we reject those aspects of religion that pull us down. It's important not to treat religion as a proxy for the human spirit. We need to revere what is best about the human race and encourage our spirituality, not get hung up on religion. Religion may be a path to a healthy and productive society, but it is not the only path, and for it to be successful as a path, it needs to jettison its negatives. Whenever one treats religion as sacrosanct, one is obviating the opportunity to jettison that part that is not conducive to humanity. |
