A while back, a friend and atheist brought up an interesting question regarding religion. We were in the midst of a conversation about pluralism when he asked why we needed religions at all. If the central message of all religions is the same - that we should all strive to be better human beings - why not pursue that central tenant without religion? His argument was that religion is merely one more way for humanity to be divided against itself. I have to admit, I didn’t know quite how to tackle that question at the time it was asked. For whatever reason, I remembered his question today, and began seriously reconsidering his words… and he is correct.
If all religions had the same message, we would not need religion at all. Notice how I worded that; I said “had” and “would.” In our conversation, I was the one to propose that all religions have the same central message. Under that presumption, my friend is correct. I, however, was incorrect on several levels. Not all religious entities share the message that we should all strive to be better humans. Even when talking about life affirming religions, such as Christianity, there are individuals, churches, and sects within those religions that undermine the message of refining what it means to be a human being.
I could argue that those religions, sects, churches, and individuals that undermine the tenant of becoming better humans do not represent “true” religion, but instead are a perversion of that religion. Of course I then run into the problem of trying to define “true” religion and “false” religion, which reeks of hubris and delusions of adequacy. However, let’s suppose I can get away with dividing religions into two piles of “true” and “false.” Even the so-called “true” religions give nuance of meaning to the pursuit of becoming a better human.
Christianity speaks to the innate flaws of our human nature and how we must overcome these flaws. Islam reveals how submission and humility is a strength, even when it would otherwise seem to be a weakness. Hinduism encourages us to evolve through our understanding of how we are all interconnected, even though we are each unique. Buddhism shows us the meaning of suffering and how to grow in spite of - perhaps even because of - suffering. These nuances each appeal to people in a different manner, so that no matter what their situation and personal condition, they can find reason to seek out self improvement through spirituality. But the net result is the same; I cannot successfully argue that all religions have the same message.
The flaws in my thinking go deeper, however. Do we need religion at all? Seeing that it has been used to divide mankind against itself since its inception, shouldn’t we just do away with the whole idea? The truth is, we don’t need religion.
We do need community, which can be found outside of religion. We do need moral teachings, but these can be found in nonreligious stories and parables. That sense that we are a small part of something greater, sometimes call spirituality, can be found by believers and non-believers alike gazing into the night sky. Secular and private ritual can easily replace any need that religious ritual filled. And what of that desire to become a better human being, or the need for narratives that speak to the multitude of perspectives on the human condition? We can find that in art, literature, and theater just as well as we do in religion. Yet, I would be hard pressed to find an establishment that combines the best of all of these, if it were not for religion.
Religion is flawed - you won’t find me arguing against that. But I also think that it is a work in progress… much like government, the internet, and humanity itself. Throwing out the good with the bad and the admirable with the awful seems such a waste. I guess that is why I am so fascinated with religion, even though I am often times so at odds with it; I see that which is redeemable and good. And although this means my belief that all religions are essentially teaching the same thing rings hollow and trite, it still doesn’t discourage me from looking for the good within all religions.
First photo from David Boyle. Final Image from “wotthe7734″.
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