Religion Isn’t the Dust Bin, It’s the Mission Field – It’s Time to Go Back to Church

The phrase “I’m spiritual, but not religious” is a familiar refrain. It often signifies a rejection of organized religion in favor of personal exploration and individualized practices. Yet, this dichotomy may not be as clear-cut as we assume. In fact, our journey towards spirituality might be more intertwined with the world of “religion” than we realize.

The “Spiritual But Not Religious” Paradox

The “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR) movement is vast, encompassing diverse beliefs and practices. While many SBNR individuals reject organized religion, their practices often have roots in ancient religious traditions. Yoga, meditation, and even the belief in a higher power all stem from established faiths. This paradox begs the question: can we truly separate our spiritual journey from the “religious” world?

Jesus and the Synagogue: A Lesson in Engagement

Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:30, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad,” offer a compelling perspective. The Greek word translated as “gathereth” can also mean “synagogue.” Thus, Jesus could be interpreted as saying, “He that doesn’t SYNAGOGUE with Me is against Me.”

This statement challenges the notion of withdrawing from the religious world. Jesus, despite knowing the synagogue leaders would oppose him, didn’t advocate for isolation. Instead, he instructed his disciples to remain connected, even in the face of opposition.

John the Baptist, who separated himself from the religious establishment, met an untimely end. This stark contrast emphasizes the importance of remaining engaged, even when the religious world seems problematic.

Pure Religion: A Call to Action

The Bible defines “pure religion” as caring for the vulnerable and remaining unstained by the world (James 1:27). This definition isn’t about adherence to rigid dogma but about embodying love and justice. It suggests that true spirituality involves active participation in the world, not withdrawal.

Christians, called to be “in the world but not of it,” have often misinterpreted this as a call to isolation. Instead of engaging with the religious world, many have retreated into spiritual microcosms. This approach, however, contradicts Jesus’ teaching.

Our Response: Re-Engaging with the Religious World

It’s time to re-enter the religious world, not as critics or separatists, but as participants and witnesses. We are called to bring our faith, our sacrificial love, and our spiritual understanding into religious settings, even when they don’t fully align with our personal beliefs.

This doesn’t mean compromising our values or abandoning our spiritual practices. It means engaging in dialogue, building bridges, and demonstrating the transformative power of faith within existing religious structures.

Conclusion

The “spiritual but not religious” label may be limiting. Instead of seeing ourselves as separate from the religious world, we can embrace it as a mission field, a place where our faith can shine brightest. By reclaiming “religion” and actively engaging with existing faith communities, we can fulfill Jesus’ call to be a light in the world, even within the most challenging religious landscapes.

Call to Action:

How can you re-engage with the religious world? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

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