The media has made a great deal about recent polls where folks define themselves as 'spiritual' rather than 'religious'. Which for me raises the question, What do they mean by spiritual? [and of course, it's twin, what do they mean by 'religious'?]
As people who look to the Holy Spirit as a comforter, encourager, prayer partner and source of power, I would expect that believing Christians are spiritual. By that I mean, are open to the Spirit's movement in this world, in their lives and in themselves. There is some expectation that this movement of the Spirit would challenge us to move in unexpected directions. It would push us towards generosity ....and compassion....and righteous indignation over injustice. All of these are characteristics of our Lord Jesus, and so the Spirit works to transform us into the person God has always known we can be.
But what do you think?
I would hope that I am at least some of that. But did you find it interesting that Bishop Eaton said in interviews that she had felt she was "religious, but not spiritual?" (And had sought out a spiritual advisor for guidance.)
ReplyDeleteYes, and she has repeated it more than once. For academics there is a sense that they do not have a handle on what others call the 'spiritual.' And sometimes this is true because they have no sense of wonder, no sense of the mystical, no sense of the inexplicable. There are many ways in to a life in the Spirit, and academics have been the starting point for many over the years.
ReplyDeleteI am also pleased that she felt the need to get in touch with this part of herself.!