January 30

If theology is defined as the study of God, then religion perhaps is the study of God’s (or divine beings) teachings and practicing the outlined virtues. Religion then can be said to be a means by which we seek self-enlightenment and connection to a greater purpose in life. It is a way to find meaning in our lives and in this existence. We try to find a deeper level of self and relationship with the earth and all the life found upon it by having faith in a belief or idea that may not be able to be explicitly explained with evidence. Religion can therefore come in many shapes and forms. It is unique to everyone because everyone will have their own personal connection with its teachings and how it fits into their own life. However, if we must define religion within some sort of parameters we can look to our reading for today. According to Cavanaugh in “Violence, Religion and the State” religion must consist of five things. It has to focus on our ultimate concern, build community, appeal to myth and symbol, be enforced through rites and ceremonies and it must demand certain behaviors from its adherents. I personally think these five categories are very fitting and can successfully encompass the wide range of religions in the world today. I cannot think of a single religion that does not engage in or exhibit all of these five characteristics. However, what these five things do not take into consideration is the personal connection and relationship that an individual develops with the teachings and practices of their religion. For something to be considered a religion it must have the power to affect a person, even just one single person, on a deeper level. This level of transcendence and connection to a belief is vital. Religion is “bearing witness in some way to values such as social justice, equality, and inclusiveness” (1 Cavadini). It is not something that solely comes from a text or religious script, but from the relationship and self-reflection of individuals who come together in a community.