DAILY Q6 01/30

For centuries, the question of what the definition of religion is is one which has provoked deep and intellectual debate, and one which scholars still try to find the answer to today. For me religion is a way of knowing; it is a guide to life and purpose. I think that regardless of the importance of evidence as a source of information as a source of knowledge, sometimes there are life mysteries that go beyond evidence and that we aren’t able and never will be able to explain. Answers to questions like what happens to us after death, how the world was created or why we were created cannot be and will not be answered through the science branch of knowledge but rather rely on faith in God and religion. 

Through the draft “Violence, Religion and the State”, William Cavanaugh references the author Martin Marty’s book to try to define religion. His list of 5 features helped me to gain a better interpretation of religion not only as a way of knowing and a way of seeking understanding, but as a means to community building and teaching. One of these elements is that religion consists of many ceremonies and rituals. Religion not only unites families, people and friends through in Holy celebrations such as Christmas, but it also offers support and guidance in difficult situations like grief. Religion teaches and educates; whether this is in a classroom or a church environment, religion cultivates and encourages thinking and rumination across the world through the encouragement of openness to conversation. It seeks answers through the lens of trust and love, and like I mentioned above, there are “mysteries too great for words” to explain. For me, I truly believe in religion as not only a way of knowing but also as a way through which I can flourish and grow.