I think we have come full circle to the definition of Religion and what that term both means and implies. The more I think about it the more I realize that I am truly hung up on that word and I pretty much hate it which is why my inner self is throwing a royal temper tantrum over being identified that way. While the text definition does apply, I think the modern cultural definition has changed. I don’t think religion to the masses just means a set of beliefs. I believe, like myself, that when people consider religion now they think of the major religious organizations.
On a strictly personal level I am very uncomfortable with any association to the word religion as it holds a deeply negative connotation for me. I am a southern baptist, raised in the buckle of the bible belt, minister’s daughter. Religion is about a lot of things and none of it good….manipulating the masses, controlling social behavior, thought and people in general. In fact I consider religion and government to both be “The Man” in no uncertain terms. There is absolutely nothing about religion as I define it that I like. I also think that the major religions continue to prove a huge detriment to our society.
Do I consider myself a person of faith? Yes. Do I consider myself a religious person? No. Were I answering the BBC poll, I would not classify myself as religious person which is why I thought the Poll was very short sighted. I would be very curious to see how many people such as myself classified themselves as a person of faith but not religious.
In the end, by your definition you are absolutely right….but I don’t like it, not tiny little bit.
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Re: Hmmm
Date: 2011-03-24 08:18 pm (UTC)On a strictly personal level I am very uncomfortable with any association to the word religion as it holds a deeply negative connotation for me. I am a southern baptist, raised in the buckle of the bible belt, minister’s daughter. Religion is about a lot of things and none of it good….manipulating the masses, controlling social behavior, thought and people in general. In fact I consider religion and government to both be “The Man” in no uncertain terms. There is absolutely nothing about religion as I define it that I like. I also think that the major religions continue to prove a huge detriment to our society.
Do I consider myself a person of faith? Yes. Do I consider myself a religious person? No. Were I answering the BBC poll, I would not classify myself as religious person which is why I thought the Poll was very short sighted. I would be very curious to see how many people such as myself classified themselves as a person of faith but not religious.
In the end, by your definition you are absolutely right….but I don’t like it, not tiny little bit.