Simple But Not Easy

If you have read any articles about the state of religion in the last ten years, there are a few trends that may have jumped out at you that simply do not resonate with the understandings of religion from the 20th Century. One of those trends is the category “Spiritual but not Religious.” It is a category, in my opinion, for people who are uncomfortable (for any number of reasons) to decline a belief in God but are comfortable recognizing they lack a relationship with organized religion.

I have heard self-avowed ‘spiritual but not religious’ individuals claim they find God often at the top of a mountain on a crisp Saturday morning or in the warm glow of a sunset or even the gentle touch of a friend’s hand. I believe them, wholeheartedly. And, at the same time, I want to push them. How do you maintain your spiritual practices day-to-day and week-to-week? Have you found a community of accountability partners that you reach out to on a regular basis? Where do you find God when the stillness of those moments is fleeting and the chaos of work or family or paying the bills is looming over you? How do you keep the faith?

I don’t ask. Honestly, I don’t ask because I don’t think I have found the cadence or tone to sound respectful in my asking. And, I sincerely want to know but not at the cost of offending the other.

My perceptions are that like Christianity or Islam or Judaism or any non-Abrahamic faith tradition the answers are not easy. At the end of the day any spiritual belief system lacks ease; they all come with practices of intentionality to stay engaged in your relationship with God and God’s children (just like any other relationship in your life).

And so, while I can’t speak to those who are spiritual but not religious, I can speak to those who are Christian. We are now knee-deep in a season rife with intentionality with the sole purpose of nurturing and developing your relationship with God. My hope is that through the six weeks of Lent we can stir up some opportunities that may not be easy but are simple for your to practice. My prayer is that through some simply practices you can find depth in your spirituality, depth in your relationship with God, and maybe even depth in your relationship with Creation and humanity.

To help us find simple paths to deepening our relationships and spirituality, I’ve decided to utilize the wisdom and practices of a Presbyterian minister. Perhaps with his simple wisdom, together we can find ways to connect with God in the mountaintop moments as well as the daily grind.

Please practice worship this Lenten Season with Mr. Fred Rogers Sundays at 9:15a at Louisville United Methodist Church in Louisville, Colorado.

Peace,
Rev Elizabeth