It seems to me that religiosity is about feeling comfortable. In order to manage tension, religion provides superficial resolutions. By means of checklists, tension is eased and comfort restored.
For example, when I feel grateful, I also feel unsettled until I do something about it. Ack! Tension! So (as mentioned in the previous post), religion formerly provided me a way to "take care of" that tension. Direct your gratitude to God. Say a prayer. Be more obedient. Check, check, check. *sigh of relief*
As I thought more about my former tension-easing mechanisms, it all seemed so selfish. It feels unfortunate to me that so many naturally outwardly-turned people have been duped into a lifestyle of self-absorbed complacency:
How best to fill my desire for knowledge?
By viewing all information as it fits into a gospel context. Downplaying/ignoring whatever fails to support dogma. Becoming an expert in "the mysteries of God."
How best to express my drive to achieve?
By devoting myself 110% to becoming a mother, and then to motherhood.
How best to serve mankind?
By helping everyone else think like me.
How best to care for the earth?
Oh don't worry too much about that, the millenium's coming soon anyway.
Bullshit.
I want to know, I want to achieve, I want to love, I want to be wise. I want to address tension by moving towards it, and away from an inward-turned life.
2 comments:
Sarah, I just stumbled onto your blog while following a link from my own
( http://PureMormonism.blogspot.com )
I'm sending a link to my wife, I think she'll like it. You seem to think like us.
Nice blog. I'll be reading more of you.
How best to serve mankind?
By helping everyone else think like me.
Love it. So true!
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