What is 'religion'?

Main Entry: re·li·gion
Pronunciation: ri-'li-j&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back -- more at RELY
1 a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion> b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
(Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)

Why do we have religion?

It's comforting.  It's nice to explain the things our tiny ape brains cannot comprehend.  Also, it's a "powerful" tool for controlling the masses, and keeping people in line.  For more on religion, click play below.

FAITH

What is 'faith'?

Main Entry: 1faith
Pronunciation: 'fAth
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural faiths  /'fAths, sometimes 'fA[th]z/
Etymology: Middle English feith, from Anglo-French feid, fei, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust -- more at BIDE
1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs <the Protestant faith>
synonym see BELIEF
- on faith : without question <took everything he said on faith>
(Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)

Why do we have faith?

This is a difficult question.  My initial reaction was that we don't all have faith, but upon looking at it in a wider spectrum, I don't think that's true.  Even the most hard-core skeptics have faith in themselves if nothing else.  Having faith in something makes people feel better.  I've come to the conclusion that having faith is not necessarily a bad thing.  It's having "blind faith" that's the problem.  Never questioning anything is dangerous, and in my opinion, whole belief systems should not be faith-based alone.  The occasional 'why' never hurt anyone.

SPIRITUALITY

What is 'spirituality'?

Main Entry: spir·i·tu·al·i·ty
Pronunciation: "spir-i-ch&-'wa-l&-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
1 : something that in ecclesiastical law belongs to the church or to a cleric as such
2 : CLERGY
3 : sensitivity or attachment to religious values
4 : the quality or state of being spiritual
(Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary - I feel this definition is too narrow.)

Why do we have spirituality?

The answer to this is very personal to each individual.  For me, it's to get closer to nature, and I don't just mean trees, lakes, meadows, and mountains.  I'm also talking about the sun, moon, and stars, as I feel we are ALL connected.  Are you a spiritual person?  Why or why not?  (Just curious.)  Please leave me a comment.

Until Next Time,
Rose