Being a Christian while Being Less Religious

I read another article last week on the spiritual state of America.  The article was published by Pew Research, an organization that I view as having a finger on the pulse of our country.  The reported noted that while fewer people are affiliating with churches, as a county we are becoming more spiritual.  While on the surface it might seem like a contradiction, it is in fact a reality.  To understand that requires looking at the meaning of the two words.

Religion involves being concerned about church things.  One’s behavior gives signs of being religious.  Being religious means a person is exhibiting outward signs.  “She is obviously a religious person because she goes to church every Sunday.”  “He must be very religious because he has a Bible on his desk.”

Spirituality relates to things of the spirit or soul, as opposed to physical or earthly things.  “Her contemplative nature leads me to believe she is more spiritual than most of her friends.”  “He has a spiritual nature that allows him to stay calm and think clearly in spite of the circumstance.”

One of my contentions about most Christian communities is that the members are very good at the outward signs, but fall short when it comes to living lives of discipleship.  I must admit to falling into that trap myself sometimes.  If the pattern is observed over a period of time, we run the risk of being viewed as hypocritical; only giving the outward signs of being religious.   In short that is why so few young folks do not want to associate with the churches we claim to be part of.  In their minds we are; “Long on words but short on action.”

As I think about it, being more spiritual might not be the answer either.  I am part of a worship community that meets every Sunday in the fine arts building at a Lutheran school.  The parking lot is usually full, but only because we share it with the Buddhist Center next store. The people who live and visit there might be perceived as being "spiritual."  I also find it curious that many of the people who gather there on Sunday are young adults.  Many Millennials are spiritual seekers.  The unfortunate thing, from my perspective, is that they are finding their needs met in places other than in Christian worship communities.  

We can take offense at this, but the in actuality we need to being taking it to heart.  Our actions toward the people who are lost and broken will speak volumes to the world.  Our attitude toward the lost and broken allows others to see Jesus in us.  I see that as the only way we might reverse the trend.

In actuality, it might mean being a little less religious and spiritual, and walking more in the steps of Jesus as loving and compassionate disciples.