Religion is considered different things by many people. There are those who are devoted believers apply faith and God to every facet of their existence. There are those who although acknowledge the divinity of the universe-creating entity, do not adhere to a strict code of conduct for His sake or in His honor. Some people dismiss God outright and appeal to the secular theories that explain creation of nature. Between each of these classifications there are tribal groups which have varying levels of belief and intensity attached to their personal agendas. Religion is not going to a place of worship, kneeling and paying homage to a martyr, saint, or idol. It's not donating money earned through unscrupulous endeavours in the hope some profit used in God's name will cleanse the guilt. It's not believing when something is at stake and preparing a list of reasons for why He that reigns supreme over all must oblige your requests.
Describing religion is not very easy since it's an unknown entity. There are a series of theories and hypotheses which are the root of every religious debate. There is no guarantee that the edicts of age old scriptures is the appropriate way to live. There is no way of knowing for sure what the outcome of living a pious live entails. No matter which faith we discuss, there are a lot more questions than there are answers.
It's far more productive to explain where religion can be found. Though I do not know what it is, I can tell you that I believe it's found in the oncology department at hospitals. I also think Religion can be found at shelters where homeless, hungry, and abuse victims gather to avoid having to brave another blistering winter night on the streets. Religion can be found in Kindergarten classrooms.
All of these instances and examples of where religion can be found revolve around the premise of humanity. It's through my eyes that I've seen religion within the scope of these locales. Oncology wings are a testament to the brave patients and resourceful medical communities. The patients have to undergo intense, debilitating medical treatment just to perhaps have a chance at beating the cancer. The medical communities have invested billions of dollars in research to develop better treatment and care for patients with cancer. The brilliant minds that have spent countless hours involved with this research has contributed to the advanced level of care we are able to provide these days. The lesson here is that there are times in a person's life when life is not the most important detail. Simply breathing becomes a religious experience. Simply being able to exist and be part of the scenery becomes a good day. The many people involved with the fight against cancer fosters an environment of togetherness and camaraderie. There is a unified vision and collective understanding that improving the quality of life for another human being is paramount.
Shelters across the city serve the needs of the homeless, hungry, and abused. These shelters are where some people go to work everyday. Some people rely on these shelters to keep their families warm, fed, safe or all three. Witnessing how those who live on the lower rungs of our very tall economic ladder is an incredibly humbling experience. There are criminals and unsavory characters amongst the masses which convene at these shelters. There are harmless and innocent bystanders to the economic struggles facing us today also in the group. There amidst a mix of many types of people is a system which is predicated on serving others. The notion that a fellow human being may have to sleep on the street, or be hungry, or need protection from someone else causes enough disturbance that this service is offered. There are people who live to serve others. Regardless of their scruples or lack thereof, they are humans and they need food. No one should be hungry. No one should have to sleep on frozen concrete. People care about one another and try to help others without any expectations. No thanks necessary, just providing a service that will improve other people's lives. Religion is found in the bitter, angry souls that frequent the shelters. It's in the grateful, appreciative hearts savoring every drop of soup as it heads down to their stomachs.
Dealing with kids can be described as a religious experience by some inexperienced parents. Teaching a motley-crew of rugrats their ABC's and 123's while incorporating "sharing-is-caring" and "say please & thank you" lessons is an entirely different category. The kids evolve from their initial fear of being away from home to getting acclimated to their new playpen. Missing Mom evolves into a playtime and fun in a myriad of ways. Teachers demonstrate extreme patience with these children who are no relation to them. They accept a great amount of responsibility and receive very little compensation. Their spirit and enthusiasm contributes greatly to the foundation of these children. There is religion in this unselfish, humanitarian function. Loving and teaching children is a way of making the world a better place.
