Despite attending forty 3-day Jesuit retreats and regularly going to church with my spouse, I remain adamantly somewhere between an Atheist and an Agnostic. See my blog “75% Atheist and 25% Agnostic.” One of the concerns I share with a few friends is organized religions apparent lack of concern for many social issues. I have attended Catholic, Presbyterian, and Lutheran churches in the past few years, and I have yet to hear a pastor or priest in the pulpit denounce climate change, sexism, racism or White Supremacy in the USA. I have thought about this lack of social assertiveness by too many pastors. Even if many of the congregations in these mainstream churches are conservative if not right wing, do not their church leaders have a responsibility to address social problems? I have two theories why they do not.
My first theory is that they do not venture to oppose these social ills because they would lose bunches of their church members if not their actual ministerial jobs. It has happened before that church leaders have been kicked out by their congregations for preaching politics too strongly. On the positive side here, many church leaders would argue that they do address social issues. They give to the poor and needy with food banks and outreach efforts to help destitute families. Unfortunately, this is like throwing water on a burning house. You are dealing with the symptoms and not the causes.
My second theory why church leaders do not vocalize more contempt for egregious social problems is this. Perhaps they see their job as converting the inner spirituality of their congregation. Thus, leaders focus on helping members become better people and lead better lives. Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see.” By focusing on inner spirituality, they can convert the soul of their church members and perhaps help them to become the person that loves according to the Commandment of Jesus. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:37–39).
I can see some positive sides to a church ideology that addressee inner spirituality, but I think it has serious drawbacks. You can focus too much on what I will call the “inner spirituality” of church members. The reasoning behind the emphasis on inner spirituality can be faulty. The theory is that if each member becomes a better Christian, they will be better neighbors towards others. If they feed the hungry and cloth the poor, they will be ridding the world of the evils that Jesus preached against. Unfortunately, these propositions are not evidenced by historical fact. For hundreds of years many Christians supported slavery and sexism by doing little or nothing to condemn or speak out against it. Furthermore, many Christians were major protagonists of racism and sexism. If their ministers spoke out against it, it obviously made little difference. Being a card carrying member of a Christian church never seems to correlate with ending war, sexism, racism, homophobia or even poverty. I think without an equal emphasis on “Outer Spirituality” Christianity is a worthless religion.
This issue which I call “Inner Spirituality versus Outer Spirituality” brings up a major conundrum in Christian thinking which has been the subject of many a lecture and paper. This dilemma is whether a Christian can be saved by faith alone or are good works also necessary. The apostle James says:
“So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds?” — James 2:17-26 NLT
The viewpoint promoted by James has been dissected many times by the followers of Paul who argue almost the opposite. Paul wrote the following:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
Most mainstream Protestants as well as evangelicals cling to the opinion of Paul. I have a deep skepticism over this acceptance of Paul’s opinion for two reasons. First, it is very self-serving. It is a lot easier to say “I believe in Jesus” than to walk in Jesus’s shoes or to commit to action that saves others rather than just faith. Secondly, Paul was never as close to Jesus’s teachings as James was. Why should Paul have more credibility than James who was one of the 12 apostles living with Jesus during his ministry? Again, I see Christians taking the easy way out. Jesus said:
“Not every one that saith unto me, ‘Lord, Lord’, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
If you have ever been to an Evangelical church meeting, you will hear the name of Jesus dripping so often from the lips of parishioners that you might think they are all going straight to heaven after they leave church. The practices or works of many of these “devout” Christians is enough to make anyone divorce themselves from any association with Christianity. During President Obama’s term in office, the head pastor of the Westboro Baptist church repeatedly called for God to strike Obama dead. Finally, he was condemned and ostracized by many other Baptist preachers. Nevertheless, Baptists have never been known for condemning racism or sexism from the pulpit. I think the argument over faith versus works is a false dichotomy and strictly speaking no one can be a Christian unless they practice both. Whether or not this will get them to heaven is an open question since I do not believe heaven or hell exists.
This brings me back to the concepts of inner and outer spirituality. Much like the faith versus works argument it is a false dichotomy. However, I prefer to think in secular terms. In secular terms, spirituality does not mean practicing Christianity or any other religion. I don’t need faith to be saved. I need both an inner and outer spirituality.
There are many definitions of spirituality. What does it mean to be a spiritual person? Some people lean towards accepting a higher being or creator. Some lean towards accepting a more conventional religious perspective. Many on-line definitions list several factors necessary to be a spiritual person. My own definition is much simpler. I think being a spiritual person involves two elements. The first is seeking meaning in one’s life. The second is seeking purpose. Meaning is inner spirituality. Purpose is outer spirituality. Meaning and purpose must go beyond what is simply good for oneself and must embrace what is good for humanity and the universe. Thus, a truly spiritual person is one who finds and balances inner and outer spirituality.
My understanding of the great prophets like Buddha, Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Guru Nanak, and Baha’u’llah are that they all preached a concern for humanity and the universe that went well beyond what was simply good for the individual. Some quotes illustrate what I am talking about:
Buddha: “If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.”
Moses was a lawgiver who gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.”
Jesus: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Mohammed: “The best among you is the one who doesn’t harm others with his tongue and hands.”
Guru Namak: “He who regards all men as equals is religious.”
Baha’u’llah: “Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”
I think you can see from the above quotes that each of these great prophets embraced the idea of a goodness that extended beyond the self to all of humanity. There are many other great prophets as well as great philosophers. What has made them all great is a burning desire to help the world become a better place than they found it.
We all have a choice. We can take care of ourselves and acquire as much money, fame, and power as we can. Or we can let go of stockpiling material things and help the world be a healthier place. A place where everyone can live in peace and harmony with nature and its other species. In some ways it is a matter of choosing life or death. The present path is destroying us. The Club of Rome report called “Limits to Growth” was ridiculed when it was published in 1972. Over fifty years later and no one is laughing at the climate catastrophes that materialism and over consumption have brought upon the earth. We were warned fifty years ago to start dealing with the problem now. Is it too late? Perhaps, but we lose nothing by trying. We will surely lose our souls if we do not try.
Aging Capriciously 
Aug 01, 2023 @ 15:11:21
In terms of today I think that true religion is trying to ensure a future for the planet and all the children that follow us.It seems that half the world have little concern for their own children’s inheritance never mind anyone else’s children. Do those that amass wealth truly think they can buy their way into some kind of salvation ? Hugs
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Aug 04, 2023 @ 19:41:43
Well said David. The phrase “buying their way into heaven” is very thought provoking. You are familiar with the “Prosperity Gospel?”
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Aug 04, 2023 @ 22:27:15
I’m not familiar with that John. Hugs
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 00:55:19
The prosperity gospel is the belief that God rewards those with right thinking with health, wealth, and whole-life abundance. It goes by many names, known alternatively as the faith, health and wealth, Word of Faith, or “Name It and Claim It” gospel.
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Aug 01, 2023 @ 17:42:49
Excellent article John but maybe because it so closely reflects my views. I am passing it along to my sister and a nephew and I don’t think they will have the same opinion but I do enjoy agitating!
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Aug 04, 2023 @ 19:42:30
HI Wayne. I would love to know what they think. John
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 07:05:55
My guess is they will ignore but if they reply I will let you know.
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 12:44:38
Great, Thanks Wayne.
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Aug 01, 2023 @ 19:20:04
I agree with much of what you say John with a couple of observations.
Any one of us may be religious and/or spiritual and/or atheist but it doesn’t necessarily mean we do good deeds or that we are kind, compassionate individuals. Unfortunately I hear and read a lot of empty, meaningless talk. Surely if we wish to be effective we need to take specific ‘action’ towards our objectives and goals. For me, that’s what Gandhi’s quote means ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ – meaning ‘walk the talk’ rather contemplating our navels. 😊
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Aug 04, 2023 @ 19:46:10
Well said Margaret. Claiming oneself to be a humanitarian or Christian or whatever without some good deeds is indeed meaningless. In the New Testament there is the Pharisee who thanks that he is not like the poor man who only gives one alm. The Pharisee thinks he is superior because he gives more. John
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Aug 02, 2023 @ 07:48:50
I’m calling BS, Dr. John. You write, “Baptists have never been known for condemning racism or sexism from the pulpit.” Really? You never heard some of the fine preaching of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia? Or read the works of the pastor who gave the benediction at Barrack Obama’s first inauguration, Richard Duane Warren of Saddleback Church in California? Or dug the great Gospel music of the Blind Boys of Alabama? https://youtu.be/bCfqS7HgAY0
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Aug 04, 2023 @ 19:48:22
Majik, Maybe I SHOULD have said White preachers. I don’t deny that many including some of my friends have preached the evils of racism but they were Black preachers. Thanks for pointing this out. Mea culpa Johb
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Aug 04, 2023 @ 21:32:35
I love you, Dr. J. You know I do. Therefore, I almost hesitate to break the news to you that Richard Duane Warren of Saddleback Church in California is white and just got his church and himself kicked out of the Southern Baptist Convention for approving of women being ordained as pastors? Moreover, all the Christian churches that I’ve ever attended have always taken stands against all forms of racism too, even from the pulpits. You may have a point about climate change being largely ignored, but usually the climate we Bible believers are most concerned about is that which is in Hell. So please at least understand, if not also indulge us, our priorities. https://youtu.be/B0EN_Hmq534
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 01:00:15
Thanks for pointing out the exceptions Majik. My experience seems to be very different from yours. In 40 Jesuit retreats that I have attended I cannot remember one sermon out of 13 each retreat that dealt with the subjects I mentioned. That would mean that in 520 sermons at Demontreville, not one dealt with climate change, racism, sexism or homophobia. John
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 08:12:38
At the risk of annoying you, Dr. John, I’ll mention that you just “moved the goal posts” by adding homophobia to your list of complaints against your complained-about Jesuits and by extension all people who like to talk about Jesus, whose Name, by the way, means “GOD SAVES!” But OK, I’ll stay in the game. I propose that Jesus can “save” everyone from everything, including climate change, racism, sexism, and, even, homophobia. It’s politics, John, the kind you say that you’d like to see more of in places of communal worship that has the world’s worst track record for saving anyone from anything. In fact, it’s politics that is fast leading us all to a fiery destruction, I’d wager, both here and, maybe even, in the hereafter. Perhaps you can see why some people, me included, say that the “Gospel of Jesus Christ” really is GOOD NEWS! https://youtu.be/Ri7GRLgg0fk
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 12:43:26
I think Jesus would have been appalled at the greed and the very notion of homophobia, racism and other ills I mentioned. Churches came way after Jesus. He would have spoken out against social ills and not been silent. Call it politics or whatever, it is part of life. Politics in our country could help assuage poverty, war, hunger and even climate change but good people must speak out. Jesus talked about speaking out against sin and if these ills are not SINS I don’t know what will qualify. Jesus was probably more political then I am IMHO.
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 12:54:03
OK, Dr. J., but as the late great Clarence Fountain used to say, “As long as you’re on the Lord’s Side, don’t worry ’bout it, everything is ALRIGHT!” https://youtu.be/E2X0K3nU2qc
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Aug 06, 2023 @ 08:35:21
Majik, I’m just sitting on the dock of the bay watchin the tide roll out.
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Aug 06, 2023 @ 09:14:14
GREAT SONG! You know my Karen and I met Otis Redding’s cousin in a drug store in Georgia last year. She and her husband are pastors of a church in their town. I think that you and your Karen would fit right in there! https://youtu.be/rTVjnBo96Ug
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Aug 06, 2023 @ 17:43:32
Great story. What fun and interesting times you have. John
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Aug 02, 2023 @ 14:13:21
John, you go down so many deep paths in this post, it’s hard to know to how frame a comment. Certainly there’s the clear though unspoken reality of the hypocrisy of so many people thinking of themselves as “Christian”, when Christ would be against virtually all of the hatred spewed in His name, whether being racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. It’s staggering unacceptable. Wrt spirituality, for sure it’s important to have a sense of purpose in one’s life, and to try to live that purpose. But what about living with integrity, honesty, and compassion towards others? And why are so many “Christians” perfectly comfortable supporting leaders who don’t display any of those characteristics whatsoever?
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 00:53:58
Jane, your virtues are key in my mind to any good life. Integrity, honesty, compassion, charity, mercy and several others. I just do not think we can tell others what virtues they need. I prefer to see more people going down the path of asking questions about meaning and purpose. However, your comments suggest to me that we may all need good mentors or leaders or even gurus who can act as spiritual guides to some of the virtues you mention. Good luck though in finding these for people. I think some traditions have been more explicit in the need for such guides. Native Americans as I noted seem to value elder wisdom than many other cultures. John
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 07:59:38
Hmm. Ideally, those values would be instilled by your family and your community. Sometimes by one caring and insightful teacher. The goodness and kindness is inherent in us all, it just needs to be encouraged to reign supreme. I think most Asian cultures also used to revere the advice/wisdom of their elders. All my wisdom is going to waste!! 😏
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Aug 05, 2023 @ 12:44:14
Maybe not Jane. You have many people that you influence or that reach out to you. John
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Aug 11, 2023 @ 06:26:16
I have to say your sentiments are understood! Let me point a VASTLY misunderstood and overlooked fact.
Yes! The world is the way it is for a reason! Let me ask you a question: “Do you believe in Jesus? That He came/was born on Earth to a virgin who had never known a man?” I think most of the argument essentially starts there! Why do I ask this? Many reasons:
1. If you are half agnostic:half atheist. You need to believe in something! I began my questions to see if you believe that Jesus was truly here on Earth… I start there, because we follow His story.
I will jump straight to His fast; yes! Moses and Elijah fasted 40 days, so it is humanly possible. I state this for a reason! Jesus was a Man – same temptations and all that people faced at that time. Notably, after His fast He was visited by none other than The prince of this Earth. Matthew 4:8,9 “…the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will bow down and worship me.”
I share this for a reason; yes! The Earth is as it is for a reason! But, most importantly your heart is known! Even more intimately than YOU know it! After death, something happens; I do not share of my own volition, but being a professional, I was in a fatal accident and experienced so very much and was allowed back to share what I experienced. I do it quietly and unobtrusively, but it is what in my dream/coma I said I’d do if I ‘woke up.’ Yes, there are issues I agree that should be addressed, but have you ensured your afterlife?
In conclusion, there is so very much to address! I do not even know where to start, but admit it – YOU come first! Hebrews 9:27 KJV
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
So, I ask “what judgement?” What is being judged?
As twisted as this world is: in our time HIV, then COVID we are here! Then?
I will respectfully leave it at that and hope that it shared a crucial point.
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Aug 11, 2023 @ 07:38:28
HI, thanks for your comments. My own take is that Jesus did exist. He is a great prophet. One of the greatest. God NO! Man yes, I do not need to believe him to be a god to appreciate his teachings.
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Nov 02, 2023 @ 08:41:45
Amazing article! Thanks for posting!
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Nov 03, 2023 @ 05:49:40
Thank you for the kind thought. I am glad you enjoyed the post. John
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