The "Selling" of Religion

It happens in churches, small groups, mosques, coffee shops, cathedrals, temples, living rooms and even door-to-door everyday all over the world. Religion, or spirituality if you prefer, is big business and is being bought and sold incessantly; and as such the "Selling" of Religion is as pervasive as it is perverse.

In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, there is a chapter titled "We Agnostics." This chapter deftly discusses the spiritual aspects of the AA program without polarizing readers (something most religions could learn from). Many AA adherents cite this chapter as the first literature to really communicate and get through to them about the often-touchy subject of spirituality. After carefully studying the chapter for several years, it becomes apparent why Bill Wilson's words so readily resonate with so many people. He's not trying to sell anybody anything. He is advocating consideration over conversion.

As consumers, we all love to buy but hate to be sold to. Attempting to sell religion to prospects only serves to devalue the very faith that is often held in such high regard. People must be allowed to uncover, discover and decide about matters of spirituality, faith and religion on their own, in their own way. For meaningful and lasting impact, we have to be allowed to formulate "our own conception of God" as the Big Book outlines. Hardcore right-wing conservatives will quote biblical chapter and verse warning against the dangers of denying the One True God, while extreme left-wing liberals will debunk the whole God idea entirely in favor of science and intellect.

This blog promotes blurring the lines between "the left" and "the right" without watering down the Truth. What exactly that Truth is for you may depend on who you are, where you've been and how you got here. Just be certain that your God, Higher Power, or Souce will reveal this Truth to you given the necessary amount of time, life exeperience and guidance... provided you are willing to accept it. No sales call necessary, simply a willingness to consider. Amen.