LETTER: What does religion mean to you?

    In Logan, Utah, religion is a defining characteristic of individuals. People casually inquire about religious affiliation during social exchanges as though they are asking the person’s name. The subject of religion is difficult to avoid, even for those who have detached themselves from the organized element of religion. It is so prevalent in our daily lives that, like white noise, deeper questions like the one posed in the title of the article, and others like it, often fly under the radar.

    Religion is an aspect of life that, for many of us, has always been present. We entered into the churches, mosques or synagogues of our parents before we could walk, and like most individuals brought up in a religious household, this affiliation became ours as well. We trusted our parents and thus took the claims of our respective faiths at face value.

    The experience of the later-in-life convert eludes us cradle worshippers. We may never take the time to experience the personal insight and growth the conversion process brings. Fortunately, this experience is available to any that choose to put forth the effort, and perhaps now is as good a time as any to take a minute and ponder the question posed at the beginning of this article. What does religion mean to you?

    Religion can be, and often is, a cultural and even ethnic identity. The term Judaism has long referred to both an ancient nation and religious ideology. One finds both those regularly attending mass and those who haven’t been in years referring to themselves as Catholic. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), the dominant religion of our university, likewise encompasses a wide range of identity and practice. Some of us are pure pioneer stock, while others are the only Mormon among their family. Perhaps this is all religion means to some of us. It is our heritage, a familiar place that ties us to both family and friends. In fact, the most difficult challenge for those who have left the religion of their fathers for another path is the damage or complete severing of these social ties.

    For many, religion goes beyond heritage. It is an ideology that defines personal philosophies and lifestyles. It may give a healthy sense of purpose and direction to an individual, acting as a compass of sorts as human beings continue to ponder the great questions that have preoccupied philosophers for thousands of years. It is true that religion rarely attracts with its arguments for the existence of god, however its reverence for the great questions of life should not go unnoticed. Science has made great advancements that give rational answers to questions that were once given only supernatural explanation. The abundant mysteries that once shaped reality seem fewer and far between with each passing year. In spite of all these advancements and explanations, many still adhere to the famous line from the Confessions of St. Augustine, in which he says “… our hearts are restless until they find rest in you (God).” To these individuals, religion is not a means to find answers. It is a means to connect with something greater than their selves.

    So why is it important to ponder such questions? After all, it wouldn’t be worth it to dedicate time to a worthless endeavor. I argue that there are indeed benefits to be had from such inquiries. By understanding what religion means to ourselves, we are able to gain a greater appreciation for both our own faith and the faith of those who worship in a slightly different manner. By realizing the importance and impact of religion in both our lives and the lives of others we gain a new perspective, and perhaps a newfound reverence for the institution of religion as a whole. The way we define terms such as truth and love may change. The lens through which we see the world can shift, and if we stop and look around every once in a while we might find that paths that once appeared to veer off in different directions are aimed at the same destination.

    So, what does religion mean to you? What leads you to frequent your respective religious establishment? What keeps you away? How does religion affect the way we – even those of us who have attempted to leave religion behind – view concepts as fundamental as time, love and justice? Take the time to ask yourself those questions, even if you have asked them before.

Cam Davis is a senior studying political science and religious studies. He can be reached at cam.davis@aggiemail.usu.edu