Patrick Butler: Another Look

Religion today seems to have become similar to light beer. There's more of it, but it's less filling. Part of this, I understand, is a desire to "reach" people where they're at" with the good news that there is a God and there is a place often referred to as heaven. Imagine that, John Lennon.

In the process of getting more people involved, though, it seems like the guts of religion, which I define as the revelation of it, have been lost and much of religion has become disoriented as a result.

And the disorientation is not only in the realm of religious congregations. It's in the writing about it, even in the mainstream press.

I recall being at a conference/class for religion writers in the mainstream media and astonished, or rather dumbfounded, the leader of the class.

The attendees were talking about the impact of religion on America. They were asked for suggestions of stories they might look for. Lots of ideas were brought up concerning political movements.

During a lull, I volunteered that I search for stories on how religion changes people in their daily lives. The room fell silent. Sensing an awkward moment, I attempted to clarify.

"I don't know why anyone would waste their time and follow a religion if it didn't change them," I said. "That's where the real story is, where the powerful stories are, in my opinion."

I got the deer-in-the-headlights stare from the podium. Clearly I had introduced a concept in the room that went over, under or around their thinking about religion, God and how to write about it. It seemed a simple enough concept and I wondered why no one else could, or would, wrap their brains around it?

There was no response to my comment.

I now think the group was threatened by imaginative reporting, and consequently having to discern themselves, what good change was and what was bad change. That implies truth and few want to wade into those waters or walk through that minefield.

Many newspapers don't even have a Religion section. The Dallas Morning News dumped its more than a year ago.

What religion reporting is left with are the "easy pickings;" politics, religious voting blocs and new building construction for various congregations.

As the essential "why" of religion is passed over by much of the press, much of the discussion about "what really works" has also diminished.

Indeed, a "whatever works for you" philosophy has taken hold, a comfortable if not sometimes precarious position worth taking another look at.

But I think most people privately won't stand for a low-calorie version of God. Deep inside they want their potato "fully loaded." They want real change.

Political parties are not the answer to the deep hunger someone has to "see" God. It won't satisfy that craving when their candidate is elected, or worse, defeated. Elections won't give people comfort in the middle of the night when they wake up and realize they're on a rock swinging through space around a big ball of fire 93 million miles away and that time is short.

Politics is short-term. God is the ultimate long-term.

Religion - not who's sitting in the White House - is what motivates many, if not most people, to get up in the morning and do something.

What's happening at your house is where the religion story is, where the rubber meets the road, the whole nine yards, the whole kit and caboodle, the supersized deal. It's the real bling.

The significance of the human race, the perception of a person's ultimate purpose and the path they take to get there is the task clergy faces. What could be deeper, more significant? Why drip-feed searchers?

A sterilizing satisfaction seems to have replaced the revealing of mind-boggling concepts and awe-inspiring depth in many quarters. Perhaps if people are tired of religion, they should try relating with God.

Admit it. If one believes there is a God, some sort of real relationship is required. If one believes there isn't a God, then have a nice day.

That's about the extent of the purpose one can cling to if God is removed from the equation.

Somehow we've entered a formula-like Coke Zero century. Why in the world would anyone be swayed, convinced or inspired to change their ways by such lukewarm waters? Simply put, most won't. Perhaps for a season, maybe, yes.

But people want real change, not the appearance of it. Give it to them, and I'll write about it. It's where the real religion story is.

Patrick Butler
()