Religion? In Frederick Streng\'s Discussion

¶ … religion?

In Frederick Streng's discussion of the concept of religion across cultures, societies, and individuals, it surfaced that one of the working definitions of religion is "means toward ultimate transformation." This definition of religion as a means toward ultimate transformation can be interpreted into various meanings because of the different contexts in which religion is applied.

As what Streng elaborated in his analysis, "...in religion, interpretive concepts are more problematical. Therefore we are suspicious of the adequacy of the dictionary's definition of religion." This was stated as a reaction to the prevalence of religion as multi-faceted, subject to various interpretations because of the differences of people in culture -- their values, traditions and beliefs. As was explicated in the passage, religion can be based on a belief in a deity; it can also be based on an activity or personal belief that one strictly and firmly adheres to; and it can also be a way of life. Ultimately, each manner of interpreting and defining religion has a primary goal in mind: that is, "to reach a state of being that is conceived to be the highest possible state or condition." agree with Streng when he proposed that this is the primary objective that people subsist to in believing in a specific form of religion. For me, religion can be any form of personal philosophy that one strongly believes in. Moreover, religion is anchored on the objective that people want to achieve the highest possible state or condition. Thus, religion can be any kind of belief that the individual perceives as his/her primary means of achieving the feeling of ultimate fulfillment or self-realization and -discovery.

The religion I was exposed to was based on a deity, a metaphysical entity that has always been the "individual" whom I constantly seek for help and talk to in times of difficulties and challenges in my life. However, over time, I have come to realize that I do not have to strictly follow the traditional practices I used to do in order to show my faith to my religion. Thus, I began exercising my religion in the most comfortable and effective way I can: by continually talking and confiding my problems in a "greater power," which I perceive to be a force and formless entity. It does not matter whether this force has power or not; what is important is that this force has the power to make me feel better and relieve me of my worries in life.

My changed perception about religion was influenced by my exposure to people with different religions. Learning that we all believe in one force, yet a force that is represented with different entities and faith demonstrated through various traditions and practices, I have learned to reconcile these differences by just believing in a force, without any subsistence to religious names and labels and traditions.

As what I have discussed earlier, what used to be my religion was the belief I was exposed to since birth. However, as I grew up and became exposed to different forms of religions and beliefs in my society, I have learned to adapt to the diversity of religious philosophies extant by creating my personal philosophy. This personal philosophy is one that believes in a 'general force,' which is formless and not bound with the traditional practices. This force enables me to confide with an entity without any fear or limitations on what I can say or ask of it. It has the ability to make me feel better and relieved, giving me the feeling of clarity when I am experiencing trouble, confusion, or frustration in life.

I am receptive to the interpretation that my religion is actually based on a psychological state, which Jung, as quoted by Streng, characterized religion as "a relationship to the highest or strongest value...the value by which you are possessed unconsciously. That psychological fact which is the greatest power in your system is the god..." I believe that my religion is neither positive nor negative, and is completely unbiased because what I believe in -- that is, my philosophy -- is a universal experience that every believer of religion experiences when they express their faith in a god, activity, or simply a feeling.