PACIFICA COMMENTARY FOR DECEMBER 5, 2003

Hello, this is Blase Bonpane with a comment.

The name of our religion does not define our character. Within each religion there are

saints and devils.

Why then even talk about religion?

Because it is a spiritual path for many people.

Indeed, each religion attempts to elevate the mind and heart from the confines

of the ordinary.

Many cultures have made God into an image and likeness of their particular mores.

In view of the fact that religion is a cultural phenomenon, is there any room for

exclusivity in its practice? I don't think so.

How then can we judge the authenticity of religious practice?

Quite simply, the more we claim to know about God, the less reverent we are. Just

observe the behavior of TV evangelists on this point. When they claim to know

everything about God they are simply expressing their ignorance.

Religions of the west have tried to explain too much and thereby frequently demonstrate

a lack of reverence.

Eastern religions are generally more reverent. They do not claim to comprehend the

almighty. Reverence stands in awe of the majesty of creation.

And is there any essential conflict between authentic science and authentic religion?

No, creating such conflicts either indicates a weakness in science or a weakness in

theology. For the believer science is an attempt to better understand creation.

Religion generally includes a sacred story...a sacred book. To understand these books we

must understand figurative language, metaphor, parable, poetry and sometimes actual

history.

Does this mean that all is relative? Not at all. Some things are absolute.

But arguing about dogmas is a great way to waste time.

In short, what matters is our life-style. Some obtain spirituality with no religion at all.

Some obtain it who are not able to affirm the existence of God.

Unfortunately many political figure use religion as a cloak for malice and a stupid excuse

for war. The absolutes of spirituality with or without religion are the pursuit of justice,

peace, joy, love, perseverance, fortitude, reverence, respect and all related gifts which

lead us to a life of wisdom, a life of action and a life in direct contradiction to all deadly

conventional materialism and warfare.

The name of our religion does not define our character. Our character is defined by our

ability to build a universal system of justice and peace.

For a free copy of this commentary call: 323/852-9808......323/852-9808.

This is Blase Bonpane.