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JAN 30

While Merriam-Webster defines religion as “an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods,” I believe the true definition of religion is far more encompassing than words can describe. While St Augustine via Cavidini uses even fewer words in describing theology, I think they do a better job than most definitions in capturing what religion is: faith seeking understanding. As Cavidini notes throughout his piece, religion is not some natural science that can have data recorded and laws derived from proofs. The goal of religion or theology is not to prove the existence of anything or prove anything for that matter. Rather, in my view, religion seeks to make sense of the unknown, to give guidance to faith.

Religion, to me, is a test—perhaps life’s most critical. The central focus of this test is faith. As God gives us life and the ability to conduct ourselves freely, we are given choices to make. We are given knowledge about God, and see the beauty that He created everyday. In my view this beauty alone—the relationships we are able to build and the love we are able to foster—is proof enough. However God allows evil to inhabit our world. He lets our parents abuse us, our idols to die in helicopter crashes, and the youngest among us to get cancer. These are all tests; tests of faith. Many claim to belong to a religion, but I don’t think as many truly understand just what that means. To have faith is to believe and persevere through these horrific tests. Believing in God is a commitment. Faith is a commitment. Religion is a commitment.