WomensApproach

A religion of the mind, that is, based on logical thinking will extend as far as an individual’s own logic will allow.  This is a very convenient religion as it is regulated by one’s self; but then so are our daily habits. 

 One may drive by Starbucks, or eat lunch at the deli on Fridays, or watch football religiously; and, although some may disagree with the idea, all of these habits are well within our control.  Just as habits of the body are fully within our control, so is the religion of logic, a religion dependent on the mind.

 What are the characteristics of a religion of the mind?

1)     It extends only as far as individual logic

2)     It ceases when there is no longer a logical answer

3)     The idea is that as long as an explanation exists, so does the religion; when there ceases to be a scientific answer, there ceases to be a religion

 I am reminded of a scene in Along Came Polly in which Reuben Feffer (Ben Stiller) attempts to compare the risk of having a relationship with a former free spirited classmate to reconciling with his wife who jilted him.  Illogically, it was “safer” to go with the free spirit. 

 Feffer is a perfect example of one who tries to apply logic to every part of his life; I would wager that he would try to apply it to his religious practices as well.  However, as this movie demonstrated, not all of life is logical; nor can a religion based on anything more than a ritual cup of coffee survive solely on logic.

 Consider this:  If one’s entire basis of faith is dependent on the ability to reason and rationalize, what happens to the individual who suffers a stroke or develops Alzheimer’s?

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