Spirituality vs. Religion: A Contemporary Distinction

Pat Tillman, the pro football player who gave up that celebrity career and joined the military after 9/11, was killed by so-called "friendly fire" in Afghanistan in 2004. His mother Mary has published an account of his death and how the military and government, at first, misrepresented his death for propaganda reasons. Her book Boots on the Grounds by Dusk sheds light on how and why the authorities hid the truth about her son's death.

One of the many tragedies of this story involved a superior officer, an avowed Christian, who after learning that the family did not wish a chaplain at the final service, disparaged the Tillman family. His mother responded that her son was very spiritual, but not religious.

In my estimation Mary Tillman did not have to explain to anyone, including said superior officer, about her family's memorial choice. Hadn't her fallen warrior son died on behalf of a large freedom, that includes complete freedom of religion?

This little anecdote also points out the contemporary distinction between spirituality and religion. Increasingly I hear people say, "I'm not religious. But I'm spiritual."

A Challenge to Understand

Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. has had a remarkable few days, including Friday's appearance on Bill Moyers's Journal (Mr. Moyers was sympathetic) followed by Monday's appearance before the National Press Club.

On the latter, Rev. Wright was a Jekyll and Hyde. On one hand he demonstrated his scholarship as a contemporary theologian; and, on the other hand, he postured and appeared arrogant , if not narcissistic, to many during a Q and A with the press.

Rev. Wright continues to be a political vexation/liability for Barack Obama's political campaign.

In my estimation Rev. Wright's message is a challenge to the nation, as an element in the hoped for dialogue of race in America. I maintain that the burden, for historical as well as contemporary reasons, is to seek understanding of the so-called black church and black liberation theology. (The church and the theology do not necessarily go hand-in-hand.) This is a rich opportunity for learning as a citizen and progressing as a society, that is, if we see the larger scheme: the message and not the messenger.