What Does Religion Mean To Me

Words: 673
Pages: 3

Religion is broad and widespread, it can have a different meaning to each individual person. William James describes religion as, “[Religion is] …the feelings, acts and experiences of individual men in their solitude, so far as they apprehend to stand in relation to whatever they may consider divine.” This definition is the closest to my interpretation of religion and closest to what religion is to me. Religion is often characterized as an organization or a community of like-minded individuals, but I find religion to be more personal instead of group led. It is something that I struggle to put into words. I was raised in the bible belt; which means I grew up going to church every Sunday and Wednesday. Growing up, religion was never something that was personal it was more of a family thing, but as a grow and experience new …show more content…
I grow as a Christian outside the church, but I find going to church an important aspect to hear others that have gone through things and learn more. The community aspect of the church is important because it provides a second family. I rely on my church family and find them very important in my life, but when I look back at my life and try to find where most growth occurred it has happened outside of the church and outside that community. I notice a look of people use the church as an excuse not to associate with others that do not have the same beliefs. If I do not act what I or try to express my beliefs to others there is no point of saying I am a Christian. Learning about others’ religions and beliefs is a something important to me. I want to learn about others because people will be more open to listening if I genuinely have an interest in their beliefs and feelings. I strive to push myself out of my comfort zone and put myself in positions where the majority of people around me do not share my same