# Method, reason and balance
*How there's a yin to every yang and how they keep the world spinning.*

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Most people would not think of me as a spiritual person. If your view of 
spirituality boils down to religion, then you're right. I'm not a 
*religious* person. I'm also not very spiritual, which is something I've 
come to regret, as there's a lot more to spirituality than some stories 
from age-old books about deities and other fantastical fairy tales.

Nowadays, spirituality is mainly and commonly only found in the form of 
religion, hence why people often confuse the two. Most would think of 
religion as "worshiping gods" and "faith in something intangible", and 
for some of the bigger religions, this is mostly true. Many involve gods 
and these would usually have their teachings derived from one of more 
such central figures. However, there are also religions with other concepts 
and ideas at their center. Some are about harmony, others about spirits. 
Some are centered around a balanced way of life. Some are about 
communicating with nature, where nature may encompass the entirety of the 
universe and existence itself. Religion and spirituality come on many forms.

So what is religion and what is spirituality? These are difficult to 
describe, as many people have differing views on them. The things that 
most often come to mind are *morals*, *beliefs*, *ethics* as well as 
supernatural phenomenon. This at least seems to be the common thread that 
runs through all religion and spiritual belief. Religion can describe a 
way of life, how to behave, what is good and what is bad. Some do so 
literally, while some speak of vaguer terms, lessons of balance and harmony, 
leaving this up for interpretation.

My personal definition of spirituality? It serves as a description of *reason*.

## The modern world of Technology

These days spirituality is mostly hidden away for those living in the 
typical western world. The most would only know it as the Catholic church, 
or maybe the Islam. In contrast, atheism has become more popular under 
the younger generations, generally denouncing religion as "old fashioned" 
and "not scientific". In this modern world, science seems to rule a 
steadier hand than religion. It goes without saying that science and religion 
are often at odds with each other, typically over the question of
"Does \<insert god\> exist?"

Science has led us to many advancements in our society, for better and 
worse. Nuclear power serves as a common example of this. A powerful source 
of energy that could sustain our cities with ease, or a terrible superweapon 
that could cost the life of millions. It all comes down to a question of 
"What would I do with this knowledge?" Indeed, it all comes down to *reason*.

So should science be at odds with religion? Unfortunately, it's naturally so 
due to the nature of most religions, of which science is skeptical. That's 
not out of ill intent, but it is in science's nature to ask questions and try 
to determine how the universe works, whereas some religions try to give a 
ready set answer to things, often without proof. But what about science and 
spirituality?

If spirit is reason, then science is *method*. Science is about curiosity, 
the "how" question. Spirit is about reason, the "why" question. Without spirit, 
nothing would keep us from abusing science for destructive purposes. And 
without science, we'd lack awareness and progress, we'd be dead in the water. 
So it goes without saying that naturally, spirit and science not only shouldn't 
be at odds, they should be in balance, at peace.

## Balancing the spinning top of progress and morality

Ultimately, our society needs both science and spirit to progress and stay on 
its path. "So what's wrong with our religions, why don't they fill the spiritual 
gap?" Well, they do, but only sort-of. I've mentioned before that all religions 
commonly have a thread of morals and ethics running through them. But some 
religions push these down, out of focus, in favor of zealously committing to 
deity-worship above all. Or some would blindly follow old rules, not questioning 
them out of faith. But the most important part of any religion is daring to ask 
the "why" question, to reflect, provide morals and ethics, as well as explaining 
them through teachings.

Secondly, while science has evolved over time, religion has remained more 
stagnant. Spirituality is something that needs to evolve, just as science does. 
Religions have remained stagnant in some of their views, ignoring how the world 
around them has changed over time.

A common example of this would be views on *homosexuality*. Many religions 
shoot it down as something akin to a crime, with some of them even going as far 
as to wanting to brutally punish it. Yet parts of the world have slowly decided 
that there's nothing wrong with it. The world has started adapting its view, but 
religion seems set in its ways.

Of course certain small exceptions do occur on a more personal level, like 
small communities deciding that some of their religious rules are too much, or 
that something perceived bad is actually not all that bad. These people are slowly 
evolving on the spiritual level, adapting their morals and ethics based on events 
and new knowledge. Frankly, this is what -all- religion should do.

## Peace and Harmony

Spirituality should assimilate and adapt to the knowledge that science obtains, 
just as that science should listen to reason to prevent itself from crossing dangerous 
boundaries. They should be in balance, continuously evolving and adapting to 
each other. Spirituality should also revolve much more about asking why and reflecting 
upon the world and oneself, rather than praying to gods and deities.


*Disclaimer: In no way is this article meant to discredit any religion. Ultimately 
you choose what you wish to believe. This article is merely a suggestion to open up 
your awareness about what religion, and by extension spirituality, can mean and do for 
you. I believe self-reflection is an important aspect of any kind of spirituality in 
that it allows for personal growth, and I believe it should be a goal not just in 
religion on spirituality, but in life in general.*