comfitu.re/blogs/2021/2021-07-07_method_reason_and_balance.md

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

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.*