Spiritual nourishment

We human beings need nourishment to thrive. We need to be fed in body, mind and spirit. A society cannot thrive unless its people are well nourished physically, mentally and spiritually.

It is worthwhile to remind ourselves that there is a lot that is getting better in the world. We have higher levels of education and lower levels of disease than ever before. International wars and crimes of violence are claiming fewer lives than at any time in history. We are living longer and living better than any previous generation.

Leaders of nations have worked collectively to built up strong programs of public education, public health, public broadcasting and public arts. Faith communities joined in as well. Religious leaders have been broadening the spiritual perspective of the great world religions to help us learn from each other.

We are also aware that modern progress has taken a toll on the natural environment. We have been slow and reluctant to do what we need to do to preserve our planet. The work of learning to live together and take care of the planet is, among other things, a deeply spiritual challenge.

It is true that the pace of change in modern nations has outstripped the capacity of world religions to keep up. For decades religious life has been on the decline in most of the world. I expect that modern progress convinced a lot of people they no longer need the old religions – “We are doing just fine on our own, thank you very much.”

It is true that there are still some faith groups who are determined to prove they have the one true faith. Fortunately most of us have outgrown such narrowness. As we have worked together in Ecumenical Projects, Councils of Churches and Social Justice Coalitions we have come to appreciate that the more we do together the better the outcome is for us all. Our tastes in food have become more diverse. So have our tastes in music and literature and the arts. I wonder if the world wouldn’t become a better place if we could learn to appreciate the spiritual nourishment that comes from the world’s diverse religious traditions.

Actually, it’s already happening. Many Christians are growing spiritually through the practice of yoga as taught by religious teachers of Hindu faith. Others are discovering a new spiritual journey through mindfulness and meditation as taught by Buddhist teachers. I can’t imagine that Jesus would disapprove!

I expect that much good will flow from this. I think we will discover a more meaningful spiritual journey within ourselves. I think we will grow stronger bonds of relationship with our neighbours. And I pray the outcome will be that together we learn to take better care of the planet and live together in peace.

Reverend Jim Hillson is minister emeritus at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church.