The real-world difference between religiosity and spirituality
“In Title VII, Congress adopted broad language making it illegal for an employer to rely on an employee’s sex when deciding to fire that employee. We do not hesitate to recognize today a necessary consequence of that legislative choice: An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law. … When the express terms of a statute give us one answer and extratextual considerations suggest another, it’s no contest. Only the written word is the law, and all persons are entitled to its benefit.”
These words, written by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, are a part of the landmark decision handed down by the court last Monday. It was a stunning victory for the LGBT community and their longing to be recognized equally under the law.
While a majority of American citizens agree with Justice Gorsuch, many Christians are concerned about his majority decision. The religious issues concerning LGBT persons have been controversial for centuries, and especially these last several decades, as gay, lesbian and transgender persons have openly fought for equal rights under the law.
The church writ large has been one of the last institutions to welcome them to the table fellowship that Jesus offers to all persons. My denomination is still fighting over language that some interpret as demonizing homoerotic behavior.
I say interpreted because we really don’t know or understand much of the ancient language that has been interpreted that way. In other words, we can’t really be sure the Bible condemns LGBT persons at all.
Jesus does not condemn anyone except those who think they, because of their religiosity, have a privileged seat at the table. This privileged belief is especially true for many White Protestants.
I have a doctorate in theology. I’m a pretty smart guy. BUT I know that when I stand before Christ I am not going to be asked intellectually theological questions like “How many angels fit on the head of a pin?!” I’m simply going to be asked, “Did you feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, visit the sick and those in prison? Did you care for those in need?
That’s it.
Judging others is not part of the deal according to Jesus. Which brings me to why I’m writing about this.
I want to talk about the Fab 5! The stars of “Queer Eye.” It’s a very popular show on Netflix. There was an original “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” back in 2003, where five gay men helped a straight man learn more about personal grooming, cooking, fashion and so on. It was also very popular at the time.
The new “Queer Eye” is reimagined, focusing on the whole person, male or
female, or non-binary. The Fab 5 still have specialities: fashion, culture, food, interior design and personal grooming.
But the real focus is on helping the person realize how precious they are as a person. As they are. How the person can accept themselves as beautiful for who they are.
I think of it as the difference between religiosity and spirituality.
I didn’t say religion. Religion is different, and includes spirituality. Religiosity does not focus on a relationship with the divine, but, rather, focuses on some specific religious principle.
Like homosexuality. In addition religiosity usually focuses on avoiding hell, of getting into heaven.
Spiritual people have already been through hell.
Each of the Fab 5 have been through the hell of not being accepted for who they are. And they have learned to love themselves anyway. The Fab 5’s journey to wholeness is what they share with others who need to know they, too, are loved. It’s a transformation to wholeness.
Because the Fab 5 know what hell is.