Religion and Spirituality

The slaughter of fowl, goats or cows is highly ritualized. Troi Anderson

I have always been in pursuit of the truth. Growing up in a Christian household helped me find new insights into many aspects of Christianity. I felt the Christian Church was too restrictive. I felt so smothered by its "guidance," I couldn't find room for my faith. When I began pursuing spiritual truth, I inadvertently began perfecting my religious practice. Now that I understand my purpose better, I realize that truth cannot be found in religion. Religion is our response to the spiritual truths we uncover. Religion is our response to that truth. Religion is our way of honoring that truth. Religion is the physical manifestation of the spiritual truth of the universe, as we interpret it. But it is not the truth.

Why does this matter? Because we need to accept the ways in which our perspective may be lacking or what we might have to offer to others. When you begin to understand what I have said about religion, you can honestly pursue your spiritual path. When we become so focused on the practice of religion, we forget spiritual truth, we lose the foundation of that religious practice. So many people forget their truths to pursue the idea of religion. This is an empty pursuit. Religion is but a guide on the path. I've met religious people who compete with each other to see who can claim the title of Most Religious. It's always difficult for me to watch them abandon their spiritual truth in such a way.

This does not mean we can forget the purpose of religion. A sense of spirituality without a kind of ritual can fracture. The discipline of religion can focus the mind, body, and soul in its pursuit of spiritual discovery. Religion also carries the traditions of those who walked the spiritual path before us. The traditions they have passed down can be a guiding light for, us as we travel our way out of spiritual darkness. Religion is not pointless.

A 'Chire Aiyzan' ritual being performed during a Vodou Ceremony Photo: Pierre Michel Jean

How do we connect religion and spirituality? Practice like no one has practiced before you. This does not mean dismissing those who may have something to teach you. In fact, when you live like this, you have an even greater responsibility to learn. This way of walking a spiritual path is harder for most people. It is so easy to accept a recipe. Why would you choose a more difficult path of self-discovery when you can accept the answers people give you? But religion and religions are a tool for your spiritual path. Your path is not like anyone else's. No matter how similar two lives may seem, two paths are never exactly the same. If you can accept this, then why would you try to emulate what made sense for someone else?

Their pilgrimage complete, Vodouisants ascend from the caves into sunlight. Troi Anderson

Practice like no one else has ever practiced before you. I practice Vodou because it is the closest I've ever come to the truth with the information I have so far. I love it. I hope that anyone who practices Vodou will say the same. But if I woke up one day and the Truth of Vodou no longer aligned with me, I would walk away. Plain and simple. Try to let your interpretation of the universe guide you in how you navigate your way through it. Do not let it dictate you. People have forgotten that religion is not the truth.