What Does Healthy Religion Look Like?

In a day and age where religious wars are ubiquitous, one could easily slip into attitudes of anger and bitterness toward all religions (think Richard Dawkins and Bill Maher).  But is this really a healthy approach to organizations that have arguably done more good in our world than any other group that has ever existed? Do we spit out the meat just because the bones have not been properly removed?

Religions have failing humanity written all over them! It's always been this way...and always will be. In my opinion, no religion has it all right-- ESPECIALLY when it comes to theology and doctrine. So, if you're someone who values religion, how can you make sure your naivety doesn't lull you into unhealthy practices? Also, if you find yourself relating to Mr. Dawkins' condescending attitude toward religion, could there possibly be a space for you to view religion in a softer manner?

What does healthy religion really look like?! Admittedly, I definitely don't have all the answers. However, after spending the last 5 years contemplating and critiquing the Christian tradition I grew up in, I offer my insights which can be related to all major and minor religions, and possibly other community groups and organizations...


 1) It is pluralistic. 
Meaning, if a specific group claims to be "the one and only way," something is fishy. Lots of religions do this, and it surely feels good for people to think that their religion is the right religion, but this creates an egoic atmosphere of pride within the camp where the adherents think they are "in" and others are "out." Thus, adherents develop an urge to convince everyone else to believe what they do and to come on over to "the good side." Good intentions, bad motive. This mindset has a heavy focus on "believing the correct ideas" and often is quite fundamentalist. It doesn't always look ugly, but it does usually create a subtle mindset in a member to live life thinking "everyone else" is wrong.

2) It is inclusive. 
Meaning, with sexual orientation, race, gender, etc. Sometimes a group will give lip service to exclusivity without it translating into action. This is probably most common with sexual orientation where groups preach a message that "all are welcome" but have an asterisk saying, "must eventually change."  Some groups are at least honest about their rigid beliefs of exclusivity, which at least is admirable when it comes to being open and honest. Westboro Baptist doesn't hide the fact that they claim Hindus are going to hell; to most people, this makes them laughable, which I think is almost preferred to some groups being covert in their exclusivity.

3) It is nonviolent. 
I find it ironic that the majority of Christians today support war when the founder of the faith adamantly preached against violence. Jesus was radically peaceful. Although I admit that war is a complex topic, a healthy religion must be striving in the direction of nonviolence and world peace. Killing in the name of your God has been done for centuries, and sadly still exists today. If all of religions' main priority is to exist for the betterment of humanity, then war and violence are vehemently opposed to that goal.

4) It takes action. 
Theology and belief matter because action spawns from there, but theology and belief mustn't be the name of the game. I can easily live in this space because I love reading, studying, and discussing ideas, but ideas matter because they cause people to act. I have to constantly remind myself to not get stuck in the land of ideology. Those who claim theology doesn't matter are unaware that they, in fact, have a theology that is their life map. Even non-religions folk have a theology or set of doctrines that they live by. Healthy religion focuses on taking action to make the world a better place. It teaches people to peacefully discuss and move beyond their differences for a greater good.

5) It embraces doubt and uncertainty. 
Any healthy organization recognizes how crucial healthy self-critique can be for the groups' progression. Otherwise, a group remains stagnant, eventually becoming irrelevant. People need a safe place to bring their questions, their fears, and their confusion to the table. When religions shy away from such opposition, it is out of fear of not having all the answers or maybe even being wrong about something. Such uncertainty should be the foundation of any healthy Faith. Faith is no longer faith without uncertainty. Healthy religion encourages people both within the group and outside of the group to openly share their doubts and questions. It's noteworthy to add, the pastor or leader of your group does not have all the answers about God or this life. He or she may very well be a wonderful human being with copious amounts of wisdom, but still  human nonetheless. Turning a blind eye to this truth is how cults form. If you are part of a group that doesn't value good old fashioned questions, you might want to start looking elsewhere for a community that does.


Obviously, many more tenets could be added to this short list, but I'll stop here for today. These are just my opinions based on my years of experience, learning, and doing my best to remain open. I hope some of what I said helps you on your journey to being a part of a healthy religious community. Peace to you!