Scotland's No Vote; Now What?

 Scotland: you experienced Democracy, now work together.

Last week Scotland announced the results from their vote on whether or not they should break away from Britain has resulted in a no vote. 84% of registered voters participated in the outcome and 55.3% voted not to become independent from Britain.  

So what does the 44.7% do now? Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron promises change to make the United Kingdom work for everyone so the “yesers” can work for their change.

Religious people need to learn from Scotland's experience.

It is common in religious institutions, for a dispute over something to pop up. It could be something as significant as issues over doctrine or as simple as the style of bulletins.  And more often than not, that upset person just walks away.

And there are many who simply consider themselves to be spiritual but not religious. In a 2012 survey one-fifth of the US public are religiously unaffiliated and 37% say they are spiritual but not religious. 68% claim that they believe in God and 21% pray every day, but only 10% are looking for a religion that is right for them.

In 2012, Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite wrote an article titled Spiritual But Not Religious? Okay, But You’ll Be Hungry in an Hour. She writes about the spiritual “food” we need on a regular basis. “Spirituality is the sweetness of religion, the effervescent taste of the divine. Religion, on the other hand, is the fiber. You've got to have some fiber, some strength of tradition, ritual and sacred texts, to get you through the day.” Thistlethwaite goes on to say how religion has disappointed “the spiritual.”

I agree that religion overall has been disappointing.  But, here is where I agree and disagree, she ends the article with this: “But until religious institutions begin to catch up and offer appealing and nutritious religious substance to these folks, this trend toward spiritual but not religious will continue. And I fear more people will go hungry.” Yes, “spirituals” are more than likely starving. However, there are religions and churches that are working very hard to be inclusive and loving to life experiences. 

Like the relationship between England and Scotland, the relationship between the "spirituals" and the churches is not prefect; in fact it is messy and difficult. But each needs the other. The churches need the “spirituals” to help them in the work of feeding souls. These churches, often small but mighty are already there, and can be a source of connection for "the spirituals."

I believe that we are on a verge of a religious shift. Eventually, those “spiritual” people will realize that what is missing in their soul is a deeper relationship with the divine, understanding that they cannot do it alone. Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” And then they will be willing to do the work that it takes to be a part of a religion that is in tune with their life experiences.

Life is messy. People are difficult. And loving all people for who they are is not easy. But God calls us together to live, work and worship as one. John 17: 20-21 "'I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.'"  

It is easier to go it alone; to break away. But the work is worth it. Your experiences become a part of who you are. How can you experience the deeper meaning of life alone?