Why I reject the ‘Religious’ label

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I cringe when people stereotype me with the label ‘religious’. To be honest, I dislike the word and find it mildly offensive.

Of course, this reaction could reflect my own hang-ups rather than ill intent on the part of someone saying, “Oh, I can see you’re religious.” So, disclaimer aside, let me vent!

No, I am not religious! How dare you, sir!

When someone calls me ‘religious’, this is what I hear:

“Oh, I see you use words like ‘Jesus’, ‘God’, ‘faith’, and ‘prayer’. I assume you’re Christian, superstitious, narrow-minded, fearful, and probably not very intelligent.”

How dare you.

I make no apologies for my Christian roots. I’ll continue using words and imagery that resonate with me, that reflect my journey back to God. I don’t check labels – Christian, Buddhist, New Age, philosophical – I follow truths that speak to my experience.

I’m guided by the Witness within, the One who’s been with me from the beginning.

My journey back into God is ongoing, a deep, personal, and sacred experience. It draws from many traditions expressing humanity’s search for truth and meaning. It touches the depths of my spirit, engages my mind, and finds expression through my body – all of me, not just some parts.

So when people try to simplify all that by calling me ‘religious’, the joke’s on them. I’m neither compliant nor exclusive enough to feel comfortable within any single tradition. A fish out of water, perhaps. Call me whatever you like, but please, don’t call me religious. I’m anything but.

Rant over.