Religion is always in the room even...
I teach a comparative religion class primarily for adults through the Forever Learning Institute, founded by Louis J Putz, CSC.
I start the first class off by stating, "Religion is always in the room, even when the room is full of atheists and agnostics." and ask them what they think that means.
Generally, religion is when two or more people gather to pray, think, discern, learn, share a meal, and act together for the world's greater good—think the Kingdom of Heaven.
I ask them how long they have been in the "religion" they declare when asked by anyone. In the US, that is a typical question on the form when they enter a hospital. I don’t know, but it may be the only place that question is asked publicly. Humm.
I ask them how they arrived at belonging.
For many, especially those who say they are Catholics and other Christian denominations, religion is a "secondhand" experience passed on by family, culture, and tradition. I was born into the “club.”
Enter stage left:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the famous Lutheran theologian who saw the storm coming before the clouds arrived regarding the connection between fascism and Christian Nationalism, believed that Religionless Christianity would be limited to prayer and righteous action among humanity.
Prayer was central to Bonhoeffer's life and theology. He saw it as a way to connect with God, express feelings, and find guidance and strength. His prayers, like his famous "Morning Prayer for Fellow Prisoners," were honest and vulnerable. He acknowledged darkness, loneliness, and doubt but sought God's light, peace, guidance, and patience. For Bonhoeffer, prayer was about following Christ. Jesus' suffering and solidarity with humanity were a model for Bonhoeffer's prayers, especially during his imprisonment. Prayer wasn't about getting things from God but experiencing God's presence even in difficult times.
Enter stage right:
Bonhoeffer and righteous action: Bonhoeffer believed faith had to be lived out in action. He rejected a purely spiritual Christianity that ignored social injustices. Following Christ, according to Bonhoeffer, often came at a cost. He saw social action, particularly in the face of evil like the Nazi regime, as a necessary element of discipleship. This famous view is explored in his book "The Cost of Discipleship."
While social justice was substantial, Bonhoeffer didn't believe it should replace faith in God. Social action stems from one's relationship with God, not a worldly pursuit of justice alone. Think here about the Sermon on the Mount.
Bonhoeffer's most significant social action was his involvement in the resistance movement against the rise of Christian Nationalism and Hitler. This included helping smuggle Jews out of Germany.
Now Center stage:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Joseph Cardijn, though living in the same era, didn't have a direct connection due to their differing contexts. However, their approaches to Christianity share some interesting parallels:
Faith in Action: Bonhoeffer and Cardijn believed faith should be lived out in action. Bonhoeffer rejected a purely spiritual Christianity, and Cardijn dedicated his life to empowering young workers to address social issues.
Focus on Social Justice: While Bonhoeffer confronted the specific evil of Nazism, Cardijn fought against the exploitation of young workers. Both addressed social injustices of their time through the lens of faith and understanding what the kingdom of Heaven here and now meant to us, a people who had faith and believed.
Lay Engagement: Both leaders emphasized the importance of laypeople being active in the Church's mission. Bonhoeffer challenged a passive following of Christ, and Cardijn's YCW movement empowered young workers to take the initiative in their communities, spawning movements globally.
Lessons learned:
Both leaders/thinkers, though in different ways, influenced many of the ideas and debates at the Second Vatican Council, especially emphasizing social justice and lay involvement in the Church. Cardijn's "See, Judge, Act" method resonated with the Council's call for action based on reflection.
Bonhoeffer and Cardijn represent two important strands within 20th-century Christianity: the theologian actively resisting injustice and the priest empowering the laity for social change. Their ideas inspire Christians who seek to live out their faith through concrete action.
There are days I often think Jesus, Bonhoeffer, and Cardijn understood the real meaning of "religion," and maybe it looks more like "religionless Christianity" than we think. Christianity should aim to be relevant and meaningful for all people, not just those who belong to the "Club or Clique."
Photo: Cosimo Rosselli 1439 – 1507: The Sermon on the Mount: Fresco: Sistine Chapel Vatican City