Recently, I was observing an argument between two of my good friends, Coley and Jefferey. The basis of their disagreement was over the relevance of Jesus and the distinctions between ‘religion’ and ‘spirituality.’ The friendly quarrel between Coley, a Christian, and Jeff, an agnostic, began with Coley saying how blessed he was in his life, with Jeff in turn giving a repugnant response stating that Christ had nothing to do with Coley’s good fortune. The ensuing conversation was an intelligent attempt for each man to dominate the other by using logic to make his own opinion heard.

 

I will be the first to tell you that I am not an authority on God, but after spending a year studying religion and the quest for meaning with the University of Virginia, I have surmised that the pursuit of faith and spirituality is simply one person’s attempt to find balance. The core principle of any faith is essentially harmony, and, more importantly, to love one another. Jesus is right for those who believe in him as Buddha is right for those who believe in his teachings. Moreover, in my studies, I’ve learned that the divine seems to help only those people who are willing to help themselves.

 

The best common sense approach, regardless of faith and in my opinion, comes from Matthew 7: 7 – 8 of the New Testament. It reads:

 

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Jesus “blessed” Coley only because Coley chose to help himself by taking practical steps to do what needed to be done, rather than just waiting for things to happen to him. By saying, “I am blessed,” this is an expression of humility. It is his way of taking responsibility but without taking the credit.

So, for what it’s worth, this is how I feel; both of their arguments have merit.