Bound to What Gives us Freedom

The word religion stems from a Latin root word religare, which means, "to bind". So how does something that "binds you" empower you?

Well, in the context of religious belief, it should be a reminder of the free will we each have to exercise, as part of our own individual genius and/or path. But part of accepting a commonly shared belief system with others involves a certain amount of surrender. In fact, it hinges on it.

All of the world's great religions involve a surrender of the will; and it is through that surrender that we begin to find out who we are called to be. When we are bound to the practices of our faith, then we have the interior freedom to live meaningful lives.

One of my favorite quotes is by St. Ignatius of Loyola, who said, "pray as if everything depends on God, and act as if everything depends on you" - this is what religion should do for women.

By Matt Maher  |  October 23, 2008; 2:50 PM ET Save & Share:                 
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