Does Religion have a place in the human potential movement? I am referring to all of the human potential disciplines and pop psychology culture that is "out there", when I mention human potential movement.
When I refer to religion, I specifically have in mind the great wisdom teachers that are referred to by Huston Smith in his book, The World's Religions. Namely, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the Primal Religions.
I agree with the internationally celebrated author and Buddhist Priest, Thick Nhat Hanh, "No single tradition monopolizes the truth. We must glean the best values of all traditions and work together to remove the tensions between them. If we do, peace will have a chance."
Where do I get this "liberal religious" viewpoint? When I was a young man in the Marine Corps, I was stationed for thirteen months in Japan. Here I ran into the Japanese population. These people were mainly participants of the Shinto religion and Buddhism. I found the Japanese people to be very honorable and friendly. They were no different then my neighbors living where I grew up in Normal, Illinois. I decided right then and there, that if these people were misguided and wrong in their religious practices, and going to hell, then I wanted no part of the Christian orthodoxy.
I am sure if you ask Joel Osteen the question, "Does religion have a place for mankind in the human potential movement?", he would give you a positive answer of a definite "yes".
Who is Joel Osteen? He is one of the most successful young pastors in America. By successful, I mean he has one of the largest and fastest growing congregations in the United States. His church is located in Houston, Texas.
Pastor Osteen's message, in my opinion, is that to be Christian, means using the teachings found in the Old and New Testament, to help individuals live a successful and inspired life. I think this guy is great. He doesn't mess around. Yes, he comes right out with it. Joel Osteen says the inspired word of God can help us live life in the 21st century wisely and passionately. No question about it. I love the guy. He televises his ministry on Sunday mornings. I listen to him, whenever I get a chance.
Again, I ask the question, does religion have a place in today's human potential movements? My answer, is a definite yes.
Admittedly, I am biased. My parents brought me up in a great Christian environment. There are many people who don't have a clue of what Traditional Religion has in the place of peoples lives. Specifically, whether religion is a positive or negative force. Mainly, because they have no familiarity with religion.
I believe religion can be a dynamic positive force of nature, if handled wisely. It can transform peoples lives in a very positive manner. I am referring to all traditional religions, not just Christianity!
Religion's explosive potential is based in the nature of faith and belief. Take the power of belief, which science has proven is awesome. The positive effects belief has on health is indisputable. Religious people, generally speaking, live longer and are more healthy. For one thing, they are a more positive group to be around. They don't complain or bitch as much.
Most people will agree, that the general self-confidence level of many people is not too high. Here again, religion comes into play. I have seen people perform seemingly miraculous feats, while under the influence of a positive expectancy.
The above miraculous performing powers emanates from both a personal God belief system and an impersonal God belief system.
How can one get comfort and strength from an impersonal God belief system? Simple...if you are diligently following the tenants of your religion, you develop a sense of peace and self-confidence that fortifies you when you face challenges.
I have observed my Confucian/Buddhist fellow martial artists perform extraordinary feats under tremendous dire circumstances with beautiful perfection and artistry.
Being a 2nd Degree Black Belt, I started Tae Kwon Do when I was 57 years old, I have great respect for the practice of the Traditional Martial Arts. After I got into martial arts, I enjoyed the quiet confidence that this practice instills into its participants.
Juvenile delinquents do very well in traditional martial arts. It has transformed many youths into positive constructive people. They gain self-respect and character building traits, that aren't obtainable through other menus, including religion.
Interesting enough, a positive force of religion compatible with meeting 21st century needs I feel has a similar positive effect on a religious participant. By this I mean, you enjoy a self-discipline, strength, and power that can't be denied. In another words, you have a form of positive self-control that helps you interact with other people.
I am sure the same wonderful self-fulfilling phenomena is a reality with both Hindu and Moslem.
There is little doubt in my mind, that successful religious leaders of the 21st Century will be jumping on board the explosive human potential movement. Relevancy is the key. People hunger for answers and solutions to their stressed lived lives.
Most significantly, boomers and seniors maintain an avid hunger for wisdom and insight in this area. And, why not? Most of us are closer to the Great Unknown then to youthful vitality and invincibility. Some of us have already danced with the Grim Reaper. Yes, we have experienced a few "close calls". (To be continued)
p.s. I am not implying that many disciplines within the human potential movement carry a negative influence. I believe there are many wonderful current programs out there, that offer invaluable insights into human behavior and potential.
