Reflection on American Camino #1 - Jonas Miller

Religion, more specifically Brethren Christianity, was heavily involved in my personal upbringing. My dad is a pastor and our home was the church parsonage, meaning I woke up with Montezuma Church of the Brethren in my backyard every day. Needless to say, religion and spirituality became a foundational element of who I am today. My modern spiritual practices are certainly less prominent than they used to be, however, I believe it is important for the individual to define their own faith and college has given me the opportunity to do that. 

I often find myself in conversations regarding religion and spirituality because of my childhood. I've been fortunate enough to expose myself, intentionally or not, to a wide variety of perspectives and I found a connection in chapter six of American Camino. Dr. Redick describes interactions with a couple of trail hikers (pg. 234) who seem, in my opinion, somewhat scorned with the notion of organized religion, leading to the assertation in one case that faith cannot be experienced on the trail due to the indulgence of "social lubricants" and "rowdy conversation." The duality of my own experience that connects to this sentiment can be found in my involvement with a rugby club. To say that alcohol is a part of rugby culture (however that can be defined is a whole other conversation) would be, in most experiences, a drastic understatement. The difference I've experienced from the hiker described in American Camino is simply that a "reasonable" consumption of alcohol allows a conversation to proceed with boundaries broken.

When we, as humans, are able to communicate with one another under the influence of hindered insecurities we're often more capable of reflecting our genuine experiences. I think the aspect of truth or sincerity is critical in faith, meaning a handful of brews does not reject my understanding of a God-driven life. After all, human connection is arguably the most essential part of religion. Our drive to discover a higher power to explain or aid in the intense experience of life is probably due to socialization, resulting in the shared experience of perceived divinity. That said, I don't imagine God wants you showing up to church with a buzz. Sobriety is key in finding a true meaning to faith, for we are our purest selves when we're sober. I simply believe that sharing the faith and finding connection with other humans is a key element in many Christian philosophies, and I do not personally think that a six-pack prohibits that action.

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