Sharing Understanding

“Spirit” comes from the Latin word “to breathe.” What we breathe is air, which is certainly matter, however thin. Despite usage to the contrary, there is no necessary implication in the word “spiritual” that we are talking of anything other than matter (including the matter of which the brain is made), or anything outside the realm of science. On occasion, I will feel free to use the word. Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual. So are our emotions in the presence of great art or music or literature, or of acts of exemplary selfless courage such as those of Mohandas Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. The notion that science and spirituality are somehow mutually exclusive does a disservice to both.

... Carl Sagan

A Naturalistic, Coherence-Centered Approach to Meaning and Transcendence

Opthēan theology is rooted in a naturalistic-physicalistic framework that rejects supernatural explanations due to a lack of empirical evidence while deeply engaging with the human search for meaning, coherence, and transcendence. At its core, Opthēan theology emphasizes the convergence of intelligence, ethics, and knowledge toward coherence, creating a way of being that is truthful, ethical, and deeply meaningful.

Opthēan theology recognizes that meaning emerges, rather than being imposed, and that transcendence is not an external force but a natural process of expanding awareness and integration. It is a theology that aligns with reality as it unfolds, fostering coherence between what we perceive, what we understand, and how we act.

Fundamental Tenets of Opthēan Theology:

Coherence as the Ground of Meaning

Opthēan theology is grounded in the understanding that all phenomena, including thoughts, experiences, and transcendence, have a basis in the physical world. Coherence is the guiding principle that ensures meaning aligns with reality rather than being dictated by dogma or wishful thinking. By seeking coherence—an alignment of perception, knowledge, and action—we cultivate a theology that is both intellectually honest and spiritually profound.

Convergence as a Natural Process

Convergence is the observed tendency for intelligence, ethical insight, and knowledge to refine toward deeper integration. As we evolve in understanding, we do not move toward fragmentation but toward greater unity and clarity. This principle underlies Opthēan theology, shaping the way we approach both personal and collective meaning-making.

Sacralization of Values through Praxis

Meaning is not given—it is built. The sacred is not found in supernatural mandates but emerges through praxis—the disciplined engagement with values that deepen through lived experience. This process is how we imbue life with purpose, aligning our actions with coherence and convergence to shape a reality worth inhabiting.

Agape as the Core Ethical Principle

Agape, or unconditional love, is the ethical and relational foundation of Opthē. It is the force that enables us to transcend selfishness, violence, and competition, fostering cooperation and care. Agape is not a transaction—it gives without expectation and, in doing so, creates meaning that is both emergent and enduring.

Transcendence as Expansion, Not Escape

Transcendence is often misinterpreted as an escape from reality. In Opthēan theology, transcendence is the process of expanding one’s awareness, perception, and integration of truth. It occurs when individuals and communities break through their perceived limits and align more fully with coherence. This is not a supernatural event but a natural, ongoing process of deepening understanding and connection.

Community and Praxis as the Engine of Transformation

Opthē understands community as the crucible of transformation. Just as early spiritual communities fostered an environment where individuals could “see” the sacred through shared experience, Opthēan communities cultivate the practice of agape, coherence, and convergence through lived engagement.

We do not speak to gods; we speak to each other and ourselves. Meaning does not descend from above but emerges through our collective effort to understand and embody truth.

Commitment to Truth and Intellectual Integrity

Opthēan theology is committed to seeking truth through critical thinking, rational inquiry, and intellectual honesty. Durable meaning cannot be built on falsehood. A rigorous, science-based understanding of the world is not a hindrance to spirituality but its foundation. This commitment to truth requires ongoing questioning, reflection, and adaptation in response to new knowledge.

The Integration of Philosophy and Theology

Opthē bridges the gap between philosophy and theology, incorporating insights from physicalism, emergence, and epistemology while remaining rooted in practical, lived meaning-making. This synthesis ensures that Opthēan theology remains both intellectually rigorous and deeply human, guided by coherence rather than dogma, and truth rather than tradition.

***

Opthēan theology is not a fixed doctrine but a living engagement with reality. It is the continual pursuit of coherence, the recognition of convergence, and the embodiment of agape. Through this, we create meaning—not through belief in the supernatural, but through the sacred act of aligning ourselves with truth.

The following theological terms are often used loosely and inconsistently: This list shows how I have learned to define and apply them. I don't expect others to share my definitions. I would like for us to try to communicate with each other honestly and clearly, aiming for mutual understanding and respect, even if we can't reach overall agreement.

Opthē: A Living Paradigm

Opthē is a spiritual and theological paradigm that integrates the full breadth of human knowledge and experience. It seeks to transform lives emotionally, intellectually, and socially, anchoring itself in scientific understanding and the natural world. Opthē calls us to live consciously as self-aware, evolving agents in service of the well-being of the Earth and all living things.

Opthē is grounded in virtues that uphold agape and service to life, including openness, cooperation, nonviolence, trust, fairness, humor, compassion, altruism, vulnerability, encouragement, and humility. Through focused practices—such as liturgy, research, the arts, and critical inquiry—Opthē fosters and maintains knowledge, passion, and a co-creative agency in life, time, and space. At its core, Opthē is a living laboratory in which its theology is continuously applied, tested, and evolved, cultivating a revitalized humanity that recognizes the intrinsic interdependence of all things, free from fear, violence, and exploitation.

Theology: A New Definition

Traditionally, theology has been defined as the study of God, gods, and supernatural forces using reason and discipline. However, as human understanding has expanded through scientific cosmology and self-awareness, theology has evolved into a multidisciplinary investigation of meaning. This contemporary approach integrates the arts and sciences to explore conscious experience, cognitive and emotional connections, and the symbols that shape human purpose.

Anselm once defined theology as "faith seeking understanding," while Richard Hooker described it as "the science of sublime matters." Today, theology is better understood as an analytical examination of meaning and the sublime, guiding us to engage with the most profound dimensions of existence. In this framework, theology moves beyond studying deities to focus on meaning itself, embracing the dynamic interplay of reason, emotion, and lived experience.

Spirituality: Grounded in Reality

Spirituality is a deep connection to the natural world and the universe, rooted in the pursuit of meaning, purpose, and understanding through observable phenomena and scientific inquiry. Rather than relying on supernatural narratives, spirituality in Opthē fosters awe and wonder about the cosmos, cultivating human consciousness and intellectual growth.

At its core, spirituality seeks personal truth—an individual's search for what feels authentic and meaningful. However, personal truths must be tested against a broader communal reality to ensure they are not mere delusions. Meaning and purpose emerge through experience and reflection, requiring continuous refinement to remain sustainable and relevant. In Opthē, spirituality is both an inward and outward journey, balancing personal discovery with shared wisdom.

Religion: An Opthēan Perspective

When people hear the word "religion," they often think of institutions, doctrines, and rituals dedicated to worshiping supernatural beings. This conception, while historically dominant, represents only one facet of a much larger phenomenon. At its core, religion has always been a basic and ubiquitous human activity—an evolving process through which communities construct and sustain meaning, binding themselves to shared values, practices, and narratives that shape their existence. Opthē embraces this essential and necessary function of religion without resorting to supernaturalism or magical thinking. Instead, it grounds its meaning in truth-seeking, guided by empirical evidence, critical thinking, and conscious experience.

Human collectives, from ancient tribes to modern societies, have always gathered around shared values and existential concerns. As they engage with these concerns, a framework of common thought emerges, reinforced by emotional investment. Over time, this shared framework deepens into a binding force—sacredness expressed through symbols, art, music, and ritual. From this foundation, meaning emerges uniquely for each individual yet remains connected to the collective experience. This entire process is the essence of religion: the continual emergence of shared meaning through communal activities.

This process is not limited to traditional religious settings. Nationalism, for example, is a religion—it binds people through shared symbols, myths, and rituals that inspire loyalty and collective identity. The U.S. Marine Corps fosters deep sacrality among its members, with traditions, rites, and an ethos that shape their shared meaning and commitment. Even sports fandom operates as a form of religious experience, where teams, colors, chants, and communal celebrations create an emotional and intellectual bond that unites individuals into something greater than themselves. These examples reveal that religion, at its core, is a system of personal and collective meaning shaped not by supernatural authority but by human values, emotions, creativity, and commitment. 

Opthē accepts and builds upon this intrinsic human process but bases it on a conscious, reality-based cosmology. It contends that the sacred does not originate from divine command but from an emergent property of human commitment and participation. The principles that bind an Opthēan community—agape, truth-seeking, and service to life—are not imposed by an external authority but cultivated through shared experience and dedication. Unlike historically traditional religions that anchor themselves in fixed doctrines or supernatural claims, Opthē remains dynamic, adapting its understanding of meaning in light of new knowledge and experiences.

At its core, Opthē seeks to reclaim and refine religion’s essential role: the creation, nurturing, and sustaining of meaning in service to the well-being of all life. It is a praxis of intentional living, where meaning is neither dictated nor passively inherited but co-created through reflection, dialogue, and ethical action. By embracing this conscious approach, Opthē is not a fixed system but a living process, continually evolving as human knowledge and consciousness expand. It invites humanity to rise beyond fear, tribalism, and discredited narratives, forging a sacredness grounded in interconnectedness and the endless pursuit of truth.

Opthē does not dispute religion—it reclaims it. By shedding the supernatural while preserving religion’s core function of meaning-making, Opthē offers a path that is both ancient and radically new, honoring the past while embracing the future.

Agape: The Core of Opthē’s Vision

Defining Agape-Grace

Agape-grace is the most radical and transformative concept the human mind has ever produced. It is unconditional, inclusive, non-retaliatory, transformational, and subversive to power. Unlike other moral or ethical frameworks, agape-grace is not based on emotions, reciprocity, or judgment—it is an action, a discipline, a necessity. It is given regardless of whether the giver feels it, wants to give it, or thinks the recipient deserves it. It is done because it must be done.

What Makes Agape-Grace Distinct?

1. Unconditionality – Given freely, without expectation of return. It does not require the recipient to be worthy, reciprocate, or change.

2. Inclusivity – Applied to everyone, even enemies. It does not discriminate based on kinship, status, or personal affection.

3. Non-Retaliatory – Does not seek retribution or demand justice. Instead, it absorbs harm without returning it.

4. Transformational – Changes both the giver and receiver. It can dissolve enmity, rebuild relationships, and create new possibilities.

5. Active, Not Passive – Not merely tolerance or indifference, but an active pursuit of the good of others.

6. Subversive to Power – Cannot be controlled by fear or coercion. A person who embodies agape-grace is spiritually unshackled from oppression and retaliation.

7. Independent of Emotion – It does not depend on how the giver feels. Agape-grace is given because it is necessary, not because it is convenient or deserved.

How Agape-Grace Differs from Other Ethical Concepts:

• Justice seeks fairness; agape-grace transcends fairness.

• Mercy spares punishment; agape-grace fully embraces and restores.

• Altruism is often selective or reciprocal; agape-grace is universal and unconditional.

• Tolerance simply endures; agape-grace actively loves.

Historical Evidence: How Agape-Grace Changed the World

Agape-grace was the core message of Yeshua (Jesus) and the reason a small Jewish sect transformed into a world-changing movement.

• The Early Christian Movement – Survived Roman persecution not through violence but through radical love, care for the sick, and a refusal to retaliate.

• The Civil Rights Movement – Martin Luther King Jr. explicitly grounded nonviolent resistance in agape-love, transforming American society.

• Post-Apartheid Reconciliation in South Africa – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu used agape-grace to break cycles of vengeance and restore a broken nation.

• Gandhi’s Satyagraha – Rooted in Hinduism, Gandhi’s principle of nonviolent resistance mirrors agape-grace, proving that non-retaliation can dismantle oppression.

Scientific & Psychological Evidence

• Neuroscience of Compassion – Studies show that acts of unconditional love and forgiveness activate brain regions associated with long-term well-being and resilience.

• Social Psychology – Research confirms that cooperative, forgiving communities are more stable and enduring than competitive, retributive ones.

• Game Theory & Evolutionary Strategy – Cooperative strategies, including forgiveness-based models, lead to higher survival rates and long-term success in complex systems.

Why Agape-Grace is the Most Powerful Idea Ever Conceived

• It breaks cycles of violence, hatred, and retaliation.

• It neutralizes fear-based control and oppression.

• It creates resilient, bonded communities that thrive over time.

• It requires no external conditions—only the decision to act.

Agape-grace is not idealistic—it is the most pragmatic, world-changing force we have. It has transformed history, is supported by science, and remains the most effective response to human conflict and suffering.

The only question is: When will we decide to live by it?

Meaning: The Interplay of Individual and Collective Experience

Opthē’s approach to meaning synthesizes the rational, individualistic search for purpose (often emphasized in Western traditions) with the communal, interconnected understanding found in Eastern philosophies. Meaning is neither solely self-created nor externally imposed; it emerges from the interplay between personal insight and shared reality.
While Western thought often frames meaning as an individual pursuit, and Eastern traditions see it as relational, Opthē embraces both perspectives. Meaning is not isolated within the self but arises within the sacred web of life. True meaning flourishes through engagement—with others, with knowledge, and with the cosmos itself.
By integrating these cultural perspectives, Opthē fosters a balance between personal understanding and communal wisdom, guiding individuals to live harmoniously with themselves, others, and the Earth.

The Cosmic or Universal Good:

In the context of a naturalist physicalist perspective that doesn’t accept the supernatural or divine powers, the term “cosmic good” should be interpreted as considering the broader implications of our actions on the universe and all its inhabitants.

This entails striving for actions that contribute not only to the well-being of all life forms and the sustainability of our planet but also to the continued exploration and understanding of the cosmos. It also involves considering how our actions contribute to advancing knowledge, promoting agape and justice, and fostering interconnectedness and mutual respect among all beings.

In this sense, the “cosmic good” becomes a guiding principle or ethical standard that encourages us to think beyond our immediate surroundings and consider our actions more significant, universal consequences. It’s a call to act with a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the entire cosmos.

Service to Life and the Earth: A Foundational Commitment

Defining Service

Service is not an abstract ideal; it is an action, a discipline, a way of being. True service is not transactional, selective, or dependent on reward—it is given because it must be given. Service is a foundational expression of agape-grace, but it also stands as a principle in its own right.

In Opthē, service is directed toward Life and the Earth because these are the most fundamental realities we are a part of. Service is not limited to humanity but extends to all living things and to the biosphere that sustains them. It recognizes that human well-being is inseparable from the well-being of the Earth and all its inhabitants.

What Makes Service Distinct?

1. It is not about the self. Service does not seek personal gain, status, or validation. It is given freely, without expectation of return.

2. It is active, not passive. Service is not a sentiment or an intention; it is something done.

3. It is necessary, not optional. Service is not an act of charity—it is a responsibility, woven into the fabric of existence.

4. It is relational. Service recognizes interdependence; it is about fostering relationships that nurture life rather than exploiting it.

5. It is integral to justice. True service does not reinforce existing systems of harm but works to dismantle them and create conditions where all life can thrive.

Why Service to Life and the Earth?

Human history has often defined service in limited ways—service to a nation, a ruler, an economy. Opthēreclaims service as something much deeper: a commitment to the flourishing of life itself. This means:

• Serving people, not institutions that exploit them.

• Serving nature, not industries that destroy it.

• Serving truth, not ideologies that distort it.

Service to Life and the Earth is an acknowledgment that our existence is part of a larger whole. We do not serve to dominate, extract, or control—we serve to nurture, sustain, and participate in the greater web of being.

Historical and Scientific Foundations

• Indigenous Wisdom – Many Indigenous traditions embody service to life and the Earth, seeing humanity as caretakers rather than owners of the world.

• Ecology & Systems Science – The health of any system depends on balance and interdependence. Service to life ensures sustainability rather than collapse.

• Ethical Evolution – Cooperation and care for others, including non-human life, have been key to the survival of species and civilizations.

Why Service is the Only Sustainable Path Forward

• Exploitation leads to collapse; service leads to renewal.

• Self-interest isolates; service connects.

• Greed destroys; service sustains.

Service to Life and the Earth is not a noble aspiration—it is the only viable path for a future where humanity and the biosphere can thrive together.

The only question is: Will we embrace it?

A god: 

A god is a symbol of meaning. It can be anything we hold so dear and sacred that it shapes our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It can be an object, symbol, idea, person, or value that we invest in with sufficient emotion that meaning emerges. Humans can create and worship many gods, even if they are contradictory or illogical.

God (Naturalistic Definition):

God is the symbol of ultimate coherence.
Not a being, but a direction. Not a who, but a what-if that pulls human thought, love, and action toward ever-greater integration, truth, and beauty.

God, in this understanding, is not supernatural. God is the name we give to that which calls us beyond ourselves—toward meaning that transcends ego, toward service to life and the Earth, toward the deep structure of reality that gives rise to awe, gratitude, and ethical responsibility.

In the Opthēan frame, God is the placeholder for the deepest coherence we can glimpse but never fully grasp. God is not “out there” but emerges between us—in love, in truth, in shared reverence for what is real.

To say "God is love" in Opthēan terms is to say: that which draws us toward coherence and communion is the sacred force we once called God.

Soul (Naturalistic Definition):

The soul is the emergent coherence of a life.
It is not a thing or a substance, but a dynamic pattern—formed from relationships, choices, memories, emotions, and acts of meaning. It is the felt sense of selfhood that arises from the weaving together of mind, body, and context over time.

The soul is not immortal in the traditional sense, but its impact—its pattern—can echo beyond the individual through the lives it touches, the truths it reveals, the coherence it leaves behind. In this way, soul is both deeply personal and inherently communal.

An Opthēan soul is not something we have, but something we are always becoming. It is shaped by agape, by attention, by praxis. And it is real—not because it exists apart from matter, but because it is what matter does when it becomes aware and meaningful.

Divinity:

Divinity refers to the intense meaning that people experience as sacred or transcendent. It is frequently used regarding the study of the things that humans create and value as holy. In England, theological scholars have been called “divines” because they aim to understand how humans make meaning at the most profound level. Divinity and sacredness are human perceptions that do not depend on supernatural beliefs or cosmology.

Sacredness:

Sacredness in Opthē is establishing a deep emotional connection with a value, transforming it from a mere concept into a profound and integral part of one’s identity and community life. This transformation occurs through consistent living and praxis of the value in daily life and communal liturgy. Over time, the value becomes sacred with continued nourishment and deepening of this connection. In a community, this sacredness is something individuals become incorporated into, fostering a shared sense of meaning and purpose.

Faith:

Faith is a discipline of fearless truth-seeking that leads to beliefs based on experience. It is a process of testing anything, objective or subjective, against the light of truth. Occasionally, the truth will reveal our beliefs to be wrong. Faith is the inquiry. Belief is the outcome. Only faith persists.

“We have to make a clear distinction between belief and faith because, in general practice, belief has come to mean a state of mind, which is almost the opposite of faith.  Belief, as I use the word here, is the insistence that the truth is what one would “lief” or wish it to be.  The believer will open his mind to the truth on the condition that it fits his preconceived ideas and wishes. On the other hand, faith is an unreserved opening of the mind to the truth, whatever it may be. Faith has no preconceptions; it is a plunge into the unknown. Belief clings, but faith lets go. In this sense of the word, faith is the essential virtue of science, and likewise of any religion that is not self-deception.” Alan Watts

“It is wrong, always and everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence,” William Clifford.

“He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.” Frederick Nietzsche.

Axiom:

Axioms are self-evident truths that require no proof, accepted principles, or rules. They are the values that govern our lives and by which we evaluate the events, circumstances, and conditions we experience. In some circumstances, axioms can become the “Theos” of one's theology.

Symbol:    

A symbol captures an aspect of an experience that we cannot directly access or express. It does not simply point to or describe the experience; it invites us to participate differently. A symbol is not a precise representation of the experience but a rich and suggestive one. Symbols have multiple meanings, shades of interpretation, connections to other experiences, and emotional impact.

Sign:   

A sign has a clear, precise, and direct relationship with what it refers to. It does not leave any room for doubt or confusion about its meaning.

Myth:     

A myth is not a false or misleading story, as some people might use the term. Instead, it is a story expressing a cultural value or belief, even if it is unfactual. It is a means of conveying a more sophisticated meaning that is difficult for ordinary language to express. This is similar to the concept of a symbol. The notion that America is a nation that God has chosen to be superior to all others is an illustration of a myth that has strongly influenced American culture. Many Americans deeply believe in this myth, but it does not enjoy wide acceptance outside of the U.S.

Praxis:    

Praxis is a term often used in the context of theology and philosophy. It refers to the enactment or living out of religious or philosophical principles. Praxis is about applying theory to real-world situations. It’s not just about knowing the principles but about embodying them and making them a part of one’s life.

On the other hand, Practice generally refers to the repetition of an activity to improve one’s skills. It’s about doing something repeatedly to get better at it rather than applying a theory or principle to real-world situations.

So, while both terms involve the application of knowledge or skills, they are used in different contexts and carry different connotations. Praxis is more about applying theory, while Practice is more about skill improvement through repetition.

As a theologian, you might see Praxis as the embodiment of theological principles in one’s life, while Practice might refer to the regular observance of religious rituals or disciplines. Theology (theory) and its application (praxis) are a dynamic, intentional, and evolving expression of faith for forming, sustaining, and evolving meaning. Praxis is the term for this expression of faith.

Intentional Community:

A community of people purposely practicing a life model constructed around a primary meaning. It is characterized by joy, commitment, praxis, and mutual accountability. 

The Butterfly: 

This is a metaphor for how the neocortical area of the brain controls and transforms human values and emotions, including joy, love, reason, logic, altruism, compassion, forgiveness, and cooperation.

The Reptile: 

The cerebellum and brain stem, parts of the brain that we have genetically inherited from our reptilian ancestors, serve as a metaphor for human life. The cerebellum starts all mental responses to external stimuli and produces immediate and subconscious actions of raw self-preservation and survival. It represents the carry-over of behavioral tendencies that have survived the evolutionary journey from our reptilian past to our Sapien present.

Life as We Wish It vs.
Life as It Is

Most of us grow up with the idea that life on Earth is fundamentally good—that nature is beautiful, that existence has an inherent harmony, and that if we could just remove a few human mistakes, the world would be at peace. We see images of lush forests, majestic animals, and sunlit meadows, and we assume life is, at its core, a gentle and wondrous thing.

But step closer, and another picture emerges. The lush forest is a battlefield of survival, where every creature is either hunting or evading death. The majestic animals are locked in a brutal cycle of predator and prey. The sunlit meadow is a temporary balance in an ongoing war of growth, decay, and competition for space and resources.

This is life as it is—not as we wish it to be.

The Reality of Life’s Struggle

All life—plants, animals, humans—exists within an inescapable system of consumption. Life does not sustain itself on air and sunlight alone. It must take from something else—whether that means devouring plants, hunting animals, or even competing with its own kind for territory and resources. Even bacteria fight microscopic wars, producing toxins to kill off rivals in their quest to multiply.

To survive, life must:

• Acquire energy and materials—either from the sun, from other organisms, or by breaking down organic matter.

• Defend itself—against predators, disease, and environmental threats.

• Compete for resources—because there is never enough for all to thrive.

We are part of this system. We, too, consume. We, too, compete. And yet, unlike most other life forms, we are aware of it.

The Human Dilemma: Knowing the Truth but Wishing Otherwise

Humans are unique because we can recognize this harsh reality and still wish it were otherwise. We tell ourselves stories—narratives of peace, of a world meant for us, of divine justice where the suffering will be repaid and the good will be rewarded. But nature itself makes no such promises.

This is why people resist seeing the world as it is. To accept the truth is to accept that life is not what we have long imagined it to be. That there is no cosmic harmony, no divine shepherd ensuring that all suffering has meaning. Life on Earth has endured not through peace, but through an endless, violent struggle to persist.

The Path Forward: A New Way of Seeing

To many, this truth seems bleak. But it does not have to be. If we accept reality as it is, we free ourselves from illusions that keep us from living wisely. We can move beyond the naive idea that “everything happens for a reason” and instead ask:

• What can we do with the time and awareness we have?

• How can we shape meaning, not from wishful thinking, but from an honest reckoning with existence?

• What responsibility do we have to life, knowing what it truly is?
  

This is what Opthē is about—not rejecting the world, but seeing it clearly. Not despairing in the face of nature’s indifference, but rising to meet it with awareness, wisdom, and agape.

Religion—Keep Your Eye on the Pea

By Bill Papineau
 

The word "religion" is thrown around constantly, yet few stop to define what it actually means. Christopher Hitchens once famously declared, "Religion poisons everything," seeing it as a toxic force in human history. Meanwhile, religious leaders claim that society is crumbling because we lack religion. Are they even talking about the same thing? If Hitchens was right, does that make theologians experts in poison? And if religion is the cure, why has it so often been a source of division and conflict?

For 14 years, I was an Episcopal priest, but the word "religion" always unsettled me. It carried connotations of rigidity, exclusion, and control. Yet over time, I realized that the issue wasn't the word itself but the assumptions people attach to it. Like a sleight-of-hand trick, its meaning has shifted throughout history, yet most never notice the movement. Keep your eye on the pea.

The term "religion" originally applied only to those in formal church roles. It did not mean believing in God; that was taken for granted in pre-Copernican society. To be "religious" was to belong to a structured, rule-bound institution, bound by vows of obedience. Over time, the term expanded—first to include all Christians, then to refer to any belief in the supernatural, and finally to encompass entire cultural worldviews. Today, it is used so broadly that it often means nothing at all.

But what if we've been looking at it wrong? Theology, at its core, is not the study of gods—it is the study of how humans construct meaning and loyalty. And once we recognize that, we begin to see that so-called "secular" ideologies function exactly like traditional religion.

Consider nationalism. People put their faith in a nation, embrace its myths and symbols, find inspiration in its traditions and music, and even derive their identity from it. They are willing to sacrifice for it—sometimes even die for it. For many, their country holds a status beyond any Sunday-morning deity. When national loyalty and religious devotion clash, which one usually wins? The answer is revealing.

The same pattern appears with capitalism, communism, militarism, and racism—the "Ism" gods. People pledge themselves to these systems, build entire identities around them, and evangelize their beliefs with missionary zeal. They offer meaning, purpose, and a framework for understanding the world—just like traditional religion.

So the real question is not whether someone is "religious." The question is: To what are they religiously devoted? If we define religion as the structures of meaning we commit ourselves to, then everyone serves a god—whether they acknowledge it or not. The atheist who scoffs at religion but worships the free market, the nationalist who bows before the flag, and the idealist who sees history as an inevitable march toward justice—each of them is engaged in a deeply religious behavior.

Hitchens saw religion as poison. But perhaps the real toxin is unexamined devotion—to anything. The problem is not belief itself, but blind belief, the failure to recognize when we have substituted one altar for another. The only true antidote is clarity: keeping our eye on the pea, refusing to be distracted by the magician’s sleight of hand.

Because in the end, theology is not about gods. It is about us.