Religion? In Frederick Streng's Discussion Term Paper

Learning that we all believe in one force, yet a force that is represented with different entities and faith demonstrated through various traditions and practices, I have learned to reconcile these differences by just believing in a force, without any subsistence to religious names and labels and traditions.

As what I have discussed earlier, what used to be my religion was the belief I was exposed to since birth. However, as I grew up and became exposed to different forms of religions and beliefs in my society, I have learned to adapt to the diversity of religious philosophies extant by creating my personal philosophy. This personal philosophy is one that believes in a 'general force,' which is formless and not bound with the traditional practices. This force enables me to confide with an entity without any fear or limitations on what I can say or ask of it. It has the ability to make me feel better and relieved, giving me the feeling of clarity when I am experiencing trouble, confusion, or frustration in life.

I am receptive to the interpretation that my religion is actually based on a psychological state, which Jung, as quoted by Streng, characterized religion as "a relationship to the highest or strongest value...the value by which you are possessed unconsciously. That psychological fact which is the greatest power in your system is the god..." I believe that my religion is neither positive nor negative, and is completely unbiased because what I believe in -- that is, my philosophy -- is a universal experience that every believer of religion experiences when they express their faith in a god, activity, or simply a feeling.

Because my religion is neither positive nor negative and is unbiased, it is therefore non-limiting. As I stated earlier, my belief is based on a universal experience, encompassing what was covered in the religions of the past, and making it an emergent form of religion. In fact, as a new form of religion, it is not susceptible to being labeled as a "religion." It can be assigned a new name, or it can remain nameless, simply a personal philosophy for the individual.

My definition of religion or personal philosophy as a formless force that I believe in is still not a sufficient one. Over time, and as religion reaches its 'adulthood,' human society would have better, more concrete and universal definitions and explanations that will characterize religion and its other emerging forms in the future......