Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

The Rev. Karen Burnard; search category "Rector's Ramblings" for other columns

From the August 2009 Triad:

Spurn religion?
Or change culture?

Recently I saw the headline and read the article “Religion plays role in teen depression.” In the article it was suggested that there are conflicts between religious customs and mainstream culture which may contribute to teen depression.

One custom from several religious traditions, including ours, is the act of generosity. Sharing a meal, giving alms to those less fortunate than ourselves, serving as a Benefit Bank Counselor or Oxford Choice Food Pantry volunteer, even taking vacation days to do missionary work, are all examples. Obviously when we engage in these generous acts, we have made the choice to give, to share, to think of people beyond ourselves. If this depresses our youth or anyone else, does that suggest we should throw out religion?

I think not.

So many times people claim to be “spiritual but not religious.” These same people tell me how they can engage in acts of generosity without having to be associated with some religion. I agree. And I know this world’s religions, including ours, have had a checkered history in terms of being generous, compassionate and just.

But what of our culture?

Isn’t it possible that those teens whose depression may have been influenced by their conflict between religion and culture simply have eyes to see and ears to hear?

They understand that sometimes their religion is calling them to the higher ground, the “road less taken.” They feel how difficult that can be, especially at their age and in this culture.

How many of us, at any age, feel tension between our religious convictions and the culture in which we also live and move and have our being? That tension certainly didn’t stop when I left teenagehood. Yet step by step, year by year, our strength and courage grow as we refuse both to throw out religion and to leave the culture. (You won’t hear me recommend home schooling, one way to exit the culture.)

Finally, perhaps the real issue is how to help teens when they experience tension and conflict (which they will), and to teach them the concept of “both and.” Religion and culture are not mutually exclusive, though not always compatible. When they are incompatible, we may have to make a choice. And the best customs of religion contribute to the overall vitality and health of the culture.

Thanks be to God.

Karen