Junk Food Spirituality by Nancy R. Smith According to a 1999 USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll of religious beliefs: "Self-defined spirituality is replacing … a church-based faith….” I understand those who reject traditional faiths for all kinds of reasons -- their patriarchy, their disregard for the earth, their ignorance of mystery, their claims of inerrancy, etc. Some “New Age” beliefs are attempts to revive lost values in the “old” religions and the beliefs of indigenous peoples.

Today’s Spirituality in the Workplace movement contributes to this phenomenon of eclecticism because it not only emphasizes the common spirituality in all humans (which is good), but often appears to water down all examples of spirituality to the least common denominator (which is not so good).

Faith-free spirituality contains just enough truth to be very tempting. I’m thinking of terms I see in motivational articles I receive from people who want to be published on my website:

• Manifest
• Abundance
• Prosperity thinking
• Create your own destiny
• Believe in yourself
• Self-talk
• Befriend the universe

Perhaps even better known are the following:

• From the past, but still popular: The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, which teaches:
  • How to eliminate that most devastating handicap -- self doubt
  • How to free yourself from worry, stress and resentment
  • How to climb above problems to visualize solutions and then attain them
  • Simple prayerful exercises that you can do every day, throughout the day, to reinforce your new-found habit of happiness

• Contemporary: If It's Going to Be, It's Up to Me by Robert H. Schuller, which presents his eight principles of “Possibility Thinking,” including tapping into "dynamic divine energy."

All of these phrases represent valid concepts, but taken alone, they are not enough. I have written about abundance, but, since I am Christian, it was in the context of the Beatitudes. I look to see what the author’s world view is and, if none is explicit, I become suspicious.

Some phrases (such as those made famous by Peale and Schuller) have their solid foundation in Christianity. Some have foundation in other faiths, in psychology, or in some other world view – but at least they have a foundation beyond than the individualistic words used in the expressions.

The poll mentioned above goes on to say: “Almost one-third regarded themselves as spiritual but not religious, electing to pick and choose belief systems.”

That’s a nice-sounding cafeteria approach – but without some kind of world view foundation, it may soon lead to the “junk-food” results!

• Without a consistent, coherent foundation, junk-food spirituality consists of empty platitudes that will fall apart as soon as you experience a major catastrophe in health or personal finance. Positive self-talk and belief in yourself lead to blaming yourself when such catastrophes occur.
• Without a consistent, coherent foundation, junk-food spirituality provides a self-absorption that lacks a basis for ethical behavior. By itself, it leads to “looking out for No. 1.”
• Without a consistent, coherent foundation, junk-food spirituality lacks a concern for the common good and fails to provide tools for teamwork or community-building.
• Without a consistent, coherent foundation, junk-food spirituality provides no explanation for, or understanding of, suffering. Thus it lacks a motive for compassion, service, sacrifice – or global economic justice.

Reject the mistakes and excesses of traditional religions if you must. Seek what we may have lost in the Old Religions or in native spiritualities if that is your inclination. But be sure that in developing your personal spirituality you look for a total world view. Get the whole meal and don’t settle for junk food that tastes good for the moment but has little lasting value and possible harm!

My own vision of Workplace Spirituality is a workplace where everyone feels safe and free to practice their own faith, whether through prayer, meditation, dietary rules, or clothing, and where each person’s unique spirituality is honored as an asset to the workplace.

Nancy Smith is a writer, educator, and ordained deacon whose ministry is to link faith and work, spirituality and justice, passion and ethics. From her own commitment to the Christian faith, she affirms the common spiritual experiences of people of all faiths and encourages inter-religious dialogue. Nancy offers Spiritual Life Retreats as well as workshops on Workplace Spirituality and Career Decisions. All are appropriate for both clergy and laity. Visit her web ministry at www.WorkplaceSpirituality.info