Rediscovering Faith: Whether You're In or Out of Religion (and the Trap of the Spiritual Ego)

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Rediscovering Faith: Whether You're In or Out of Religion (and the Trap of the Spiritual Ego)

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Faith is a word loaded with meaning. For some, it evokes images of religious devotion—rituals, prayers, and sacred texts. For others, especially atheists or non-theists, it might feel like a distant concept, tied too closely to religion to be useful. But what if faith is more than belief in a higher power or adherence to religious doctrine? What if faith is something we all need, regardless of our spiritual orientation?Whether you’re deeply religious or firmly non-religious, faith plays a critical role in how we navigate life. And yet, many people—especially those who believe they are walking in faith—may not realize they’re lacking it. In contrast, others who identify as non-theists might unknowingly be grappling with the same issue from a different angle. This is where faith in existence, as opposed to faith in faith, becomes a transformative idea.Faith in Faith vs. Faith in ExistenceMany of us, consciously or unconsciously, place our faith in faith itself. We believe that if we think or pray hard enough, things will go our way. We wait for miracles, hoping that simply maintaining "faith" will be enough to change our circumstances. But this form of faith, while comforting, can often lead us astray. It keeps us passive, waiting for external forces to step in and save us.On the other hand, faith in existence—or faith in life itself—requires something more from us. It’s not about hoping things will go our way; it’s about trusting that life is unfolding as it needs to, even if we can’t always see why. This form of faith invites us to participate in the process of life actively. It doesn’t ask us to sit back and wait for divine intervention. Instead, it asks us to recognize the opportunities around us and act on them, understanding that we are co-creators in whatever comes next.This is a faith that transcends religion. Whether you believe in a god, a universal force, or simply the flow of life, faith in existence means trusting that you’re a part of something bigger, even if that something isn’t neatly defined by spiritual or religious terms.The Spiritual Ego: A Subtle TrapOne of the most challenging obstacles to true faith—whether religious or spiritual—is the trap of the spiritual ego. The spiritual ego disguises itself as wisdom and enlightenment, but it’s just another form of ego, obsessed with control and self-importance.For religious people, this can manifest as a kind of spiritual superiority—believing that your faith makes you more righteous or morally correct than others. For non-theists, it can take the form of intellectual superiority—assuming that being "above" religion gives you a clearer, more rational perspective. In either case, the spiritual ego blinds us to the reality of our own limitations and keeps us from experiencing the fullness of faith.When we’re caught in the trap of the spiritual ego, faith becomes something performative. It’s not about surrendering to life’s unfolding; it’s about proving that we are right. Whether we’re trying to prove that our religious faith will save us, or that our rejection of faith makes us stronger, we’re missing the point. True faith—faith in existence—requires humility. It asks us to let go of the need to control or to be right and to trust instead in the process, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain.Faith Without CertaintyOne of the greatest challenges of faith, especially for those who don’t identify as religious, is accepting uncertainty. Many religious doctrines provide answers, even if those answers don’t always make sense. But for non-theists or those deconstructing their religious backgrounds, there can be a temptation to seek certainty in the form of skepticism or cynicism.True faith, however, isn’t about certainty. It’s not about knowing that everything will turn out okay. It’s about trusting that whatever happens, you will have the resilience, wisdom, and strength to navigate it. It’s about participating in life as it unfolds, without trying to control every outcome.This kind of faith doesn’t require belief in God or adherence to a particular doctrine. It requires belief in yourself and the understanding that you are part of a larger, interconnected system—whether that’s the universe, nature, or the intricate web of human experience.How to Rediscover Faith in Your Life* Recognize Where You’ve Placed Your FaithTake a moment to reflect on where you’re placing your faith. Are you passively waiting for something external to change your circumstances? Are you trapped in the idea that if you just pray or think hard enough, things will shift? Or are you actively participating in your life, trusting that you can shape your reality through your actions?* Examine the Role of EgoIt’s easy to mistake spiritual or intellectual superiority for enlightenment. Check in with yourself. Are you using your beliefs—whether religious or non-religious—as a way to feel superior ...