Julie asks the question "Is blogging a religion?"
I agree with her quite a bit, but I think I differ in some regards.
However here are some key questions that demonstrate how blogging fails to fulfill my definition - and the dictionary's definition - of religion:
"Does blogging provide a purpose for my life or explain my existence on Earth?
No."
-- Julie
Blogging doesn't provide the purpose for life, but somehow in blogging I have spent time writing about what matters to me. In doing this I have discovered more about both my purpose and existence. This would also make meditation, journaling, balancing a checkbook, and compulsively scheduling things in a day-timer religions as well. Each of those can produce explanations of purpose and existence when examined closely.
"Does blogging involve a belief in supernatural beings or require reverence for any gods?
No."
--Julie
Blogging may involve a belief that the words of the writer have power. Maybe the god in blogging is the human writer.
I've also read many breathless posts talking about how blogs are democratizing and revolutionary. I think more than one blogger seems to believe in the power of blogs to heal the world.
"Does blogging explain what happens when I die or where I was before birth?
No."
--Julie
The written word is a powerful testimony that can speak from beyond the grave. While blogging doesn't explain where I was before I was born, it might explain right where I'll be after I die. After I die, I might be a collection of bits in a database that people can invoke long after my body has moldered away. I would also point out that there are major religions which are a little vague about where we were before birth. [Note to self: Make sure someone can update my blog if the unlikely even of my demise.]
"Does blogging interpret humanity, community and current events into a holistic picture?
No."
--Julie
Blogging and bloggers paint a picture and interpret humanity, but I wouldn't describe it as holistic. It's fragmented and reflects the fragmentation and diversity of at least the net-connected globe.
"Does blogging fulfill spiritual needs for my family and me?
No."
I think community and belonging is a spiritual need. I've certainly gotten that in spades from blogging, although I can't say it's shared with my family.
I loved Julie's thoughts on the subject, especially the notion that blogging is a container. I drew a picture of that idea once a long time ago. She is also right on when she says that blogging can be very spiritual and thus very different from from the expectations people have about the word religion.
I can't believe I didn't have to pay to read her writing.
Thanks for taking the time to comment so thoroughly. I can see your perspective.
Thanks for introducing me to your blog too!