Friday, September 15, 2006

Booming Religion

This Newsweek article discusses Baby Boomers and religion. As a "boomer," I find it very peculiar to be discussed as if a topic in anthropology.

We were raised in the fifties, a very materialistic time. Religion was a matter of edifices, large impressive buildings. That was considered success. Spiritualism was unknown. As children we were ordered to attend "religious functions" because our parents forced us, because we "had to." Salvation was to come from material success.

Once we entered our teens, our antennas became expert in detecting hypocrisy. In general, the process of gaining religion began with rejection of materialism and "proper behavior." Some used drugs to facilitate the banishment of inhibitions and propriety. For some that gave them a hint of spirituality.

For some of us, our spiritual needs didn't require artificial means. When I was introduced to Torah Judaism, via NCSY, I was "hooked." It has been my life-style for over 40 years.

Shabbat Shalom
Shannah Tovah
Gmar Chatimah Tovah

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