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Father Len explains what’s missing in spirituality without religion in answer to a listener who asks: “Why do I need organized religion? I’m spiritual and I have a personal relationship with God.”

Highlights, Ideas, and Wisdom

• What is a “personal” relationship with God? What does it mean? Father Len explores the difference between an intimate relationship with God and a private relationship with God.
• Father Len explains how religion satisfies the natural human need and desire for being social and how that makes an essential contribution to a spiritual life.
• The very definition of what it means to be human is to be connected to other people.
• We survive and thrive not only because of our intelligence, but also because we live and work as a group.
• Religion and spirituality should make you a better human being.
• We are more of who we are and who we are meant to be in community with other people.
• Father Len shares an inspiring story of enemies protecting enemies during the Serbian Croatian war to illustrate the meaning, power and importance of true community.
• Spirituality should lead you into the very essence of community.
• Private spirituality can lead to becoming your own God.
• Religion is like a marriage, a marriage between us and God.
• “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni
• Father Len explains how conflict is an important element in strong marriages and good religion.
• Being spiritual but not religious means there is likely no one to challenge your ideas and beliefs.
• “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez