A Wild Exploration of Faith and Philosophy: Dimensions of Religion, Musings and the Evolution of My Faith

This may be a controversial blog for some, but it is something that has been woven into the fabric of my journey since primary school. It started in divinity classes where I was introduced to the stories of Moses, Noah and the Ark, Jonah and the Whale and the Garden of Eden. Over time, as I encountered the inevitable challenges of life my perspective shifted, and so did my understanding of religion. It evolved from simple stories to something far more complex—a deep and personal journey that continues to unfold.

I have connected with the topic of religion in a way that has touched the core of my being.

It has shaped my worldview in ways I couldn’t have predicted, yet I am careful to avoid saying whether I am or am not religious. For me, beliefs and religion are deeply personal, an intimate journey that is still evolving. Perhaps that’s where the beauty lies—in the journey itself, in the endless questions and in the wisdom that is waiting to be discovered.

What is Religion? At its core, religion can be defined as a set of beliefs or practices that often revolve around the idea of something greater than ourselves—something beyond the ordinary. Some describe it as a connection to the supernatural, the divine, or the transcendent. Others see religion as an integral part of the natural world, something that is inherent and woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Religion can be deeply personal, with each person having an exclusive relationship to it being as unique as their fingerprints. It can take on a multitude of perspectives, ranging from the strictly supernatural to the purely natural or a blend of both. For me, it has been a bit of all those things and more at different stages of life.

In my younger years, religion was all about the stories—the mythical narratives that gave me a glimpse into something bigger. As I grew older, it became more about philosophical questions, ethical frameworks and how religion shapes the way we live and interact with others.

The stories began to take on new meanings, reflecting the complexities of life and the lessons embedded within them.

You may have heard of the Dimensions of Religion.

Religion is not a one-dimensional experience; it’s a multifaceted journey that can be explored through several lenses, the 7 dimensions of religion each offer a different perspective on how we as humans relate to the divine or the transcendent.

Practical and Ritual Dimension: This dimension focuses on the rituals and practices that people engage in, from daily prayers to yearly celebrations. It’s all about the tangible, physical expression of faith. These rituals often provide a sense of structure and rhythm to life, grounding us in moments of reflection and gratitude.

Experiential and Emotional Dimension: Religion is also deeply personal and emotional. It is about the inner experiences—those moments of awe, connection or transcendence that are difficult to put into words but are undeniably real to the individual. These experiences often serve as anchors, reminding us of the sacredness within and around us.

Narrative and Mythical Dimension: Think back to the stories I mentioned earlier—Moses, Noah, Jonah. These are more than just tales; they are rich with symbolism and meaning, offering guidance and wisdom for those who hear them. Stories like these often act as mirrors, reflecting universal truths and timeless lessons.

Doctrinal and Philosophical Dimension: This is where religion gets more intellectual, involving the teachings, doctrines and philosophies that offer answers to some of the biggest and somewhat daunting questions. What is the purpose of life? What happens after we die? Why do we suffer?These doctrines and philosophies form a foundation for understanding the world and our place in it.

Ethical and Legal Dimension: Many religions offer frameworks for ethical living, guiding people on how to treat others and navigate moral dilemmas. It’s the “right and wrong” aspect of religion. These ethical teachings often inspire acts of kindness, compassion and justice, weaving morality into the fabric of everyday life.

Social and Institutional Dimension: Religion is more than just an individual experience; it is also social and communal. It brings people together through shared beliefs, rituals and institutions, creating a sense of belonging. The communal aspect of religion fosters connections that provide strength, support and solidarity.

Material Dimension: Finally, there is the material dimension, which includes religious symbols, art, architecture and objects of devotion that provide a physical representation of faith. These tangible elements often serve as reminders of the sacred, anchoring abstract concepts in the physical world.

As I grew older, my understanding of religion expanded far beyond the Bible stories I learned as a child. With time, I opened my heart and mind to the teachings of various world religions—Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism, Sufism, Islam, Shintoism, the Celtic Druids and the Norse Gods . Each tradition had something valuable to offer, with lessons that stretched my perception of what it means to live a meaningful life. 

From Christianity, I learned about the power of grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. The teachings of Jesus often emphasised compassion for the marginalised and the transformative power of love—a message that continues to resonate deeply. The Beatitudes, for example, taught me the value of humility, mercy and peace. The story of the Good Samaritan reminds us of the importance of kindness and breaking societal barriers.

Buddhism offered profound insights into mindfulness and the impermanence of life. The teachings of the Buddha on the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths provided a framework for navigating suffering and cultivating inner peace. The concept of “metta” (loving-kindness) encourages compassion not only for others but also for ourselves. Additionally, the idea of “non-attachment” has helped me find freedom from material desires and emotional entanglements.

From Taoism, I discovered the beauty of living in harmony with nature and the flow of life. The concept of “Wu Wei”—effortless action—taught me the value of aligning with life’s rhythms rather than resisting them. The wisdom of Laozi about simplicity and humility and interconnectedness continues to inspire me to find balance in the chaos of modern life.

Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest known religions, introduced me to the duality of good and evil and the importance of making choices that uphold truth and light. The emphasis on “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds” is a simple yet profound guiding principle that reminds me of the power of intentionality. The reverence Zoroastrianism holds for fire as a symbol of purity and illumination resonates as a metaphor for clarity and purpose.

From Islam, I found wisdom in the practice of surrender (“Islam” means surrender) and the importance of gratitude. The teachings of the Quran and the discipline of daily prayers highlight the value of mindfulness and devotion. The concept of “tawakkul” (trust in God) inspires resilience in times of uncertainty. The Islamic principle of “Zakat” (charity) teaches the importance of generosity and uplifting others.

Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, introduced me to the idea of divine love and unity. The poetry of Rumi and the practices of Sufi whirling offer a glimpse into the ecstatic connection with the divine. Sufi teachings emphasise the journey inward to find the divine presence within. The idea of “seeing with the heart” has transformed the way I approach the mysteries of life.

Judaism taught me about resilience and the significance of community. The enduring traditions of Shabbat and the ethical teachings of the Torah emphasise the balance between rest, reflection and action. The story of Exodus, with its themes of liberation, hope and perseverance serves as a timeless reminder of the capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

In Shintoism, I found a reverence for nature and the interconnectedness of all life. The belief in Kami—spirits that inhabit everything from rivers to mountains—encouraged me to view the world with awe and respect. Rituals like misogi (purification) remind me of the importance of renewal and cleansing. Shinto’s focus on harmony with nature reinforces the value of environmental stewardship.

From the Celtic druids, I learned about the sacredness of the natural world and the cycles of life. Their rituals and connection to the land reminded me of the importance of honouring the earth and its rhythms. The concept of “anam cara” (soul friend) taught me about deep, meaningful connections. The druids’ reverence for trees as symbols of wisdom and strength has deepened my appreciation for the natural world.

The Norse gods brought lessons in courage, resilience, and the complexity of human nature. The stories of Odin and the quest for wisdom and the strength of Thor in adversity highlight qualities we can aspire to in our own lives. The idea of “ragnarok” (a cycle of destruction and renewal) resonates with the notion of transformation and growth. The Norse emphasis on honour and valour in facing challenges is both inspiring and empowering.

From the teachings of Buddha on the path to enlightenment to the wisdom of Islamic scholars like Al Ghazali, to the quiet strength of Buddhist nun Tenzin Palmo (who I was blessed to meet in 2014), each tradition contributed to my understanding of faith and existence.  Each of these traditions offered unique insights. From Buddhism, I learned the value of mindfulness and detachment. From Judaism, the importance of resilience and communal bonds. From Sufism, the depth of divine love and unity. From Taoism, the art of flowing with the rhythms of life.

Every teaching added another thread to the intricate tapestry of my understanding, adding layers of richness to my religious and spiritual journey.

I have learned that no single religion holds all the answers, but each offers its own perspective on the mysteries of life. Religion and spirituality has supported and will continue to support people through the ages in finding answers to some of life’s great questions—questions like:

What is the purpose of life?

Why do we experience suffering?

What happens after we die?

How should we treat others?

What does it mean to live a good life?

These are questions that every religion seeks to answer, and the answers are as varied as the people who ask them. My journey is still ongoing, and I continue to seek out new perspectives, new teachings, and new ways to connect with the divine—or whatever name you prefer to give it.

Religion, for many, is not about being confined to a set of rules or doctrines. It is about seeking answers, exploring the mysteries of life, and finding meaning in a world that can often feel chaotic or uncertain. It’s about connection—to something greater than ourselves, to our community, and to our inner selves.
What I have come to realise is that religion is not static. It evolves as we evolve. It can grow, shift, and change as we encounter new experiences, ask deeper questions, and search for more profound truths. It’s deeply personal, yet universally shared. 

Religion has a way of inviting us to engage with the complexities of life, offering a lens through which to navigate both the joys and sorrows. It encourages us to confront uncertainty with courage and curiosity, to seek wisdom amidst chaos, and to find beauty in the unknown.

Perhaps the most valuable thing I have learned is that religion, at its best, offers us a way to approach life’s greatest mysteries with curiosity, humility, and an open heart. It doesn’t always provide clear answers, but it encourages us to keep asking the questions that matter.

This is a personal journey—one that continues to unfold with each new experience, book, or conversation. Religion, for me, is about curiosity and exploration, about connecting with something greater while also grounding myself in the present moment. It is in this dance between the infinite and the immediate that I find meaning.

The dimensions of religion—ritual, experience, philosophy, ethics, community and material expression—all offer unique lenses through which to understand faith. While my own journey has taken me through stories of Moses and Jonah, the teachings of Buddha, and the philosophies of Islamic mystics, the path forward remains open. I continue to learn, question and evolve.

Religion, in all its complexity, offers us a way to explore the depths of our humanity and the vastness of existence. It is a personal journey, yet a powerful journey and one that connects us to a greater whole—to history, culture and community. Whether through rituals, sacred stories or moments of quiet reflection, religion invites us to ponder the great mysteries of life and to seek meaning in the ordinary and extraordinary alike.

For me, the beauty of religion lies in its ability to inspire questions rather than simply provide answers. It’s in the journey, the exploration and the openness to learn from different traditions and perspectives. As I continue on this path, I hope to embrace the unknown with curiosity and gratitude, and to find sweetness in the search itself. Perhaps that’s what makes the journey worthwhile—the ever-evolving quest to connect with something greater, and to better understand ourselves in the process.

In the end, religion and belief are deeply personal, and how we engage with them is up to each of us. My hope is that by sharing this journey, it might spark curiosity, inspire new questions, or offer comfort to those walking a similar path. The journey continues, and the questions remain—and that, to me, is the beauty of it all.

Here are additional thought-provoking questions that religion and spirituality often seek to address—some of lifes greatest mysteries:

What is the meaning of life?

Why do we exist?

What is the nature of the soul?

Is there a higher power or divine force guiding the universe?

What happens after we die?

Is there such a thing as destiny, or do we have free will?

Why do good people suffer?

What is the nature of good and evil?

What is the purpose of human suffering?

How can we find inner peace amidst chaos?

What is the true nature of love and compassion?

How should we live to lead a fulfilling life?

What does it mean to live a moral and ethical life?

What role does forgiveness play in healing ourselves and others?

Is there a balance between fate and personal choice?

How do we find meaning in moments of hardship or loss?

What is the relationship between humans and the natural world?

Can we transcend our ego or self to connect with a greater whole?

How do we balance the physical and spiritual aspects of life?

What is the role of faith in moments of uncertainty?

Are we alone in the universe?

How do we reconcile differences between religions and beliefs?

What is the nature of time—does it flow, or is it an illusion?

How do we cultivate wisdom, and what does it mean to be wise?

What is the role of hope in human existence?

These questions continue to guide and inspire religious and philosophical exploration across cultures and ages, encouraging us to seek deeper meaning in our lives.