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I religiously read, sometimes thoroughly enjoy, and occasionally extract a nugget of wisdom or inspiration from the Cook County News-Herald’s Spiritual Reflections column.
That said, I’m wondering why these weekly columns can’t also at times be authored by one of the significant number of “Nones” in our community.
Nones – people of no particular religious affiliation – including theists, deists, agnostics, atheists, de-converts, and those who simply don’t care about or see much relevance in religious teachings.
There are tons of Nones right here in our vibrant Northwoods community who exude happy, positive energy, find hope in seemingly hopeless situations, see and are awed by the breathtaking beauty that’s always within sight no matter where they are; who find true gratification in selflessly helping others and fulfillment in random acts of kindness. These are people who are spiritually healthy and just plain fun to be around.
There are also Nones of far less desirable attributes, to be sure. But the exact same may be said of religious people, even clergy.
According to a recent PEW study (December, 2021), Christians now outnumber people identifying themselves as None by little more than two to one, with Nones trending upwards in numbers and the religiously affiliated shrinking.
Nones are a significant and growing part of our beautiful community.
I’m in no way suggesting that Spiritual Reflections should cease to be written by our dear, respected local clergy. Keep that going!
I am humbly suggesting, however, that perhaps the column could also be written now and then (once a month?) by one of the non-religious people among us.
Spiritual Reflections shouldn’t be an exclusive platform for Christian doctrine. It should be a column that is inclusive of all of us and embraces our ever-increasing diversity.
David Eklof
Grand Marais
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