YES, THAT IS THE REALITY

"Spirituality, then, is coming to terms in some slight way, not to say 'No, that's not the reality,' but to say, 'Yes that is the reality, but that's also something I can accept and live with."
Princeton Religion Sociologist, Robert Wuthrow describes in our text, The Life of Meaning, his perception of reality as similar to a hum in the universe, in a minor key and slightly discordant. Musical connotation is appropriate here for Wuthrow also expresses the assistance of music in setting the environment for his time of prayer or meditation. It appears to open the door to his going to the spiritual. He further remarks how praying does not come natural to him. Interesting how many of our other contributors to The Life of Meaning say the same regarding prayer or quiet time. As a sociologist, Wuthrow states that only about 5 to 10 percent are serious (daily involved) in prayer practice. Those who are moderately or occasionally involved are upwards of 60 percent. This appears to track somewhat evenly with a person's attendance in religious services.
When one does become serious about observance Wuthrow says one might use music, icon or object as the path to the contemplative.

What do you believe brings one to spiritual observance?

What do you believe is the ultimate goal of prayer / meditation?

Is this different from earlier epics in our Christian or faith histories?

As a sociologist, Wuthrow is interested in observing the religious as well as the act of religious observance. So he is interested in people's behavior. Does our personal religious observance translate to interest in our neighbor? How?

Walter Morton for Terra Incognita