Mind, Body, and Soul
We have a spiritual side, and it helps to have guidance along the way. In our era of heightened individualism and democracy, we equate anything higher or above us with curtailing our freedom. But this is not the actual purpose of a religion or anything spiritual.
As with anything, we get caught up in our daily lives and lose sight of the right path or go down the wrong path. This is why every culture has a priest, imam, rabbi, sensei, guru, etc… To help us get on and stay on the right path.
We already do this in other areas
When we begin any kind of education, we turn to a teacher. If we begin an exercise routine, if we do not pay a trainer or gym, we will at least watch videos from people who know more than we do. When we embark on a career, there is always a general framework guiding us toward success in that work.
In every job and in every activity, we always look to people who have experience to show us the way. Spirituality is no different. You are not forced to go to a building. There is no submission in seeking something outside ourselves for guidance.
This is why, in every successful civilization, there is always an element of the spiritual. Everyone from Confucius to Mohammed to Alexis de Tocqueville has recognized the vital importance of this most essential societal glue.
Religion is supposed to connect us with something higher than ourselves. Why? Because all humans have a tendency to think more of themselves than they are; to become self-centered.
It provides a framework for living that results in true happiness as opposed to the temporary highs of this world.
Religion grows the inner self, which Socrates said is the most important form of self-improvement.
Humans need balance
Humans, like the planet, thrive in balance. We need to cultivate our minds, bodies, and souls. With the destruction and undermining of religion, regardless of your opinion on that, we cannot neglect the spiritual side of our nature.
Because we are humans, we need a framework to operate within, as we so easily lose our way. Richard Feynman spoke of the necessity of having a scientific method for all aspects of our lives. In science, they not only have a method to guide them but also peer review for when they go astray.
We already take part in this daily. You are a spiritual being, and you neglect this at your peril. Please, stop thinking it’s all a scam or that it is somehow submission, as it is not. Stop thinking you can do this on your own, as there are so few capable.
Further Reading
https://pressbooks.howardcc.edu/soci101/chapter/17-3-sociological-perspectives-on-religion/