There's a conversation beginning over on the Speaking of Faith (SOP) site about the relationship between spirituality and religion. Since I've often reflected on the spiritual awakening taking place today and how religious institutions often stand in the way, I thought you might be interested in following along or commenting in order to help the SOP folk prepare for an upcoming interview with Anne Lamott. Annie says: "Sober people say that religion is for people who are afraid to go to hell, and spirituality is for people who’ve been there. And I think faith, for me, is a word that speaks much more to a belief and an interest in matters that are spiritual rather than the institution and creeds that you associate with religion.”

And SOP says: We’ve been thinking about Anne Lamott a lot lately as we continue to build a dialogue about what it means to be spiritual but not necessarily religious. (We’re looking to make a full-fledged production out of your responses, so add your reflections here — and please share this link with others.)