h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The analogy <<...it seems that a non-practioner studying religion is a lot like a man WRITING about childbirth...>> *almost* makes sense to me, but...

"a non-practioner studying religion is like a man *READING* about childbirth"

makes more sense, because...

Men *can* be involved in the birthing of a child (as fathers, friends, medics etc)
and
Non-practitioners *can* change their mind by studying...

six7's
*still thinking about matters spiritual*

Technically, what I meant is a man writing about childbirth from first-hand experience.

I mean, men can read all they want, watch videos, talk to their partners, watch births, damn they can even learn how to deliver a baby. But can they write about the different physical sensations involved in actually giving birth?

That's why I think that studying religion can only be done properly by someone who understands and practices. You can read about God or gods, visit churches, mosques and synagogues, learn every line of every religious text in the world... but if you have never had a truly uplifting, enlightening and profound religious revalation... can you really understand what it is you are writing about?

A very valid question... however, the answer continues to elude me

I don't believe that religion equates to spirituality. Religion is a path to the spirit, and in this sense a religion can be adequately studied by a non-practitioner. However, a path can be studied by someone with a map. Studying doesn't get you to the same place as walking the path.