Why is Religion a dirty word?

I have been sensing this change happening for a while now. The shift can be boiled down to a shift from structure to fluidity. I am talking about In essence the difference between Religion and Spirituality.

In definition:

re·li·gion

  [ri-lij-uhn] 

noun

1.

a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional andritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2.

a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons orsects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

3.

the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

4.

the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.

5.

the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

spir·it·u·al

  [spir-i-choo-uhl] 

adjective

1.

of, pertaining to, or consisting of spirit; incorporeal.

2.

of or pertaining to the spirit or soul, as distinguished from the physical nature: a spiritual approach tolife.

3.

closely akin in interests, attitude, outlook, etc.: the professor's spiritual heir in linguistics.

4.

of or pertaining to spirits or to spiritualists; supernatural or spiritualistic.

5.

characterized by or suggesting predominance of the spirit; ethereal or delicately refined: She is moreof a spiritual type than her rowdy brother.

So when we look at these two definitions we do see a strong difference between the strict and subtle. Defined and vague, permanent and changing. We are able to conclude this by looking at keywords in the definitions such as "purpose, devotion, moral code, governing, number of persons, adhering, and ritual" whereas spiritual contains words like " pertaining, interests, attitude, outlook, supernatural"


This post is not to question which path you chose, nor is it my mission with this post to correct or bash any views. I would simply like to point out the shift in thought. If you casually were to search in google images or pinterest the words Religion, and Spiritual separately. It pulls up two very different things. Many cultures can identify these differences as a masculine and feminine difference.

So I hope we can all agree that we as a culture are beginning to shift from the masculine side of the pendulum on religion and structure. The ball is swinging to the other side, the feminine energy that speaks peace within, and creating power.

So we have two opposing forces:

Religion, masculine, control, authority, and structure

then we see 

Spirituality, feminine, creativity, freedom, boundless

You can see this in so many things from music, television, roles we play, colors, seasons, and so much more. Their is always a yin and yang to how things tick.

So back to my question.....

Why did Religion become a dirty word? It's easy to see that many are offended at the mere thought of declaring a religion and casting oneself into bondage of an outside force. The comic below is one of millions of examples of cultural disgust in religion.

The rejection of religion can be traced back to many fronts, all of which are speculation on my part. (Please form your own opinion and share it in the comments below.) Some thoughts on the matter can be linked to the 60s and the feminist movement. Rejection of religion, bondage from "the man", and freedom to form ones own thoughts were popular in this era.
Other reasons could be the rise in the popularity of yoga, meditation or other mind body practices. The root of these practices involve conditioning your mind in a way that allows you to create and influence the things around you. Therefore you do not need to place your hope in an outside force if you are your own creator.
Perhaps it could even be as small as the influence of pop culture. Magicians such as Chris Angel lead us to believe that miracles are just an illusion. Television and movies show us images of an evil religious dictator oppressing the common people and their right to love.
Whatever the reason is, religion has become a dirty word.

So where do we go from here?

Then pendulum is swinging from Religious to Spiritual. It ticks inside us, sometimes we crave structure and stability. While other times we crave freedom, expression, and creativity. It swings in our culture from one political party to another. Even on a massive level the world powers in control will dictate the overall energy of the world. (Instead of hearing this influence called masculine and feminine, we commonly hear this as eastern and western influences)

In the end, it's all about balance. Will the pendulum ever stop swinging? Or are we destined to a constant struggle? This is where I leave you to ponder your own internal shifts. Recognize that you are an individual, your shifts may occur before or after society.
Seek but never settle. Believe with all your heart, and study with all your mind.