I do not care much for getting into religious debates or challenging people's faith. I used to as a teenager who had something to prove - but peace has become a valuable commodity for me today. I respect that people are on a journey constantly struggling within themselves about how this life works and why. We all come to different conclusions that seem to make sense and most importantly - make us feel secure. Recently (not by my own choice) I have had to think more than usual about religion and what it means for our world. My husband has been delving into loads of information about the history and sources of any and all religions possible. Consequently, I have benefitted from his studies.
I used to consider myself religious up until around age 20 - then I dropped all the titles and decided that simply having a spiritual relationship with the one I call God fit me better. My background is strictly Christian and that is what makes me ponder so much today. I have a growing intensity of sadness about how religion has done the opposite of what so many of them have set out to do. For instance, I grew up constantly studying the Bible - but why did I never hear my church say "Jesus showed love to murderers and thieves, so we are going to show love and peace to prisoners this week," or "Jesus ate with the sick, poor, and sinful, so this week we are going to invite the homeless over for dinner and make friends with a prostitute."? The word LOVE is mentioned 551 times in the Bible. Yet I am ashamed to say I cannot look back and say that is what I saw.
My experience is limited. I cannot personally speak for any other religions than what I saw myself, and even Christianity can be very different depending on the church and people. A short time of honest study reveals religions all have a checkered and often shameful past. There is violence, torture, and killing. There is stealing, selfishness, and conquering. All in the name of their god. It is nauseating to turn the pages of history and see the horrors. It all makes me want to stop the course of the book and begin a fresh one - one where we get to rewind back to the love that our God showed us how to live. A start where we choose not to deviate from peace, harmony, love, and consideration. Can religion fit in those pages? Sure! But can we please leave out the hate, judgment, superiority, intolerance, violence, and fear?? That's what would be beautiful to see moving forward. Do you agree?
How has religion shaped and changed your life? Were you raised to believe in a particular manner? Are you free to ask what questions your heart whispers? How does an honest look at history affect your beliefs? What do you wish to see in religion in the future?
I used to consider myself religious up until around age 20 - then I dropped all the titles and decided that simply having a spiritual relationship with the one I call God fit me better. My background is strictly Christian and that is what makes me ponder so much today. I have a growing intensity of sadness about how religion has done the opposite of what so many of them have set out to do. For instance, I grew up constantly studying the Bible - but why did I never hear my church say "Jesus showed love to murderers and thieves, so we are going to show love and peace to prisoners this week," or "Jesus ate with the sick, poor, and sinful, so this week we are going to invite the homeless over for dinner and make friends with a prostitute."? The word LOVE is mentioned 551 times in the Bible. Yet I am ashamed to say I cannot look back and say that is what I saw.
My experience is limited. I cannot personally speak for any other religions than what I saw myself, and even Christianity can be very different depending on the church and people. A short time of honest study reveals religions all have a checkered and often shameful past. There is violence, torture, and killing. There is stealing, selfishness, and conquering. All in the name of their god. It is nauseating to turn the pages of history and see the horrors. It all makes me want to stop the course of the book and begin a fresh one - one where we get to rewind back to the love that our God showed us how to live. A start where we choose not to deviate from peace, harmony, love, and consideration. Can religion fit in those pages? Sure! But can we please leave out the hate, judgment, superiority, intolerance, violence, and fear?? That's what would be beautiful to see moving forward. Do you agree?
How has religion shaped and changed your life? Were you raised to believe in a particular manner? Are you free to ask what questions your heart whispers? How does an honest look at history affect your beliefs? What do you wish to see in religion in the future?
