So many people I admire and respect so much in life are
religious. Many that I admire and respect are not.
There is so much about organized religion that I admire. And
also so much I do not.
But sometimes I think to myself” it really is too bad I can’t be religious”
I think I would love to pray. I think I would love to
have my children and family as part of such a giving community that comes with
some rules and lessons about how to live this crazy life. I think I would love
the comfort and support of that community when things go bad. Or to share the
good with. I think I would love to pray when I am in need (and actually I just
do anyways). I would love to have an organized way to teach lessons and to
remind myself of the importance of service.
There are many things about being part of a religious community
to that would annoy me too and also would need to take precedence over many
other aspects of my life that feel more important to me. It would take away
time from areas and people I feel I would want to choose to put my energies
towards. I would definately not want to be going to church every Sunday. Or even
most Sundays-or probably if I am honest any Sunday.
What I admire about people who are very religious is that
no matter what they have something to hold onto. Something to believe in. They
seem to believe in something bigger than themselves.
What I find difficult is sometimes the hypocrisy I see in
some people who preach religion (aka: 18 kids and counting!!!!!) It’s much harder
to accept this evilness in people who preach about how much good they do in the
world than in those who keep their lives more private.
Overall though I feel convinced that religion is good for people and their families. I think it is a lovely, embracing community for so many people that enriches their lives in many ways and that of their children and families. I think religious people have better lives ultimately.
Overall I feel that it is likely something I have missed
out on in my life somehow.
The fact remains though. And it is a HUGE fact…that
literally as soon as Jesus Christ and God or Heavenly Father comes into the
picture or discussions of religion that surrounds this (aka: always) I just lose interest. I just
stop listening. It all just lose touch with anything I have learnt or felt. It
loses everything for me right then and there. Everything just shuts down. I just
stop listening entirely-and trust me I have tried to open my mind. Nada.
Nothing.
I wish the world could have such wonderful communities
and organizations without the high price and ticket you have to pay to be that
member. Like anything else in life –wouldn't it is great to be able to take the
good part and leave aside the parts and the pieces that are much less attractive to
you and that don’t sit well with you?
But religion is package deal. Isn’t it?
Or
so I thought. Both my Mom and I have several religious very close people in our lives All of these people are willing to pray for us
during our time of need, all of them say we should pray during our own time of
need. This brings us comfort somehow. And they know we do not to any degree share
their beliefs and they still offer us the option of prayer which brings them so
much comfort in their own lives. They are willing to share that with us-and for
me this is really, really really nice and sweet. And it is a true act of
kindness and giving straight from the heart.
Organised religion communities are often portrayed as
being far more giving to their own communities and churches than to others causes and people in their lives. And
sometimes I am sure this is true. But many religious people I know have shown
great respect for those who do not share their opinions; and their giving
reaches many people outside of their own communities.
I recently saw/heard about a religious portrayal
explaining a particular religion. Completely opposite portrayals. One produced
by the people of the religion themselves and one produced by people outside of the religion. Both
I would consider accurate and both I would consider polar opposites.How can
that be? Perception is the key. The fundamental truth lies in neither or
either. Both are true…one is based on how that religion experiences themselves
and the other of how a world outside can experience them. Neither is reality.
Our job in life is to adapt and connect. To offer
support, to ask for help and to get curious. Really life and it’ success comes down
to these three practices in my mind anyways and always have. If we all did this
in the world-I think the world would be a better and safer place.
And that is why I know two things:
1-I won’t ever be a religious person. I will be very
spiritual though always
2-I will always accept the offer of support that is powered
to be to pray during times of need and to have others pray for me. I choose to
see myself as not hypocritical during these times but vulnerable and loved and
accepting love that is shown to me. Of accepting a skill and belief that I don’t
have access to and that is shared with me because of deep love for me. I find
this very touching and always will. It deeply touches my heart.
We all believe what we believe. I feel good that I can
write about this on a place I consider safe (my blog). I feel that if ever
there is a God Almighty up there in the sky he is hearing me now and happy that
I can write about the true thoughts that run through my mind.
That I can speak the truth that belongs to me.
And just like everything else in life, my views on religion
evolve as I do. As I get wiser, and older and smarter and have more experiences
in my life…I change. I am glad that I surround myself with all types of people
with all types of beliefs as it makes my experience in this life a richer and
better one.
And although I don’t believe in an organised religion and
the whole package it comes with…I believe in fate, I believe in destiny, I believe
in a form of heaven and I believe in the power of the universe to teach us the
lessons that we need to learn. I believe that when people die they leave a
lifetime of legacy and their souls land somewhere.
I believe in many things. I feel many things.
I believe life has miracles and infinite possibilities.
I believe in forgiveness and serving
I believe.
Maybe more than I really know?
