There are many similarities in the religions and yet wars are fought over their supremacy of one over another; prejudices are formed; bloodlines protected and marriages denied based on religion. I think in some areas of the world and even within our own countries we have come to understand moderation of faith and life.
A few years ago I found with organized religion is the hate generated by something designed to uplift and inspire. And, it isn't the religion itself it's the individuals who twist it to become what they need it to be and influence others with their manipulations.
You can always detect those individuals who are truly spiritual and it's inspiring to witness their peace, acceptance, and understanding. These individuals are the ones who impact you and make you wish to emulate them and strive to perfect your own personal connection.
As for myself, when I sit quietly and take in all that exists within this world of ours and can appreciate the smallest item to the infinite wonder of it all, I become grounded, peaceful, and awed at the same time. The logical part of me says that it is possible that all of this started with the first splitting of an atom. .
It comes down to a matter of belief. What we choose to believe and where we take it. It is more comforting for us as humans to believe that this is not all there is. We can choose to believe in a heaven, reincarnation, and a never-ending revolving door of energy...but it comes down to what works for us as individuals striving to make it from one day to the next.
We can say that organized religion was created to control the masses. Perhaps that is correct, or maybe better yet we all have the same structures of faith. Where would we be but in chaos if some guidelines for acceptable behavior were not established? But then again, legal guidelines perform the same function.
Could we easily be a policed state totally separate from religion and be the same?
I read once that religion was created because man needed hope and without hope mankind could not go forward. Yet I do have a belief value.
But the freedom in which we utilize it might be the manner of what we deem as being righteous. Everyone has there own passion in life and seemingly I don't think we have become an agnostic society.
As faith is so many things...
This is an interesting blog Jack. We have laws and we have religions, and yet we do not live in a perfect world. I think too that religion is there for people to hope in something greater than themselves, a place to find support in difficult times, a reason to rejoice, an answer to the marvels of the world. From the beginning of times, there have always been human beings who lead by ambitions have created their own sets of rules, or in other words, ignored all rules to reach their goals. A good start would be to believe in ourselves, and in our ability to achieve while respecting ourselves and the people around us.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. I have not went to mass but a friend of mine that resides in another major city south from where I am found through difficult times that for he and his family - religion was the area in which aided him. And he is the last person that I would have thought would be going to church. However, maybe some do some don't. I brought it up as it was something on my mind.
ReplyDeleteG'day Jack,
ReplyDeleteI feel religion now more than ever has such a variety of different choices, that can be summarised as almost being a brand name for a product. Depending on what an individual wants or hopes to get from it should be the deciding point for the personal choice, as each denomination offers different concepts, I found that it all depends on the individual church & those that run it what road it takes, consisting of man made stringent guidelines allowing no real freedom for individual thoughts, therefore making it more a ministerial following than a spiritual one.
I think that makes much sense. Perhaps it's a guide in some manner. I recall attending church when I was young each and every Sunday however I have been there a few times at the most but I don't think that make you non compliant with faith.
ReplyDeleteBlessing*
ReplyDeleteReligions and the Books do not have any problem as you said. The people sometimes misunderstand them.
People in world love each other despite their different beliefs.
When people love each other, how much God can love His servants!
This is so great Jack! we are beloved by God*
Thanks for your writing.
I read your "happy old couple" blog in 360 and it made me to come here!
Peace*
And peace to you Ali...
ReplyDelete