A few thoughts on Religion & its misuse
Yesterday, one of my regular reads had posted her thoughts on religion after watching an HBO presentation about faith-healers. I have only been reading blogs for a month or so, and she often has some pretty good stuff. Here's the link to her site: http://mysilentreverie.blogspot.com/
Jenn has quite a few regular readers I think, and it is often the commentaries that stimulate my mind. Read the comments after her "Neuro Nerds" posting.
I am saddened by many of the comments. I am sad that so many people will close themselves off from the possibility that there may be forces greater than ourselves in ultimate control of things.
I am sad that so many so-called believers have created such an atmosphere of animosity about religion.
I am a Christian by choice. I would consider myself to be evangelical, in that I am more than ready to explain the benefits I receive from having a relationship with "God." But I will not be lumped with those who refer to themselves as fundamentalists - I think they are missing the MOST fundamental point of Jesus Christ's message. When He was asked what is the most important commandment, He answered, "To love the Lord God with all your heart, mind and soul; the second is to love your neighbor as yourself."
It is my belief that ANYONE that loves God and is willing to live their life so that it reflects these commands- well that person is in relationship with God.
I cannot believe that God will honor the abortion clinic bomber or even the person who stands in front of that clinic shouting hatred at people going in for an amazingly difficult, anguishing choice.
I cannot believe that God will honor the Arab who bombs a market in His name, nor the TV evangelist who steals people's money and hopes.
I cannot believe that God will honor the SOB in the SUV with a Bush/Cheney and anti-abortion bumper stickers who cuts people off in traffic while listening to Rush, nor the child molester.
I cannot believe that God will honor the dishonest businessman(woman) who cheats, misrepresents and intentionally takes advantage of the poor, the undocumented (yes, illegal) workers or the undereducated, nor the murderer.
Anyway, you get the point.
But I suggest that the innate nature of humanity is to seek harmony with that which is greater than us. When we move closer to that harmony, the peace within allows one to deal with the challenges of life.
Calm down.
Take it easy.
Breathe.
Dream.
Love someone else.
Enjoy what you have, tomorrow you may not have anything. Including your life.
Jenn has quite a few regular readers I think, and it is often the commentaries that stimulate my mind. Read the comments after her "Neuro Nerds" posting.
I am saddened by many of the comments. I am sad that so many people will close themselves off from the possibility that there may be forces greater than ourselves in ultimate control of things.
I am sad that so many so-called believers have created such an atmosphere of animosity about religion.
I am a Christian by choice. I would consider myself to be evangelical, in that I am more than ready to explain the benefits I receive from having a relationship with "God." But I will not be lumped with those who refer to themselves as fundamentalists - I think they are missing the MOST fundamental point of Jesus Christ's message. When He was asked what is the most important commandment, He answered, "To love the Lord God with all your heart, mind and soul; the second is to love your neighbor as yourself."
It is my belief that ANYONE that loves God and is willing to live their life so that it reflects these commands- well that person is in relationship with God.
I cannot believe that God will honor the abortion clinic bomber or even the person who stands in front of that clinic shouting hatred at people going in for an amazingly difficult, anguishing choice.
I cannot believe that God will honor the Arab who bombs a market in His name, nor the TV evangelist who steals people's money and hopes.
I cannot believe that God will honor the SOB in the SUV with a Bush/Cheney and anti-abortion bumper stickers who cuts people off in traffic while listening to Rush, nor the child molester.
I cannot believe that God will honor the dishonest businessman(woman) who cheats, misrepresents and intentionally takes advantage of the poor, the undocumented (yes, illegal) workers or the undereducated, nor the murderer.
Anyway, you get the point.
But I suggest that the innate nature of humanity is to seek harmony with that which is greater than us. When we move closer to that harmony, the peace within allows one to deal with the challenges of life.
Calm down.
Take it easy.
Breathe.
Dream.
Love someone else.
Enjoy what you have, tomorrow you may not have anything. Including your life.
posted by Kurt at 4:25 PM
1 Comments:
First off, I have to say WOW! I didn't know I was a "regular read." That just makes my night here at work get off on a good start. Thank you so very much!
What you've said here I couldn't agree with more. If you notice I didn't say much in my comments. I was also a bit saddened by some of the comments. I myself am a strong believer in God. I don't practice one religion but I was raised Catholic and still have many of the beliefs. When I began my young adult years I started going to a Christian church. I feel that I am now Catholic/Christian. Many would say that's not "good" or can't be, but I believe it is. One small example is that Christian's don't usually pray to a Saint, I still do now and then. There are many more, that's just one. My mom is a dedicated Catholic and attends church regularly and then some. She knows that I'd rather attend a Christian church and has no problem with it whatsoever. She's taught us that as long as we have a relationship with God, that it's okay.
Anyhow, other than giving you a little of my history, there's not much more for me to say because I think you've pretty much covered it.
Thanks again for your kind words!
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