Religion... now there's a hot topic.
FIRST LET'S SAY... religion does comfort many believers and gives them a sense of well-being both in this life and after death. Believers find great emotional comfort especially during traumatic events or tragedy. So there is a great benefit to humans and their emotional well being.
Remember that key word emotional.... not to be confused with rational.
Why is religion hot topic? Because of all the religions, to all different people, to all different beliefs... to all the different interpretations, and all the way beliefs are applied, there is always going to be controversy. Why controversy? The biggest reason... Some can not accept some one elses religion and leave them alone... and there are always those trying to force their beliefs upon others. In essence... every... yes every religion has tried to force their beliefs upon others in some way or another. Be it out right violence, prejudice, persecution, or simply influencing government to make laws, based on their religious beliefs, to be imposed on society as a whole. It's history... It's a fact. And basically religious philosophy is that the end justified the means... or at least that's how religion justifies judgement of others, prejudice towards others, persecution of others, the need to exert power and control on others. Religion is based on beliefs, not facts, and is governed by emotions. Emotions that make you feel good about yourself and your life, but emotions that make you judge others, and emotions that make followers believe that there's is the one true religion, and all others should be condemned. Now that's controversy at its most prevalent.
FACT: There will always be an element in all religions that seeks to force it's beliefs and will upon all that don't believe as they do. And there will always be those that are passive, don't force their religion anyone, but passively watch as their religion, enacted by others, seek to force their beliefs upon others... without voicing opposition. And there enlies the greatest controversy in history. Contradictory beliefs within each religion. No one religion can accept any other religion... or lack there of.
The fringe of religions... Their are those that lead very religious lives, yet do many things that are against their religion. There are those that lead extremely non religious lives, yet faced with tragedy, ruin to religion for comfort. Thus creating numerous inconsistencies both inside and outside of the religious concept.
Even religious text is not only contradictory in itself, but buy modern social standards many aspects are not acceptable in today's society. So exactly what is acceptable and what is not? Well, depending on the degree of religious conviction, its a pick and choose in varying degrees of what is acceptable verses what is written in religious text. Now there's a recipe for questioning, misunderstandings, and even more controversy. So where's the line? Virtually any where you wish to draw it. Of course there are always explanations to justify and rationalize this pick and choose mentality of what should be believed, and what applies to the written word in today's society. Confused... you bet.
So what does the average person do with all these issues and inconsistences in all the numerous religions? You either diluted yourself to rationally explain and deal with all the inconsistences and controversy clinging to your beliefs... or walk away from all of it.
In any event... the concept of live and let live is lost on religions. And there enlies the biggest controversy ruled by emotional beliefs ... coupled with countless inconsistences both in interpretation and what of the written text applies.
History is full of facts, and of all the controversy over numerous countless religions that have led to war and millions of deaths... who have to question... has religion been the savoir of humanity, of the root of all evil?
But that's for you to decide for yourself. Believe as you will, that's your right & freedom. Hopefully with the conviction to live & let live.
No wonder so many simply walk away.
There is a great part, a greater attraction to religious beliefs on a personal level... But there is the crux of the problems... it never remains a personal thing. Religions don't even abide by their own teachings. Not to judge others, condemn others, persecute others and throughout history, as well as evident today... if you do not share their beliefs you will face all the condemnation and persecution as if they were advocates of God. Everyone has the right to religious freedom... not the right to deny others their religious freedom... or for that matter, freedom from religion.
All the positive attributes that make people moral, caring, sympathetic, and loving are falsely claimed by religion. Therefore, If you are not religious, than you can not have morals....and therefore should be condemned. There's is something seriously wrong with this thinking. To me this is completely backwards.... You do not have to be religious to have morals, be a good person, be kind to others... despite what religion would have you believe. In fact, what religion would shout the loudest at the top of their voice, is exactly the opposite of what they exhibit by their actions. Growing up I was taught that atheist would burn in hell for not being religious, and not believing in god. Why? Simply because they were outside the accepted doctrine of the church... and they did not believe in the church teachings. What a world of hate and division has been created by religions.
How is all this justified by the church? There's always an explanation under the banner of gods will, beyond our comprehension... you simply blindly must believe... and question nothing.
Today's issues on the forefront of persecution by religions... abortion... gay rights... capital punishment as well as many other issues that despite the constitutional concept of separation of church & state. Religion uses the utmost influence that they can bring to bear to influence government policy and laws... forcing religious beliefs upon everyone.
I'm always amazed how many people run to religion in times if tradgey. They will lead their entire life outside religion, but run to in to find comfort and consolation in times if tragedy.
To each his own beliefs and personal convictions... they should remain personal.
Want to condemn someone? Condemn the religious leaders that advocate everything that you claim your religion is not about... but you let do the clandesant work to further undermine and divide society, cause social unrest, promote prejudice in the name of religion.
Live & let live... a simple concept... lost on religion. So why do people not get involved with religion? Because the negative side of religions is its own worse enemy.
