“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.”
--Albert Einstein--
“To believe in God or in a guiding force because someone tells you to is the height of stupidity. We are given senses to receive our information within. With our own eyes we see, and with our own skin we feel. With our intelligence, it is intended that we understand. But each person must puzzle it out for himself or herself.”
--Sophy Burnham--
“The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.”
--Sir Richard Francis Burton--
To everyone out there that reads my blog, I wish you a merry Christmas, happy Kwanzaa, or happy Hanukah. My article will be very brief. We live in a country that is overwhelmingly Christian. There is nothing wrong with being a Christian nation. However, there is something wrong with acting contrary to the values that are espoused by the gospel of Christ.
This time of the year many of “us” Christians try to be more caring, giving, and understanding towards our fellow man and woman than we are during the rest of the year. Well, in keeping with that tradition, I would like to create a little food for thought. Is religion being used to divide people in this country?
Throughout history religion has played a big part in helping governments to keep the masses in check. Unfortunately, Christianity has been used to that end as well. Although religion was central in many aspects of our country’s development, our constitution prohibits the intermingling of church and state. Well that has not stopped unscrupulous and immoral people from using religion to divide, scapegoat, and/or mobilize certain segments of the population for the purposes of getting elected or selling something. I may be going out on a limb, but I am certain that Jesus Christ is not a republican or democrat and I am also certain that he does not endorse coke, pepsi, or any other product or service.
I am not going to use this article to lecture or judge. I just want to provoke thought. I have always said that there is a difference between having faith in god and having faith in a religion. The love of God can motivate a person to save a life, even if it means that they must sacrifice their own, but the love of a religion can motivate someone to take a life allegedly in the name of God.
It takes less wisdom, strength, and creativity to tear something down than it does to build something up. Many people believe today is the day of our savior’s birth and therefore many celebrate this day as a holy day. We also maintain a tradition in this country that we should exhibit “good will toward man kind.” Well, maybe we should take some time to rethink our priorities and figure out a way to promote understanding, love, togetherness, and patience. After reading the gospel, it is my understanding that Jesus Christ would like that.
Recent Comments