One Of Those Conversations

Today I had an interesting conversation with a friend about faith, religion and spirituality.  For those who know me well, you know I had something to say.  There were disagreements, but with friends (or shall I say, certain friends), you have to agree to disagree because no matter what, I do believe common ground can be found.

I might not believe in your God, but there are other things we might possibly have in common – love, friendship and humanity come to mind that will nurture our friendship, keeping it healthy, strong and thriving. We all believe in something and if it’s positive, healing and all inclusive, count me in!

Growing up in the fundamentalist faith, I know the cult mentality all too well. Everyone at our church looked fairly normal, but there were secrets, too many. On occasion, apocalyptic Biblical predictions took center stage. The God we worshipped appeared narcissistic and negative, a real Debbie Downer. Sadly, tragedy and suffering also took center stage because they were a prerequisite to spiritual growth (this I will never understand).

Cult life didn’t suit me because I find the behavior typical and boring.  My mind needed something more.  Books became my savior and I have never looked back.  I prefer facts to fiction and truth to embellishment.

Authentic self-expression is one of the most fundamental needs and joys of being human. Don't allow anyone to rob you of it, and at the same time open your mind and heart to something greater than what you’ve been told. Be a truth seeker. 

It’s important to study the world’s religions.  Curiosity should have you making comparisons.  I am not a fan of religion, but appreciate aspects of Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism. – paerki 

I had written the following on January 15, 2013 and it’s worthy of a repost.

This is your religion.  Believe what I say.  Ask no questions.  So many were raised this way.  Our heads were filled with a mishmash of information, controlling minds and for what?

I would have appreciated learning more about all faiths, instead of being told – this is bad, and this bad, etc., but what was good?!  Evangelicalism is good because it’s the only way to get into heaven.  Talk about disillusionment.  One thing is certain, with me there was no way I could conform to organized religion.  How could I?  There was no place for me, or so I thought.

It took years, but I’ve been deprogrammed, able to think for myself.  If there is a heaven, kindness will get me there and so will honesty.  Believing in myself and thinking for myself will get me there, too.  I now know that truth trumps heritage and tradition.

More often than not, religion feeds on fear, but not science.  It’s unemotional and impartial, and at times cold, but it’s never empty.  It demands we ask questions, thus finding answers – real answers.  Science offers hope and truth, but we must be willing to accept the outcomes.

The beauty of science is it proves how connected we are to the universe.  Christianity does no such thing.  It gives us God, teaching us to ignore our reality because what matters most is what is to come, that we’ll be taken some place to live forever, but dare call it the afterlife.

How can you ignore reality?  Why would you not do all you can to make this world good, and not just for yourself, but for others?  Do you ever ask, "Would my God approve?"  Would he approve of my waste?  Overindulging?  Judgments?  Manipulation?  Greed? I’m amazed at how good we are at rationalizing the outcomes, which aids in our ability to thrive.  We justify because we want to be "God worthy".  Yes, we are good at deceiving God, so we think, for all intents and purposes.

I can appreciate faith, but loathe followers for twisting God’s purported words, picking and choosing what scriptures to follow to suit an unscrupulous need, which often feeds an ugly alter ego.  We’ve got to make someone feel smaller, so that we can feel taller – stronger.

I do believe in something greater than this universe, but it’s not the God so many have beguiled.  Current institutions of faith preach fear, perhaps not all, but most.  They must advance with the times if we are to move forward and grow as a nation.

I know if I’m good in this life, I have nothing to fear going forward.  It’s time we learn to be good to one another.  Moderation is key.  No longer can it be them against us.  There is a mandate for equality, and history proves just how unkind we’ve been.  Do you want to talk about how we bamboozled Native Americans?  Enslaved African Americans?  Acted too late during the Holocaust?

If you’re the type of person believing the Newtown massacre, Hurricane Katrina, and other violent atrocities (natural or manmade) are acts of God because of the advancement of gay rights – you are not God worthy, and I fear you just as much as I fear people like Jared Loughner or Adam Lanza.  And, if you can’t respect other religions, and those of us who question faith or the nonbelievers because you think your religion is the only one to lead the way, you’re not God worthy.

I’m not mapping out a plan to be God worthy, but worthy of those I live with – mankind collectively, doing my part to raise America’s social consciousness, while keeping this beautiful planet thriving environmentally for future generations, because if I do that… If my heart is in the right place, I’ll be God worthy, and so will you. – paerki