First off, I wanted to make a quick comment here. I got a response from my previous political oriented entry. This person had a different opinion on the topic of abortion, and made some excellent points (though I stand by my pro-abortion stance). The thing is, this person seemed afraid that somehow her comments might offend me. I’d just like to state for the record that, not only are the thoughts I express in these entries just my own personal opinions, I am by no means in any way offended to hear differing ones! If some of you disagree with what I say, I really don’t mind if you say so! Honestly, I believe everyone has a right to their own opinion, and I’m always glad to hear a different point of view on a subject. So don’t feel bad or reluctant to disagree with me. Heck, I’ll be more than happy to listen to your own thoughts on any one of these subjects! I might disagree with some of you, but that doesn’t mean I respect you any less. Just thought I’d make that clear before I dive into this newest journal entry.
Oh boy, this is a big one. The usual warnings apply to this entry.
Religion. Oh man, where should I start? Well first off, I’d like to say that religion is a damn good idea…in theory. I think that a lot of people truly do benefit from it. The world is a damn confusing place, and I think it helps to have a set of beliefs to help explain it all. Also, religions often set important guidelines; rules to live by that are often both smart and beneficial. Hell, I’m all for religion…..except for one tiny problem. A lot of people (both in the past and the present) take it way, way too far. They’ll pick and choose how to interpret their teachings, often in ways that frankly make no damn sense. A government official might stress the whole “thou shalt not kill” thing in order to convince people that abortion is wrong….while on the side they support the death penalty. What the hell? That makes no damn sense! Or they’ll pick certain parts out of the Bible and quote them in such a way to make it seem that homosexuals are “evil” and will go straight to hell! Worse, they’ll teach this belief in a damn church! How many young gay kids are there in the world that honestly believe that they’re “dirty” and are going to go to hell because of what some priest told them? Far too many. How many people out there have been convinced that some people are inherently inferior to them due to race, beliefs, or gender because of some story in a book? How many people have been killed because of this supposed “inferiority”? Religion gives people an excuse to practice and support intolerance, and to commit horrible acts all in the name of some God or another. People use religion to try and convince both themselves and others that they are somehow better than everyone else. That “God” gives them some right to force their personal opinions on the rest of the world. It pisses me off!
Personally, I don’t really believe in God. I believe something freakin weird is up with this Universe, and that there are certainly things beyond our understanding (what the hell is up with quantum physics?! It makes no God-damn sense!!!), but I don’t really believe in any “true” religion. But I won’t deny that everyone else is necessarily wrong either. Who knows? Maybe there is a God. Maybe He/She/It really will send me to some fiery place to suffer for all eternity because I don’t go to some church and pray. I’m not going to dwell on it though. I choose not to believe that, and that’s my choice. I choose to believe that there is not a single person on this planet that is automatically inferior to another simply because they’re different. Gender, race, sexual orientation, beliefs…..it doesn’t matter to me. As long as you make it a point to be nice to other people, you’re okay in my book. But when you let your personal beliefs blind you, let it guide your actions in ways that knowingly hurt other people…I can’t respect that.
Again, I’d like to say that religion is a good idea, and frankly a lot of people do need it. It helps them to cope with life, and gives them drive and focus. People shouldn’t stop believing in their faith….they just need to open up their minds a little. Believing in God/Gods/Spirits/Whatever isn’t wrong. I solute you for sticking to your beliefs! Just….try to keep a clear head, okay? Don’t use your faith as an excuse to hurt other people, and try not to let it alienate you from the rest of us. Everyone, no matter what they believe, deserves to be treated with respect. Try to keep that in mind.
P.S. I’ve got a lot more to say on the subject of religion, and its place in things like school and politics, but I’ll leave it at that for now.
One Comment
Branden, What a great post, I applaud you and your beliefs.
It is hard in this day and age to believe that people are still racist and discriminate against others for their thoughts.
It occurred to me the other day that every “Yes on Prop. 8″ sign I see int he front yard could almost be considered a “Hate Crime”. Pushing it a little, but that is the way I feel.
Can’t wait to read more from you on this subject.
David