A Religious Rant
I normally attempt not to stray into the forum of Religion or Politics while conversing. Many years of experience has taught me that having such discussions with people who are not like-minded is parallel to trying to give a rabid wildcat a bath! However, a post at Wendy’s blog has gotten my dander up, so I shall venture into the unknown.
As far as Religion goes, I tend to classify people into different groups…
We have people who worship the occult, Satan and such. I’m not even going to get into that because it’s just stupid.
Then we have the non-believer… the Atheist. My readings and conversations with such people have lead me to believe that not only are they devoid of religion, they generally despise the institution as a whole. I’ve heard comments such as “More people have been killed in the name of God than any other cause”. They are of course; referring to the very long history the human race has of murdering one another in an attempt to establish their particular beliefs as supreme. Ie… the Holy Wars, the Inquisition, the Taliban, etc…
One cannot deny that Atheists have a reasonable argument here. It frightens me that Religion can twist a persons sense of right and wrong to the point where he/she feels it’s the calling of God for them to commit such atrocities. I suppose I would counter this by saying that Religion, like any other establishment, has certainly been manipulated, but in it’s true form, is a wonderful thing. More than that, I see myself, as a complex being of thoughts and emotions, a soul. I simply cannot abide that I am no more than a network of biological functions which will cease to exist upon the moment of my death.
Next, we have what I refer to as the Religious Right. These are individuals who seem to be fanatical about their Religion. They have a very strict interpretation of their scripture and are 100% convinced that they have found the “Truth”. While the vast majority of this genre I have coined seems docile and content to live their lives in a humble manner with their newfound “enlightenment”, there are also extremists.
Extremist seem to feel God has obligated them to impose upon others a Religious viewpoint. A good example of this would be the Taliban in Afghanistan. Left unchecked, they had created a society whereas the populous didn’t so much fear the retribution of God as they did that of the ruling party. I believe we have a very similar issue with Muslim Extremist throughout the world. I think they see the rapid expanse of Western Culture as a threat to the core values of their religion and want to turn back the hands of time. Sadly, they have perverted their religion to somehow justify to themselves that killing innocent people is the way to go about it.
And finally, you have all the rest of us who fall somewhere in between the above groups. I am not an Atheist… I believe in God, I teach my children about God. We say the Lords Prayer at mealtime, we read from the Bible. I live my life attempting to do good unto others. I know right from wrong, I obey the laws of our land.
I’ve never had the epiphany that some claim whereas the light shone upon them and they came into immediate and complete understanding. I’m still searching for a lot of my answers. If it comes to nothing else, Religion for me is an outstanding value system to guide my life and raise my children.
What puzzles me about people that are fanatical about their religion is how they are constantly trying to dissect scripture and extract phrases and verse in an effort to prove their point of view. Even worse, judge you by it. I view a person’s relationship with God as extremely personal.
I’ve always resented the fact that there are organizations such as the A.C.L.U. That is trying to erase every trace of Christianity from our Society. In the same breath, I resent a Right Wing Christian trying to tell me what suitable reading material for my children is. I’ll be the judge of that, Thank You.
In the end, we’ll all either get judged… or simply cease to exist.
I don’t think its quite so easy to put things into categories and labels.
I personally don’t like the word religion, either.
Perhaps ‘belief’ is a better word. I suppose we all believe in something.
And for those who don’t like “religion” they would have something in common with how the Bible speaks of Jesus; He didn’t seem to care for the actions of the religious leaders of His day.
Seeking and searching for truth is a good thing, Mike. We all should, just in case…you know, we don’t cease to exist? Just in case there is an eternity? I think its worth an investment of time as we walk on this path and road of life here on earth.
Comment by Xerraire — July 24, 2005 @ 9:31 pm
Yeah Barb, I suppose I broke the politically correct rule of not “stereotyping”. But, I almost found it neccessary in order to get my point across. When we talk politics, we tend to categorize people into groups that reflect their views such as Conservatives, Liberals, Moderates, etc…
Blogging about Religion I found very difficult because my thoughts seem wonder off in way too many directions. I found it easier to apply these labels. Oh, and don’t forget that I was pissed off too!
Comment by Night Owl — July 25, 2005 @ 6:00 am
what was the post that had you so upset?
Comment by Xerraire — July 25, 2005 @ 6:59 am
Let me guess did this have something to do with
Harry Potter???
Comment by Stephanie — July 25, 2005 @ 7:25 pm
Oh Yeah, Happy Birthday…
Comment by Stephanie — July 25, 2005 @ 7:27 pm
Yeah, Stephanie got it right… a post at Wendy’s blog basically telling her that we are polluting our Children’s minds by letting them read HP.
Thanks for the Birthday wishes!!
Comment by Night Owl — July 25, 2005 @ 9:10 pm
Hi Mikie! …and a very happy 37th I must say!
I once knew a religious teacher who said that there are as many religions on the face of this earth as there are people. His meaning, of course, was that we are all searching for our own answers. What is right for me might not be right for you, or Wendy or Barb …. but by talking about the things that we believe in, we share our idea of “what is”.
In my humble opinion, Harry Potter is a celebration of immagination, and immagination is one of the most wonderful gifts that God has given us. I feel very sorry for anyone who doesn’t understand that.
Happy Birthday Dude!
Comment by Phyd — July 26, 2005 @ 12:49 am
Well said Phyllis!
Comment by Night Owl — July 26, 2005 @ 6:27 am
Ah, a Harry Potter comment. I thought perhaps was that or something closely related, but wasn’t sure.
I have to admit, and this may shock you, I have not read one HP book, and one attempt to see the first movie, I promptly fell asleep. The same with the second attempt to watch the first movie. I finally gave up. So I cannot judge what I think of either. The parts I remember from the movie seemed interesting enough (in spite of my falling asleep). I haven’t gone as far to not allow my children to read the books, Laura does, and both watched the movie the times I tried to (But fell asleep) *sigh*
I think in the Christian community there will always be difference of opinion on how we spend our entertainment time (and money). I suppose I would be judged harshly by some by the music I listen to. They could well be right, I suppose its a chance I am willing to take, as I get so much enjoyment from my music collection.
I remember growing up fighting with my parents about it. They didn’t want the likes of David Bowie and the Rolling Stones coming into the house. While they criticized them, and without missing a beat, I reminded them perhaps they should have a look at their (gangster ?) Frank Sinatra albums and (Honky Tonk) Hank Williams. I won the argument, and promptly bought my (then) vinyl albums to the amazement of the crowd at the store who had witnessed the (yes, loud) disagreement. I think I was all of 14.
This disagreement is far from over though, among Christians, and many don’t even like what is considered Christian Rock. They liken it to “Christian” cigarrettes, saying it’s all bad.
This issue of entertainmentis a very broad area, and we all have our personal feelings about it. What could be a horror to you is another’s wonderful form of entertainment.
I’d rather see less criticizing and more of an appreciation to the gifts God has given to these people.(Musicians, writers, etc.)And if you think they are using their gifts unwisely, try to reach them in Christian love if one is so moved to, and put your energies there. Real love wouldn’t provoke wrath, and perhaps nothing would ever be agreed on, but it sure is better than judging another, any REAL Christian knows, we’re not supposed to do that. Genuine love and concern seems fitting, with no tone of judgement. I would sure try to take the heartfelt concerns of someone seriously, if they thought they were trying to help me.
In the end, I think as parents, its prudent and wise to be careful, investigate carefully, and be a part of what our children do with their time, and its also good to be worthy in our example to them.
In my opinion, there is one Supreme Judge who we have to answer to. He is our Heavenly Father, He created us, He loves us. Our relationship to Him and our daily actions is a lot like parent child. Just our children are accountable to themselves and to us, we are accountable to ourselves and to Him. To a degree, perhaps we are accountable to each other in our concerns, but judgement, I don’t think ever. That’s for Him.
Comment by Xerraire — July 26, 2005 @ 12:17 pm
Yeah Ms. Barb, I grew up with the likes of 80’s Hair-Bands and freaks like Boy George. We are careful with our kids especially regarding some of the TV programming and violent video games.
I suppose what I disagree with most regarding some of the more “severe” Christians is that they seem to think that any form of Entertainment that doesn’t contain a solid Christain message is somehow corrupting to young minds. I on the other hand feel that a child can experience both spiritual and worldly entertainment and turn out just fine.
Comment by Night Owl — July 26, 2005 @ 9:26 pm