My childhood Bible . . .
MY THOUGHTS ON RELIGION
Religion is something I struggle with every single day. I’m not talking about doubts regarding the existence of God—of that I have no doubt: He exists and He answers prayer. What I struggle with has more to do with my healthy concern as to whether or not I’m on the right path, and my serious disappointment (that’s putting it very mildly) regarding some of the attitudes and behavior exhibited by many as they practice religion.
Normally I’m an extremely quiet and private person in regard to religion. So much so, that a lot of people assume that I’m either agnostic or atheist. In fact, I am neither: I believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the power of prayer—I’m just very low-key about it. I was raised in the Protestant tradition—specifically, the Baptist tradition—but I haven’t been a member of any church for the past thirty-five years and I don’t currently align myself with any particular denomination. I made this choice a long time ago and I stand by my decision today. Although I’m saddened at times by the isolation that accompanies such a choice, I believe it to be the appropriate one—based on what I’ve seen and heard over a long period of time, and who I am as a person. Please allow me to expand some on this.
For the record, I take religion dead seriously. I hold practitioners of organized religion—be they laypersons or leaders—to a very high standard: a standard which is not often met. As far as I’m concerned, if you preach something to others, you better darned well believe and practice it yourself, and you darned well better be right about it.
In no way do I intend the following to be a blanket condemnation of organized religion, but over the years I’ve witnessed far, far too much smug, self-righteousness (confidence is good, self-righteousness is not), hypocrisy, false piety, greed, racism, intolerance and out-of-hand dismissal of those who are different, by “religious” folk and “religious” institutions. I want no part of association with such things, even if it means isolation from a group. I don’t think this is what the practice of religion should be about.
I’m not perfect—not even close. I’m no religious role model, but I try hard to behave as I believe—to walk the talk, if you will. You’ll never catch me claiming to have all the answers (because I don’t) and you’ll never catch me blindly trusting those who say they do know all there is to know about God and how others should live their lives.
So what do I think, personally? Let me begin with saying that, philosophically speaking, I’m inclusive: I believe that no single camp, faction, or brand-name has the monopoly on God. As I believe there is more than one path to approach The Divine, I expect to encounter people of many faiths and practices when I eventually reach Heaven. Related: I don’t believe God is wasteful. I don’t see him damning masses of good people—most of His creation, in fact—to eternal hell because they didn’t practice religion according to a certain set of rules laid out by “man.” In practice I’m nonsectarian, spiritual, and private. My beliefs are personal; my relationship with God is personal as well. I firmly believe that attempting to live a good life and trying to do the right thing counts—and that it counts for a lot. Having said these things, I fully realize that, to many, I’m not everyone’s idea of what a Christian should be. To be honest, I’m perfectly fine with that: it’s God, not man, who gets to define what I am . . . and what my fate will be for it.
a Christmas gift from my parents, long ago
I invite comment.
ADDENDUM – January 2, 2012
I’m adding the following quote from novelist, Jack McDevitt, to this, my Religion page. It appears in his work, Firebird (an Alex Benedict novel). It’s extremely well written and expresses my thoughts exactly. Chapter 24 of Firebird begins with these words:
The essential problem with our beliefs is that we tend to fall in love with them. They become a part of who we are, and we defend them in the face of all contrary evidence. They are the rock on which we base our identity. I cannot help but think how much less damage would be done were we to view them rather as pliable clay, tentative conclusions subject to revision when more evidence arrives on the scene.
Well said, Mr. McDevitt!
Thanks so much for visiting http://www.diabeticredemption.com and for Liking my post. I am so grateful that this post was available on the email introducing you to me — I’ve had myriad experiences with the churches of humanity, and I have decided that they are not the places for me to be faithful. Still, I’ve been considering attending the church of a friend, just for company — your post reminds me of all the reasons I left “religion” in the first place. Thanks for helping me cement my decision in my heart.
Hi Judith, it’s good to know you! I enjoy your blog—you are a prolific writer, aren’t you! I’m glad you liked my “religion” page. I put a lot of thought into it—and I meant what I said regarding religion is something I struggle with everyday. I intend to come by and post on your “friends” page as soon as time permits—I think it’s a great idea to have such a page! I look forward to reading more of your work! Take care!
Hi George, I happened onto your blog quite by accident. I saw your 71 Cutlass on Freshly Pressed and loved reading your story. I decided to check out your thoughts on religion and found it very much mirrored my own. I’ve only just started a blog so replying to yours is just about my first! I have been all round the houses in my search for God and now I conclude He is perfectly able to come looking for me and He does in wonderful ways. The only thing I can say after years in “reformed” Baptist set ups is that I believe rather firmly in two things that I don’t think will ever change and that is God’s Grace and His Love. Reading The Shack by Wm Paul Young several months ago when a friend sent it to me seemed to change my perception of everything religious. A lot of hard line Christians pooh pooh that book but it was an answer to prayer for me. It opened up my heart again after it had well nigh been crushed by people who stand under this umbrella or that one all in the name of Christ but terribly judgemental and determined to have all within reach looking up through the same telescope. I was born and brought up in Southern Indiana but have lived in England now for 35 years. Nice going on that blog! Keep it up, you are a good writer by my estimation! I like your honesty. Lindy
Thank you for your post that caught my eye. I am a old soldier that is working his way back to being a civilian by the grace of God. I am a very closed minded Christian and stubborn. With that being said I really enjoyed what I’ve read and look forward to reading more. Thank you again!
I agree with your view that people who seem to be following religion in its spirit happen to be self-righteous and look down upon others who don’t practice religious rituals on regular basis. They become the judges.
Nice blog.
I am so happy that I read this and that there are people out there that feel like I do
The biggest thing that I struggle with is keeping my views quiet. I’m private because I’m just sick of the arguements between religious people and I want NO part in it. My favorite thing that you said was that you don’t believe God would condem so many people just because they did not practice a religion the “correct” way. Some people are so isolated in their part of the world that they don’t know that there are people in other countries that are just as wonderful and special as they are practicing the “wrong” religion. Keep it up!
To me There is one god…and religions are just paths to reach out to him….and sometimes when following the religion of your choice people get confused and end up listening to something which would take them ages away from god…
the moment you hear your preacher teach hatred for any other person/religion run..run for your life….cos faith in God should build faith in humanity, make you calm and happy and not fill you with rage…
Soma: I agree with you 100%! “Truth is one; sages call it by various names,” is one of my favorite sayings!
And yes, worship of The Divine should be positive and build humanity, not tear it down!
I was raised a Southern Baptist and struggled with what they taught for as long as I can remember. I felt so guilty about questioning them because a person who questions is a person without faith. My disillusionment with organized religion peaked when I was attending a private, Christian university. We had to go to student-led chapel three times a week. Our student leaders (seminary students, usually) would get in front of us and preach during the week. On the weekends, they’d have drunken parties. This hypocrisy really hurt my faith. I was done with trying to be perfect so I turned my back on Christianity and started searching for something else to believe in.
I started reading books about EVERY philosophy/religion. I followed the teachings of Buddha for a while. I went to Temple on the Sabbath. I meditated and walked in nature. I tried everything that I could to find a place where I fit.
Then I realized that I didn’t HAVE to fit. My relationship with the Universe was mine and nobody else’s. I believe, as you do, that we all have our own paths to the Divine and it is presumptive to say one path is greater than another.
I am very excited to have found your blog and look forward to being a curious stranger.
Greetings, Elizabeth! Glad to know you!
To my way of thinking, you hit the cosmic nail right on its cosmic head with your statements, “Then I realized that I didn’t HAVE to fit. My relationship with the Universe was mine and nobody else’s.” Again, as far as I’m concerned you are right on target!
God is there for you if you want God. You don’t need to ask permission from any fellow mortal or join any particular “club” in order believe, worship, show respect, and live as a good & decent person. We are capable of approaching God on our own—and I think that’s the way that actually “counts.”
In the beginning of your comment you talked about early guilt regarding asking questions. NEVER be afraid to ask questions: I seriously, seriously doubt that God wants us to be dumber-than-a-box-of-rocks-lemming-type-followers.
Thank you for this first comment; I hope you’re going to be a regular here!
Um…yes. YES. You’ve put into words what I feel almost perfectly, though our backgrounds were different. More reason to read The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon!
Thank you! I tried hard to be as sincere as possible regarding my feelings on this subject.