Today, I feel . . . 
Religion: a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. (dictionary.com)
There are many religions throughout the globe. Some more popular than others; some that many may not know even exist. But within each religion, there are variations of readings or speeches for them to feel as if they are the “master” religion. My question is why?
How many times have you been on a train or in a park, and someone stands up and preaches about how you are going to hell because of who or what you believe in. I can’t even tell you how bad my ears burn from turning up my ipod every time that had happened to me.
It’s understandable to show pride in your religion as it is to show pride in your nationality. No one should ever be ashamed or feel threatened to be who they are. The ones who feel as if they are better than everyone else seem very insecure about them selves and use their religion as a step-up.
I have a close circle of friends and we are all of different religious backgrounds. Some even consider following more than one religion, as others tend to follow no religion at all. We don’t look at each other as categories, we see what’s inside the person and judge by that.
So, my question still stands. Why? Why do you think you’re better than me? Because you read it in a book? Because your religious leader told you so? What do you think gives you the right to tell me where I’m going when I die. When I die, I’ll be dead. That’s all. If heaven exists, great; if not, it’s been a good life.
It’s coming to the point where religion isn’t just having the comfort of faith; in the knowing of a greater power, but a competition. People have died because of what they believe in. Innocent people have lost their lives because they stand up for themselves and you feel threatened, yet they’ve done nothing to you, but you’re afraid they will.
That’s what it all comes down to; fear. Afraid of the unknown; so to get rid of that fear, you get rid of that “problem”. Well, for those who think that way, maybe you’re the problem.
I know I can’t speak for everyone, and I’m not trying to. This is my opinion, and an opinion is a statement that can’t be judged. It can be argued, but it’s not right or wrong. Some people may even agree with me, but are too afraid to speak up. Didn’t you know, it’s dangerous to speak your mind or have an opinion on just about anything?
What scares me the most is that my children may have to hide their faith because someone may not agree with them. I was once bullied as a child for my faith. Although, I never spoke of it, and dressed like any normal elementary school student, they knew I did religious studies after school and of course didn’t agree with my religion, because it wasn’t theirs.
Thinking back on that, to this day parents actually teach their children to judge other children by religion as well as nationality and color. It’s as if they’re picking out the “sick” kids and staying away from them because you may catch something, like a really bad case of tolerance.
There are many people who, like me, have been fed the lines of their religion being the all and powerful, but I have a hard time believing that. Even my family has told me about the hardships we’ve been through as a people and how we are the religion. But then I think to myself, if I really start acting like I’ve been taught and believe that my religion beats all of yours, then I’m no better than the kids who made my life a miserable at the age of 8.
I’m not saying I’m giving up my faith, I’m actually very proud of who I am, but that doesn’t mean that your faith is any less important. And by writing this, I don’t feel that this makes me a better person, just one that was able to get this off of her chest. You can disagree with me, heck you can hate me for all I care. But that doesn’t make you better than me.
And to think, this all came to me after watching an episode of Law & Order . . .
And now . . . ISHKABIBBLE!
Ahhhhh . . . I LOVE IT! Major props to Greg Benson!
What the voices tell me