My Thoughts on Relgion
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Yes, yes, I misspelled the title, so sue me, kill me, rate me...whatever. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs-that's my number one rule which, I admit, is a difficult one for me to stick to from time to time. Still, it's my number one rule. Even if you were to worship broccoli, that's what you’re entitled to do and it doesn't make it wrong. Weird, but not wrong. Knowing how sensitive some people are about their religious beliefs, I'm going to use a disclaimer: this blog is not intended to offend of any religions at anytime, hell, it may digress onto another topic all together because this is a very unpleasant one for me, we'll wait and see. First off, let me start off by saying that I do believe in God I'm just not that fundamental about my beliefs. I don't believe in the accuracy of all dogmatic religious rules from texts assembled by men after being spread word of mouth for centuries. For example, it’ll be the day when I'm subservient to a man and I bet that one rule was an embellishment.
When you talk about religion, atheism too (yes you hard-wired preachy atheists! You're religious too since atheism is the practice of disbelief in God), for me the question is not whether God exists or not, nor is about a set of fundamental rules that govern it (rules are good as long as they're fair, essential, and feed an even greater purpose which excludes all forms of hatred and war mongering and focuses on the greater truth of love), it's about the existence of spirituality. We can all obey rules after all, we have rules wherever we go, spirituality (in my opinion) doesn't belong to a religious institution, it exists in the soul and excludes the nuts and bolts of the brain. It's more, it's about seeing God and worshiping him in everyday existence-seeing him in a golden moon and worshiping its illuminating corona reflecting off the sun, it’s about giving that starving kid circling the parking lot on a bicycle a five dollar bill to buy a happy meal at McDonalds without strings attached (such as an invitation to join ones church), it's about praising your kids; your spouse; your neighbors, everyone and everything (yes it's hard for me to do especially towards vitriolic people). And, in my opinion, it's not about pestering people into conversion nor being told you can't do anything at all because of verse this or verse that or verse the other. I mean, who's going to listen to that anyway? Some of it may be right but it’s already drilled in me and doesn't connect to my soul.
I also believe science cannot be avoided. Scientist back up their claims with empirical scientific evidence done with mathematical precision with evidence taken from the everyday, physical, viewable world. For example they've carbon-dated artifacts, used a cornucopia of chemicals to verify their hypothesizes, they've used study groups (hopefully in an ethical way) to test their findings and the list goes on. But does that mean that I believe religion and science are exclusive? No, I believe the physical and metaphysical world can be co-existent. After all, questions that the religious, metaphysical realms can't answer can be answered by the nuts and bolts of the scientific, physical realms and what the scientific, physical realms can't explain, the religious, metaphysical realms fill in the gaps. Some scientific theories go hand in hand with religion such as evolution. Yes, we humans evolved, so the bible tells me so as well as scientific literature, it just took a little longer than 44 days and 44 nights...it was a process. And, yes we started out as dirt. We started out as dirt, evolved into fish, then evolved into mice, then apes...then voilà! A beautiful species created by God.
I hope that my little hub about my own beliefs doesn't insult anyone. We're all entitled to our beliefs and it's a shame when people take another person's opinion personally (unless it's a flagrant insult, downright enmity, and most of all prejudice).
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Comments
Thanks ColdWar! What is your philosophy by the way, atheist? I definitely understand where atheists are coming since religions tend to cause the worst problems...I'm still figuring it out. However, the point of my hub is that religion isn't necessary to believe in God
Well Writer Rider, since you so kindly ask, I do not believe in intelligent design. I don’t think there was ever some creature, god or whatever one wants to call it, which created everything for reasons known only to itself.
If there was, I fail to see how anyone could consider the design to be born of intelligence. Any being that would intentionally create a mess like this would be more sadistic than anything else.
I suppose it’s possible that some mad alien scientist created an experiment that resulted in what we know as reality. That’s no less likely than the concept of god IMHO.
Either way you go, there are still more questions than answers. I actually kind of like it like that.
If you choose god and assert that it created everything, then I demand to know where god came from.
If you choose science and work everything out, back to the singularity from which the universe was born, then I demand to know where the singularity came from.
So clearly, neither religion nor science can satisfy my demands.
But at least science is trying. No matter how much science knows, it always wants to know more.
Religion on the other hand, is content to know nothing and simply accept anything that happens to be the divine will of some celestial being who is obviously completely irrational if not stark raving mad.
I have much more faith in science than I have in faith. Nevertheless, I think it’s likely that the universe will grow cold and succumb to the final embrace of heat death long before anyone finds all the answers.
Actually, long before that, the human race will vanish from existence and the universe won’t even notice.
I hope this little off-the-cuff synopsis of my views on religion and science didn’t put you to sleep. But hey, you asked for it!
There is no way to Peace. Peace is the Way.
Very good points Coldwar (your opinions are always intriguing), it does seem cold, but the way I look at it if there's a prime creator whose not interested in enslaving his people, he'd give them free will. Freewill to think, freewill to act, freewill to do a host of damage to the human race- we can do what we see fit though it might not be what's right. With that freewill comes responsibility...karma if you will so inevitably everything balances out. That's just assuming there's a prime creator. Unfortunately our karma as a country is long overdue and I hope I never experience it since I live my life in a good way and don't want to take responsability for others people's actions. Hopefully the U.S will pull out of this mess.
I understand your concept Writer Rider.
Assuming there were such a creator, who wanted its creation to have "free will", do you imagine that creator would then also demand worship, adulation and absolute obedience under threat of eternal damnation for any reticence?
Seems a bit hypocritical of god to have such an attitude!
As far as amerika "pulling out of this mess", I no longer have any hope that is was ever the intention of Obama to bring about any real change.
This is the Project for the New Third World Amerika we're seeing.(the new name I made up for what's going on, paraphrasing Project for the New American Century)
Gated and guarded "green zones" for the ultra-rich, "red zones" of shanty towns and abject poverty for everyone else.
IT'S EASY TO IMAGINE A FUTURE IN WHICH GROWING NUMBERS OF CITIES HAVE THEIR FRAIL AND LONG-NEGLECTED INFRASTRUCTURES KNOCKED OUT BY DISASTERS AND THEN ARE LEFT TO ROT, THEIR CORE SERVICES NEVER REPAIRED OR REHABILITATED.
THE WELL-OFF, MEANWHILE, WILL WITHDRAW INTO GATED COMMUNITIES, THEIR NEEDS MET BY PRIVATIZED PROVIDERS. SHOCK DOCTRINE by Naomi Klein
Have you read the book?
Coldwar, no that's a man made concept in my opinion. Some will go to heaven or hell if, say, there is one based purely on our deeds and efforts to love (as defined to be the ultimate good). That is not because we are so called "worthy" to make it to heaven or hell but because we're evolved enough spiritually as an individual to be able to go to heaven (purely speculatively of course), if, say, there is a heaven or hell. There very well could be neither or they could be something different than we all expect (for example they could be co-existing with us on this planet). So, if we have a free will then it's up to us to evolve spiritually (not as in a belief in God, but as good people) as individuals. People can kneel until their knees start bleeding without evolving unless they learn peace and love. Atheists who are peaceful and loving have a much greater chance of going to heaven than pious, vitriolic, violent, sinful Christians (no offence meant to anyone). That's if, say, there is a God as well as heaven and hell.
As far as Obama is concerned, I'm going to wait one more year for him to prove himself. The cabal does seem to exist and hopefully they're not influencing his politics. I might have read Naomi Klein, in college not sure. I'll pick up her work and read it. Thanks for the tip.
This, of course, is not inclusive of all Christians people so don't take it as an insult. However, a certain experience has thrown me a curve ball so I'm left to piece together a picture of what truth is.
Well, I like to believe that god is everywhere and present in everything and everybody.
That's true Anamika, thanks for commenting. It's difficult to see God in everyone but I guess that's part of our mission, finding the good in everyone. I wish I was strong enough where that'd come easy.
"the point of my hub is that religion isn't necessary to believe in God" - on that I agree with you totally! I believe in God but have no need for religion at all!
Thanks for commenting Bard. Yes, God isn't religion but religion can be a pathway to God. Those who have no need for further teaching, who have gained a certain level of benevolence and who have a loving soul have no need for religion, in my opinion. Proof of that is in the number of doubt whatevers who attend mass, temple, and other religious institutions because of a guilty conscience. But then, some may not need religion but go anyways.
We are on the same page. I believe in God, but its not a pleasant relationship. I'm mad at him right now and I don't need any preacher telling me different.
I hear you GT! You're in that point in your life where you feel God has let you down because nothing is going right. I've been there myself, here's hoping positive things start happening for you. You know, you'll always have your writing and your writing is very good. You should consider publishing a book.
Writer Ryder: "You're religious too since atheism is the practice of disbelief in God..."
Atheism is not a religion. One cannot practice "disbelief". As an atheist I have made up my mind. And until there is factual evidence for the existence of god, I don't need to practice anything.
"After all, questions that the religious, metaphysical realms can't answer can be answered by the nuts and bolts of the scientific, physical realms and what the scientific, physical realms can't explain, the religious, metaphysical realms fill in the gaps"
Why do the gaps need to be filled in. It's better to say we don't know, than to make things up.
Tricia....you are so right!
Writer you make a good point about science and its evidence, but Tricia makes a good point about the gaps. Gaps are there because we do not know the answers. To come up with a story with no factual basis seems illogical.
I do however agree that a person should be able to and can worship broccoli if they so choose. Everyone has a right to believe whatever they want, and I am not going to tell them they are wrong or dumb for it. BUT, at least one can see and hold a piece of broccoli and see that it actually does exist!
I feel unqualified to speak out in view of the extremely well-thought-out dialogue between you and ColdWarBaby. I was raised Catholic and have made my peace with organized religion--I find comfort in its rituals, but I am not a Catholic in the eyes of a true Catholic. I believe in a God, I believe God gave us free will, but I also believe God gets involved sometimes, whether it is with Moses, Noah, or Jules and Vincent in Pulp Fiction (sorry, I couldn't resist including their profanity-laced definition of a miracle at the end of the movie). I believe God has intervened in my life, but I can't accept the "Praise to the Lord" comments offered up by athletes upon winning a basketball or football game. I have talked with God on the ride home from work many, many times. I have given thanks when something has gone my way, although I don't always remember to.
I also find it easy to accept that God can work in scientific ways--science versus religion was never an issue for me. Perhaps this comfort with religion isn't all that thought out on my part, but I think we need something to believe in bigger than ourselves.
Nice post, very thought-provoking. And, no sweat on mis-spelling religion. I once left the "R" out of the word "first", and everyone wondered what it was like to live on the "fist" floor.
Thanks for the responses everyone, I'll answer them tommorow.
Tricia, even dictionary.com says it's a religion http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/atheism. In fact I was taught it in school as well. As for filling in gaps, all I can say is that sometimes the physical really can't explain everything...like love, that's undefinable and spirituality (not religion) works in the same way. It's a feeling that there is something higher than yourself and that can't be explaned on a physical level. And perhaps things can be explain, but it takes looking beyond the physical, limited level.
You guys have great points. C.Ferreira, perhaps those stories were mean't as parables and/or loose conveying or interpretations of a phenomena that took place. For example, when they say Moses separated the water so Jewish people could flee Egypt, maybe he just built a boat.
Mike, I was also risen a Catholic and, I guess, still am. The rituals can be comforting but I have a hard time digesting everything. God has also intervened in my life and left me with a larger puzzle to piece together.
Hiya Got into a situation myself, a whole lot of us were arguing, it got out of hand.
I think its all in how you take it. I never mean anything personally, but some people are just such dorks, you have to say something.
I will say what I say to the others just walk away if you don't like what you see. It isn't actually arguing per cest it is usually one ignoramous, says omething someone like me jumps on him, and then then it takes off from there It can't be personal as we generally don't know each other.
Are you French, you accidentally said "cest" instead of "say." You might not know them, badgirl, but there's a person behind that screen so I believe it does count. I really don't know what went on, but we can all practice self-control and filter our arguments. I mean, what's the point behind saying whatever you want if it achieves a negative result?
This hub made some very good points. Whereas some overly religious types may be way too pushy in telling others what to believe, I have also observed the same behavior of gung ho atheists. Everyone is entitled to believe what they want to believe, but atheists who claim a person cannot be enlightened until they accept that God is a myth are just as confrontational as religious fundamentalists who insist people must believe. Very well thought out hub!
Thanks SweetiePie, I'll comment on this tommorow.
SweetiePie, yes, thanks. I tend to find that atheists are just as gun-ho as religious zealots because both are convinced about the accuracy of their beliefs. It seems that people on the extreme fringes of philosophy tend to be that way. In a way, being extreme helps propigate a cause, though everything tends to fall in the middle eventually. People tend to be annoying about their beliefs these days (and by annoying I mean pushy) and I blame 9/11 for that. It's seems overnight America became radical when the twin towers fell.
Writer Rider, I believe that God is the master creater and don't mind being submissive to my husband. He has NEVER exploited that place in my life. I always joke that I am the decision maker, because he let's me be! But, in reality I respect and trust his decision making and rarely does he ever override my wishes, and it is for a good reason, ALWAYS. We have been together for 30 years and married 23 years. I do respect the choices other people make and I hate racism. God expects me to treat people as I would want to be treated. I believe all religions have their zealots that go overboard and can become pushy and even violent. But I think over all most people just want to peacefully exist together. It is getting those who would rather kill and die themselves for their belief that we need to try and do something about, they are ruining it for everyone else.
Well, here is where we can agree to disagree. I have never considered myself below any man and never will. In a relationship I'd only be happy in a partnership or the chemistry (at least on my part) would fizzle...so I choose to be with a man who's my equal. To me, marriage is about sharing love, friendship, and children and I must admit, I don't source the bible here. The bible is a collection of stories that were spread word of mouth for centuries and the authors probably interjected their own personal opinion which ran current with the cultural trend back then, though if it works for you, than good for you, I'm happy for you. You're entitled to be submissive...I know it's not in my biological makeup.
Everything falls in the middle eventually. Maybe that's where everything is meant to be.
I studied many religions when I was in college and on a number of occasions, was practically pushed into converting to Catholicism when my family and I immigrated to America. Fortunate for us, we were able to find a Buddhist temple near home and so began attending there regularly.
I refuse to bad mouth another religion unless it involves hurting or killing another living being--that's where I draw the line...Besides, those are more like cults anyhow. However, I do respect all other religions just so long as they produce harmony for all those involved.
That's a very admirable approach dohn. It's sad when religion is pushed on you-I'm glad you found your spiritual calling. To me all religions serve the same purpose it's more about spirituality which is separate from religion. I don't believe people should be disrespectful to other religions but hypocritical and radical elements should be pointed out if it leads or could potentially lead to suffering, as you mention.
ColdWarBaby says:
7 months ago
Though I may disagree with what you say, I will defend to the death your right to say it.
Everyone seems to think Voltaire said this but he didn't. Doesn't matter though. It's the sentiment that matters. It's a simple philosophy which, if adopted by everyone, would put an end to a lot of conflict.