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Religion is defined as an organized approach to human spirituality which usually encompasses a set of narratives, symbols, beliefs and practices, often with a supernatural or transcendent quality, that give meaning to the practitioner's experiences of life through reference to a higher power or truth.
Nowhere in this definition does it declare one group more right or wrong than another. Nor does declare one group to be so superior that they are righteous in judging others outside of their faith. Where does it say that just because you believe one way that you have the right to; judge people, judge their actions, or judge what they believe? I must have missed that declaration. My only conclusion is that this right must be self-imposed and self-assumed.
I do not have a problem with religion, or God. But I have issues with the kind of people that think they have the right to decide for everyone else. They are not all in church but it seems to be where I find a lot of them these days. We live in a country of religious freedom, so we are supposed to be able to choose for ourselves. So why do we degrade, snub and gossip about those who believe differently? A prime example is the Muslim faith. We do not understand their faith or we disagree with it, so we call them all terrorists. There are some political issues tied up with this as well, but how many emails have you gotten that indicate Muslims are all terrorists in disguise?
A few examples:
We were invited to attend church by an acquaintance. We attended for a few weeks and the people seemed very nice and welcoming. While in a conversation with the acquaintance I learned that one of their beliefs was that women could only speak through men on church matters or in any committee in the church. Personally I found this offensive. Did I snub this person or berate her for attending a church that believed such things? No, I exercised my right to freedom pf religion and DID NOT GO BACK! What a bold concept this has become these days. It seems if something offends us anymore we feel the need to publicize or litigate it when exercising our rights is so much simpler. But too many people feel like they have some right to judge someone else’s beliefs.
My children have been guests at another church many times. The big issue arose when it came to gay rights. We have always tried to teach our kids to judge others by their character, not their color, culture or preferences. But for some reason our beliefs and teachings are ignored. My kids have now been told repeatedly about parts not fitting and your moms wrong and the bible says… I could go on, but I will spare you here. I thought the bible also said, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” When did we stop living by the golden rule anyway?
The most egregious example I can think of is the church from KS that feels that they have the right to picket soldier’s funerals and torture the families because of their beliefs. Their beliefs disagree with military policies and believe it is God’s will whenever a soldier dies. They are certainly entitled to believe whatever they like. But what gives them the right to try to force those beliefs on others and torment already suffering families? Why is it not enough for them to just to believe that and not join the military? Why can they not accept that others choose not to believe as they do?
As I said in the beginning I do believe in God. I believe that I do not have to be in church whenever the doors are open for God to hear me. I am entitled to my beliefs and do not feel like anyone else has the right to harass me to go to their church or tell my family that I am going to hell because I don’t. I understand that some of the things I believe in, e.g. reincarnation, may not be everyone’s cup of tea and I accept that. Why is that so difficult for others to do? My theory is simple: be the best you can be, be good to each other, then shut up and go home.
Take it or leave it.
