Fanatics scare me, self-appointed street preachers make me grimace, and cult-like followings are sickening.
Religion has in the recent past been slapped with a bad name, and for the most part, I agree with it - sad to say.
Then sometimes I see a so-called born-again who has been reformed to a life of "cleanliness" after having been immersed in a life of drugs or prostitution or something and I think, "Well, I guess having religion is better than living on the streets."
It`s nice that people can hang out with their families during Sunday afternoons at church, or that religious holidays usually mean days off from work and presents for the children. It`s nice that people can reflect on their heritage and use religion as a way to bond with others in their congregation, synagogue, temple, etc. It`s nice that they just KNOW what will happen to them when they leave this earth. It`s nice to know that some higher being is in control of things that we humans cannot even fathom.
I do not exactly know whether this/these god(s) exist(s), and I do not let this uncertainly rule any part of my life. Ever the scientist, I will most likely retain this doubt even if there one day is hard evidence that such an entity exists. I want to enjoy what I`ve got now and take things as they come to me. Sure ... I scrimp for the future, treat others with respect and dignity, refrain from committing adultery or murder and all the rest -- these are my personal choices. If I hope to live the happy life I`ve planned, I`ve got to follow the rules I`ve made for myself.
If I`m not struck by lightning by the time this message is over (see, even a skeptic can be flexible in terms of her beliefs), I will continue to view religion as an accessory to finding peace in some people, but a mere passer-by to me.
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