recently i went to my first church service. ironic since i was a religion minor and all. but i went because i was asked by a friend, not because she is devout, but rather to observe and take in. she knows that i love observation and my sociological mind would go crazy. i have always been curious bout services and the messages, but never ventured into for fear/apprehension of not wanting to be told over and over again about how i should be a follower and such. i always catch myself stopping at the channels that are showing the mega churches just because i'm fascinated by the fact that there are so many people in the audience all believing and wanting the support from god.
i think it's great that people are religious, just like i think it's great people are gay. i have no issues with people wanting to be part of a community or a place that brings them peace and direction. i do however have issues with people trying to convert me. there needs to be a mutual respect. i don't tell you not to believe in what you believe in, so please don't tell me that either. if i want a religious path, i'll seek it out on my own. i've been raised without religion dictating the direction of my life, and i think i've gotten by wonderfully. there have been many ups and many downs, but i've always made my way back up and will continue to do so. same for you, if you are a practicing religious person (whatever the religion may be) i think it's wonderful that you've found that guide and direction with your beliefs. whatever get you through your days, i say to each his own.
even though i was not raised in a religious home, i feel like i've learned how to treat people with respect and love. i don't believe that religions are the only place these lessons are taught.
my biggest issue with religion is that i see a lot of hypocrisy. maybe i need to be more open minded about this but from my experiences i have met very few, maybe only 1 person who actually fully in every aspect, lives through his/her religion and all the teachings. now people may say, that's the beauty in religion is that you get to pick and choose and adapt the religion to how it will better your life. i disagree with this. i think if your going to say you are religious and claim to be christian, muslim, or buddhist, whatever it may be, that you live fully by those teachings. this is where i see the disconnect. there are religions that say to love everyone as your brother or sister, but then denounce gays. how is this loving everyone as a brother or sister? there are religions that tell you lying and cheating are sins. but millions of people do this. so would the argument be that you adapted your beliefs to be that cheating and lying was ok? or that because someone is gay, they are no longer a brother or sister? there is no compassion in this, and i'm not aware of any belief system that would encourage such behavior.
another issue i have with churches and large institutions is the fact they are businesses. sure they offer guidance, belief and support, but at the same time they are making money and the more money they can earn, the more successful. this seems wrong to me. i feel like it takes away from the individual and his/her beliefs. the justification for taking money, most times is god wants you to share your wealth...who exactly are you sharing that wealth with? in the hierarchy of churches, the leaders are wealthy, have extravagant things...is this who your paying? sure some goes to people in need, but why not all of it?
bottom line, i just hope people are good to each other. i'm always hopeful and believe that people are inherently good. let's be good to everyone. we need to stop hurting each other.
