I've actually noticed that most people with exceptional wisdom
or intelligence have trouble accepting god. I'm sure most of you
will have read about tensions between the Church and brilliant
scientists, mathematicians, philosophers and thinkers throughout
history. In so many cases, these great minds have either been
persecuted for their alleged "heresy" or silently acquiesced in
fear. I've seen it too, in my professors, teachers and colleagues,
many of whom grew up in fully religious families but strayed away
as they matured cognitively. Other exceptional personalities like
Mother Teresa (as seen in another article on this forum) had
profound doubts about god. Even numerous stars in Hollywood (the
true theatrical talents, not attention whores like paris hilton)
have turned to other religions.
I speak through personal experience because I was once christian
but i felt that something was inherently wrong with the
fundamentals of the religion. Truthfully ask yourself, take away
the comforting words of your church mates and pastors, take away
the companionship of the congregation, take away the egocentric
self-assuredness of "being saved". Now do you still TRULY love your
God?
(to all my christian friends out there, I sincerely
apologise if you are offended, these are genuine contemplations of
mine and I want to seek your opinions with absolutely no
ill-intent)
In my humble personal opinion,
A religion is a meaningful, significant, and important medium to
transmit values and philosophies.
A religious community also serves as a focal point and a key
node for the culture, heritage, and belonging, of a person.
Therefore,
Until the day that we as human beings can find something else
which can serve these purposes better, we need accept, and in fact,
cherish and encourage this form of spirituality and culture.
Whether someone believes in Abrahamaic religion, or believes in
Amazonian traditional jungle religion, the main basic points and
substance is the same.
Thusly,
I do not see a chance that religion can be replaced.
It is true that certain aspects of religious teachings
contradict rationality.
However, the human spirit, human emotion, human flesh, and human
heart, does not consist of rationality alone.
If you notice in some parts of the world, some people may
abandon their "old religion" but they pick up new ones such as,
Scientology, or even Buddhism.
This is because people seek and search.
For me personally,
My understanding and my relationship with my religion is
this,
It is to help me to become a better person.
This is not much different with doing Yoga, going to gym, taking
up music, and so on. Religion is something to me that can do
something to my mind, to my personality, and to my character. I
know I have many faults and flaws, and I need the thousand-year-old
philosophies to help me to become a better person.
