I might wonder if we're a species gifted with rationality and common sense, it's only been in the last century that women could vote, schools were allowed to mix races, and gay marriage was even taken seriously. 100% of the opposition cannot be blamed on devout religious beliefs, or the inability to think for one's self. Maybe there was some evolution or devolution along the way. I like to think we're getting better at this whole humanity thing. If there is more tolerance and understanding now than in other millenniums, whoo, go earth.
If I may pull from my own observations here? Dad: thinks Jesus is the greatest man who ever lived, doesn't believe in the divinity crap, is a proud homophobe; Mom: doesn't believe in religion, thinks it's wrong to be gay, possible racist; Papa: can't wait for hell to be with his friends, thinks the lord owes him one, is not a racist because as he puts it "I love n___!" With that sampling, I could be pretty confused about what just one religion out of many is supposed to mean, and if it has any affect on someone's life or not. You make mistakes no matter what you're affiliated with. I'm just really sure that the things to aim for in life are positive. Sure there are thousands of other examples of what we should or shouldn't do, but ~love~ and patience and empathy have gotta be up near the top, yeah?
There aren't any short holy books that I know of, but hey even when b77 had a charter we still tried to abide by a few basics, right? There aren't many rules to Fight Club but people still know the first two because there's such a focus on them.
I just find it easy to disregard hateful rants "in God's name" because he wouldn't want there to be hate at all, let alone in his name. If he doesn't exist, no harm no foul. If he does and I still deserve hell, that's between me and him, not twats like Steven Anderson.
I'm sorry to leave out other religions, I just know even less about them than my own. What I do know is that I haven't met anyone who embodies hate like a lot of people who make headlines do. Not whether they were muslim, jewish, or mormon. So I don't think of them as in the same ballpark at all. If you're praying for someone to go to hell, you're wrong. Not your followers, not your hometown, not the rest of your nationality or race, just you. I can complicate a lot of things in my life, but that one seems pretty clear.
When it comes to believability, that's for everyone to figure out themselves. The three things that have helped my life in recent years are: pills, counselors, and a closer relationship with God. Only one of those things I can really hold in my palm and see and taste, but does that make it the most helpful? Cuz I like my counselors. I like praying and going to church, too. I like my body chemistry feeling a little more balanced. Some people don't believe in medication, therapy, or religion, but obviously each has varying degrees of tangibility or apparent effectiveness of results. In the end, I guess you just have to believe that something is improving a person's life, and as long as it's not shitting all over yours, that should be okay.
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