What is it about religion (or the lack of belief in it) that makes people self-righteous? No matter who I talked to who has a different faith, they totally believe with their whole mind and spirit that they are in the right.
By what standard or known yard stick is it measured that makes it right? I had a friend who told me that it is useless to talk about religion because nobody wins. I don't judge or find it offensive when someone has a different faith than mine. If we came from a different culture and we grew up in a different environment, then it is but natural that we will have a different set of beliefs. I have no right to condemn someone just because they believe differently. This calls for deeper understanding and a wider perspective of things.
No religion teaches people to do wrong or harm anyone. Individuals choose to do what they want or what they believe they need to do even if it is not according to their faith. Self-righteousness prevents people from admitting their social responsibility and accountability. Pride blinds people from seeing the bare truth.
We are equipped with minds and we were born with an innate sense of goodness. We have freedom to choose and therefore we should choose wisely. Our choices dictate the outcome, not religion. It is crucial that before we make decisions, we have to think of the consequences. We are responsible to our own self and to the people around us. It is irresponsible to think that the people around us are only our family, our neighborhood, our friends, and our colleagues at work. The people around us also encompasses neighboring nations and the rest of the world. This doesn't mean we should be compelled to do something about it when we don't have the means. It only means we have to consider them and if we can be of help, then we should help them.
Religion is not supposed to make anyone feel guilty or oppressed. It is a guide on how to live our life and how to live it with others. Religion does not dictate our actions. It serves as a guide on how to act if we want to do the right thing. It is still our choice to do what is right or wrong. Is there a religion that tells us not to choose wisely?
The natural calamities happening in this world does not stem from religion. They occur naturally. Religion does not run the course on how the world moves, how the trees grow, how volcanoes erupt, etc. When such disasters happen, what do we do? Do we not help others if we are spared from harm? Do we not try to recover if we are the one suffering? People who won battles against cancer or disabilities become inspiration to people who are struggling to recover. If there are no such people, where can we get the inspiration? It is irresponsible to blame religion on this. Our thoughts control our emotions. The more we feed negativity to it, the more we will feel worse.
Wars and violent attacks are man-made, including extortion of money from poor people. No religion teaches war nor cheat our fellowmen. People hide behind their religions to justify their cause. It is ignorance of our Holy Book (be it the Bible, or Koran, etc) that sways us from doing what is wise, right and just. Man twist the words and their meaning to achieve their goals. We should use our minds and our conscience before we accept the words of others. We have to be responsible!
Unfortunate events are opportunities of inspiration. To obtuse people, they are simply meaningless events and they conveniently blame religion.
I think it is high time for people to fully grasp what they believe in before making a stand. Respect other peoples' choices instead of throwing insults to something you cannot even fathom. It is futile. Grow up and extend your minds further than your beliefs! Personally, I acknowledge God and I accept Christ in my life so I stand for Christiantiy. Please respect my belief as I respect yours.
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