Sunday, January 9, 2011

Religious Soapbox

Disclaimer: I respect the various religious views of others. My intention is NEVER to convert another person to believe in what I believe in. This blog is simply an expression of opinion of what I believe in and is in no way meant to offend others.

My husband and I attended church today. The service in many ways was quite good. Primarily, the service focused on Jesus "Sermon on the Mount". The following is my opinion on what this service meant to me.

I believe the "Sermon on the Mount" is an excellent example of how Jesus truly was. I feel the church (AKA organized religion) came up with all of the "rules" and regulations one must adhere to in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. In my humble opinion, Jesus accepted everyone-especially those considered undesirable (many of which were deemed so under the current religious leaders of those times). Jesus said many times that the kingdom of God lies within us. I consider that statement so important that I will repeat it again- Jesus said the kindgdom of God lies within us all. I do not like that organized religions insist the only way you can find God is through them. I sincerely believe God is and lives within us all and we simply need only to remember that truth.

Much of the service today (while excellent) focused on the judgment of others. I find it ironic that as a society we often condemn and judge others today while Jesus (in his time) did just the opposite. I ask you, if Jesus loved and accepted all of those considered undesirable (i.e. prostitutes, tax collectors, thieves, lepers, sinners, etc.) how can anyone in present times judge others or claim their religion is the only way or superior to others? I believe anyone can seek, know, and live God the very instant they recognize and remember God lives and is within is- in that very moment of awareness, we literally become the living kingdom of God (no matter class, status, or religious affiliation).

With great humility, my opinion is that I do not believe Jesus intention was to create a religion that teaches and preaches you can only know God through an institution. Jesus was the living example of what we as human beings should strive for-he was and is an enlightened person who gave us a living example of how we should treat others. Jesus is the epitome of peace. On the other hand, religion is the primary root of all wars, violence, etc. both historically and in the present. Personally, I do not believe Jesus would approve of ANY religion that claims to be the ONLY path to God. Jesus was the living example of acceptance, love and non-judgment of others. I sincerely believe there are many, many paths to God.

I cannot fathom a God who would condemn those who are not "Christians". It is (in my opinion), that mankind has used religion and made it corrupt (generally to aid in their own benefit-that is, to have power and control over others). For example, think only of the "Christian Crusades" in which many were slaughtered and crucified in senseless violence much in the same manner terrorists act today. I believe there are many truths- not only one truth as many religious organizations teach. While I respect the bible, I do not interpret it literally- only contextually. It bothers me when others claim, "you can't argue with scripture". Why? Simply look back into history which clearly documents the Roman Emperor, Constantinople, who called together the Council of Nicea. It was during this meeting in which MANKIND chose what to include in the bible and what to exclude (primarily to exclude the teaching of reincarnation, etc.). Clearly, their votes were used to maximize and control the masses in the easiest political manner possible.

With all of that said, I have great respect for all persons of various religious doctrines and faiths and the above text is only my humble opinion on how I view spirituality.

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