Thursday, August 12, 2010

Losing my religion


Author Ann Rice has apparently given up religion. She made the pronouncement via Facebook. The mainstream media is all over the story. But to me it's old news. I've given up on religion long ago.

In my humble opinion one's relationship with God ought to be the simplest relationship one has. So why muck it up with a bunch of books, preachers, ceremonies, collection plates and hate.

God and religion are two very different things.

Religion has a very sordid history, to say the least. It's been used as a excuse to abuse women, to treat women as property, to enslave millions of people, to murder, and to terrorize.


So why would I want to be apart of such a thing?

The way I see it, unless one is a psychopath, one is able to learn at a very early age the difference between right and wrong. So why do I need someone reading from a religious text to tell me the difference?

I don't.

And the religion one belongs to has more to do with geography than anything else. If you are born in India then chances are pretty good you are Hindu. If you are born in Mexico then you are probably Roman Catholic. If you are born in Saudi Arabia you are probably Muslim. The United States, a Protestant Christian sect. And the effects of geography on religion is even more pronounced in Ireland.

So what religion you adhere to is really a geographical crap-shoot.

I can pray to the God that I believe in, try to walk with the God that I believe in and serve the God I believe in without all that religion brings with it. Without religion my relationship with the God that I believe in seems so simple and pure.

No politics. No fighting against others having rights that I have. No finger pointing. Just me and the God that I believe in. What more does a person need?


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post! Very thought provoking for me!
I feel just as you do.
After I raised my kids in the church I gave up on organized religion too.

I felt that it was much like a social club with all the class divisions (that I dislike and rebel against so much) of society firmly ensconced within it.

However, those same people that I long ago prayed with, sang with, heatedly debated with in bible class, and developed bonds with, have held all night long prayer vigils for me upon knowing that I have cancer.

I do believe in the power of prayer. I have seen it in action and I know it works!

Group prayer and the laying on of hands (which I also believe in) can only be done by a group.

So I dunno....complicated...if only people would drop their prejudices fears and hatreds.....

Moanerplicity said...

Religion provides a sense of comfort & fellowship to many, & maybe that's why the need for it continues.

Personally, I feel that when we keep our spirit open, our judgment at bay, & our chi in order, then we're ahead of the game, no matter what label we choose to give it.

One.

Anonymous said...

@ Moanerplicity: I agree! You've hit the nail on the head! :)

Val said...

@Desertflower

"I felt that it was much like a social club with all the class divisions (that I dislike and rebel against so much) of society firmly ensconced within it."

That's what I saw too.

And there are def good people involved in religion but sometimes it seems like they are outnumbered.

Val said...

@Lin

True, many find comfort there. And I think that's the major draw for some. But for others it's a chance to be a bully.

Anonymous said...

Val, I know you know what and who I am. As such, I will say, any thing or relationship, that strengthens one's relationship with God, is good.

Without sharing your organizational disdain, I support you.

Val said...

@brohammas

Thanks.

Antonia - Beauty Health Finance and Green Issues Editor said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Don said...

Co-sign. Add me to the list of human beings who understand there to be more negatives involved in religious folks and religion, in general, due to a variety of many different reasons.

Jehovah's Witnesses is the lone readings which stand along the same spiritual lines as myself, although there are still many unanswered questions surrounding their material.

Like yourself, I believe in a creator and a purpose for our creation, and the overall indication that it involves treating people as you yourself would like to be treated.

And that particular sentiment is spiritual, like a motherf*cker.

Val said...

@Blogger Beauty and Health Editor

"There is nothing far worse than hypocrisy and double standards."

I think hypocrisy is religion's major problem. How can you teach love and hate at the same time? How can you teach tolerance and intolerance at the same time?

And the hypocrisy of the clergy is astounding. Do as I say not as I do?

It was just too much for me.

Val said...

@Don

"...I believe in a creator and a purpose for our creation, and the overall indication that it involves treating people as you yourself would like to be treated."

That's it right there. What more does anyone need to know?

Joanna said...

I believe it is possible to be a VERY spiritualperson without EVER setting foot in a church, temple, mosque, etc. Have you ever looked into "deism". I have been reading up on it, and it seems to be about a BELIEF in God, combined with a freedom to appreciate God in the way that is best for you personally.

noblevevessel said...

Relativism?

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Soldier Of Love

I've lost the use of my heart
But I'm still alive
Still looking for the life
The endless pool on the other side
It's a wild wild west
I'm doing my best

I'm at the borderline of my faith,
I'm at the hinterland of my devotion
In the frontline of this battle of mine
But I'm still alive

I'm a soldier of love.
Every day and night
I'm soldier of love
All the days of my life

I've been torn up inside (oh!)
I've been left behind (oh!)
So I ride
I have the will to survive

In the wild wild west,
Trying my hardest
Doing my best
To stay alive

I am love's soldier!

I wait for the sound
(oooh oohhh)

I know that love will come (that love will come)
Turn it all around

I'm a soldier of love (soldier of love)
Every day and night
I'm a soldier of love
All the days of my life

I am lost
But I don't doubt (oh!)
So I ride
I have the will to survive

In the wild wild west,
Trying my hardest
Doing my best
To stay alive

I am love's soldier!

I wait for the sound

I know that love will come
I know that love will come
Turn it all around

I'm a soldier of love
I'm a soldier

Still waiting for love to come
Turn it all around
(4x)

I'm a soldier of love
I'm a soldier

Still waiting for love to come
Turn it all around
(3x)

Still waiting for love to come

Miss Keri Baby!

Tracee!

Solange!

Solange!
The only interesting Knowles

un·for·get·ta·ble: Earning a permanent place in the memory; memorable: an unforgettable experience.

Alicia says...

Rest in Peace Mitrice

Rest in Peace Mitrice
Mitrice Richardson