Religious Discovery
Coexist
I think it is quite important to learn about religion considering it is everywhere you go and has its fingers in everything you learn and come into contact with. Music, stories, and fads: many can be and are products of religion or religious experience (like “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”).
Most importantly, you need to know that I am not trying to convert you. I have no personal gain for doing it, and you have no reason to change so long as you are not harming yourself or others. Faith is important to many people because it makes them feel as if they are comforted in sticky situations or gives them answers to seemingly unanswerable questions (i.e. where did we come from?). Yet, people take these opinions to a level of almost fanaticism, which can be dangerous. Some people become so emotionally enthralled and mentally convinced of their religions that they refuse to take into account all the other opinions and ideas out there – some of which may make far more sense than their own opinion.
Others have come to realize that no one faith can fully encompass their range of beliefs, so they either settle with one that is slightly tweaked to their belief system or may elect to remain as unlabeled (which is just as noble).
There is nothing wrong with religion, itself. It is perfectly fine and even healthy, at times, to have a core set of beliefs and guidelines on which you apply your life. However, extremists, for whatever reason, take things overboard in expressing their opinions to others. This is dangerous (think terrorists – and Islamofascists are not the only ones).
People need to come to the realization that everyone will have their own opinion on everything, and it is the best bet that we accept that, and not just tolerate it. Therefore, I’d say it’s better to teach acceptance than tolerance. Keep in mind, by saying “acceptance”, I’m not saying to accept that they are right and you aren’t. I merely mean that you should accept that they are them and you are you. It is as simple as that.
Searching for a personal religion may seem critical to others, but some just see it as a waste of time. I’d say if you are comfortable with your belief system, don’t sweat it.
On another angle, many try to force others into converting to their belief system and employ peer pressure as a way to do this. Do not fall for this. The only way to truly enjoy a religion is to actively and cognitively search and learn about all that is available. You never have to settle, believe what you want. Those who think everyone should be only their religion and nothing else are a bit ignorant. If God does exist, I’d say he/she/it is revealed or discovered in all religions – just in different forms. This is a very liberal approach to religion, but I think it is a better approach than the one many others take.
Please take these things into consideration, and if you are searching, be thorough about it.
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