Not quite 32 Flavors of Religion

With the bulk of Islamic holidays passed for the year, and the Judeo-Christian season gearing up it is the perfect time to jump into a topic sure to raise eyebrows and probably ire among the faithful. That's right, as I have proven before, almost no topic is taboo for my regular posts here.

On the subject of religion, there seems to be lots of opinions as to it's value, it's place in society and in the larger world. I'm pretty sure it would not be hyperbole that more lives have been lost for the sake of religious ideology or it's extermination than for any other reason in the history of “civilized man”. Sure there have been wars waged over perceived slights of monarchs or land grabs, but if you include all of the persecution, butchery, disfigurement and displacement done in the name of religion over the centuries the stack is pretty high.

Karl Marx is often misquoted regarding his position on religion. What he actually said is "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people." There are certainly parts of that, now that I am middle aged, that I can agree with. Religion certainly can be a salve to make hard times easier. Faith can drive people to accomplish more than they might not otherwise attempt, but it also can be divisive and dangerous.

My last post was about vaccinations and masking and these days people have religious objections to both in some circles. I have heard it said that “God will protect me” on both subjects. I also saw a recent cartoon where a highly religious character had passed up masks, hand sanitizer and distancing and ended up in the hospital questioning where his god was. The climax of the cartoon was “I sent you masks, sanitizer and methods to stay safe and you ignored me.” This is just a modern version of the joke about the zealot who was drowning and passed up a dingy, a speedboat and a cruise ship's offers to rescue him, assuring his would be rescuers that “my god will save me.” It is things like that when juxtaposed with the old adage “God work in mysterious ways.” that makes me scratch my head. Isn't it possible that it was that same God in which so much faith has been placed, could work subtly and arrange for the three boats, or the scientists that develop vaccines and other steps to avoid contagion?

By way of disclosure, I was raised Catholic. Probably the most dogmatic and top heavy of institutions on the planet (Excepting the US government). Amid the sex abuse scandals of the 80's through today my faith in the artifices of man was shattered. I knew many fantastic, caring and incredibly moral local priests, nuns and other clergy and never had any situation in my upbringing that personally brought these events home to me. But looking at the bureaucratic behemoth of the Catholic church I decided it was time to “escape”. That is how I refer to myself with regard to my Catholic time, I escaped. I am not lapsed, or non-practicing because both of these labels infer that I may return. Nope, once over the wall I am not going back.

That is not to say that Catholicism is not a balm, a safe harbor, or a source of inspiration for others. I will not judge you for which religion you choose to suit your own moral compass. I personally, have found great comfort these last couple years with the Spiritualist church. The focus on provable phenomena, self care and personal responsibility is more in line with my own ethics and morality. It gives me something to believe in and a place to belong among like minded individuals.

I do not proselytize about my religion. I will share if asked, but I do not press the case uninvited. That is what I think is the worst part of most religions. The constant need to teach others the “right way” and condemn those that are not on “your path”. This has resulted in a never ending war in the Holy Land including the most recent episode of 30+ years of a Western propagated “War on Terror”. For multiple religions that purportedly “teach peace” it seems they do an awful lot of fighting. Fighting for ideals taken to extremes rather than tolerating differing perspectives and opinions as human beings. There are bad actors among any organized society. Maybe we should wait until the hereafter and find out who really was "right".

Now though can be a time of reflection. Many religions see the winter, a time of darkness and introspection, and encourage the shedding of old habits and failings to emerge lightened and energized in the spring. Perhaps it is also a good time to take a hard look at our beliefs and see what really matters. Ask yourself, is “being right” as important as being human.

You have your religion and I have mine.

Please, let's just agree to disagree whenever our paths diverge. and part in peace.