I'm a booger. In the face of organized religion, I'm a big time-waster.
My wife tries to tell me I'm just not ready for "the truth" yet, but I don't think her religion has it. In fact, I'm dead certain.
I like the idea of a thunder and lightning, volcano blasting, swarm invoking god. I'm really fond of the possibility that god (and yes, that's a lower 'g' on purpose) will blast the living hell outta people that, frankly, piss him off.
I don't believe that, but the idea has alot of appeal to me. What I believe is... complex. And simple.
I don't believe judgement day is going to strike any second. Today is equally as bad as yesterday, thinking of morals. You might hear more about the evils of the world, but that's radio, TV, and the internet for you. I do believe that people are, when it gets right down to it, good. Or, at least, well intentioned.
I believe that the presence of a divine being (other than me) in this universe shouldn't be the driving force for trying to be "good". That kind of thinking leads to trouble. People who get depressed at the idea that there isn't a god have issues. Really.
I also believe that people can chat about their religion all day at me, but unless they're willing to accept that their religion has holes in it (and I'm NOT talking about just one religion), and watch me drive the Mack truck of reason through them on occassion, they aren't going to get me to take them seriously.
Not that I was going to do that anyway.
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On a related note, I'd like to tell one of my favorite "You won't believe..." stories, regarding my father:
On a Saturday afternoon my brother and I were just beginning to bore of the cartoons available and consider the value of switching to MTV when there came a knock on the door. It was two nice young men of a clearly religious bent. They were dressed in black suits, with good haircuts.
They bid me good morning and asked if an adult was present for discussion.
Knowing that my father always has a cheerful word for ones such as these, I quickly summoned him forth. I think mom was shopping, but dad was a far better choice.
"Good morning, sir. We're here representing the
"I'd love to, if I can get your assurance that you'll attend my religious gathering."
"Ummmm..."
"We'll be barbequing a goat under the full moon while dancing naked..."
"We've gotta go, so many appointments"
They just about left skidmarks. That moment has left me in awe of my father. Few things really reflect his personality the way this one did.
Was he wrong to turn down the opportunity to explore a different faith? I don't think it was foreign to him. Could that faith have been "the one true faith"? Possibly, but I don't think it likely.
3 Kommentare:
Your story about your dad reminded me of the times my dad would try to convert the Jehovah's Witnesses who showed up on our door to Catholicism. (Usually after telling them that they wouldn't want us anyway since we all had blood transfusions....)
I don't have anything against religions, faiths, or giving cats medicine. I do sometimes feel ire against the representatives of them. Individuals can grate on my last nerve.
If you have recently joined the Mormon Church you need to check out this website:
Recovery from Mormonism-the Mormon Church. www.exmormon.com
This site is full of posts left by former members of the church who have documented their various reasons for leaving it.
I think you would find it very interesting to see what these former members have to say about the church, and, being a former member myself I think you should be informed about some of the not so well known secrets and untold stories the church leaders don't want you to find out about.
Another great site is
JosephLied.com and another one is 2think.org
The Internet is full of information that members didn't have access to 20 years ago, and this is the major reason more members leave every year, than are baptized. The church hides this fact from the members because most of these individuals don't request name removal, they just quit going. Their names remain on record and get counted every year. I thought you should be informed of this since you posted that every religion has its problems and you didn't believe that your wife's religion was "the truth". I was a member for 17 years and resigned 3 years ago after doing some research independently on the history of the church. Wow, my eyes were opened. Remember that truth can withstand scutiny, don't let anyone tell you not to read what you want, look where you want, and speak what ever is on your mind. Trust, but verify.
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