I believe, much like Pi, that becoming a follower of more than one religion is okay. Pi argues that "Bapu Gandhi said, 'All religions are true.' I just want to love God." If indeed all religions are true (which they essentially are because they are just our beliefs/opinions on the topic of divinity), then why not worship more than one. "[Muslims and Christians] both claim Abraham as theirs. Muslims say the God of the Hebrews and Christians is the same as the God of the Muslims. They recognize David, Moses, and Jesus as prophets." So what is so different? Why does religion cause so much controversy? Does it really even matter?
Admittedly, I quite going to church about two and a half years ago. And for me, not much has changed beside the fact that I no longer spend three hours of my weekend sitting in a church pew worshiping God. While I may have lost my connection in the past couple of years, it did give me a new perspective on other religions. Because I was not caught up in my ideals of the divine, I was able to become genuinely interested in other religions, which we discussed in my World History class. There are a few important things that I took away from my history class....
1. There are dozens of different religions found worldwide. 2. Most of the 6-7 billion people on earth have chosen to believe in one of these religions. 3. Each one has a variety of different ideals and practices. 4. People choose their religion based on what suits them best. 5. NONE OF THE RELIGIONS ARE RIGHT OR WRONG. THEY ARE ALL OPINIONS!!! And, as everyone knows, opinions cannot be wrong.
So my question is: why are we (as a people) always trying to change someone's mind or tell them that they can only worship one religion???
That's a good question. I think because we all want to be understood and approved. And we think our religion is beter because it's OUR way and therefore, the right way. Instead of listening we jump right into arguing because we believe the other person doesn't know as much. We truely feel that God has touched us in some way special and different from that person/everybody else.
I feel the same way about everything you wrote (i actually read it this time). Going to quaker meeting has really helped expand my religious horizons since Quakers are composed of many religions coming together. It's more interesting learning about multiple religions as opposed to one. It's cool because you can pick and choose from bits of all the religions to form your own beliefs.
It's sad how religion separates people when, i believe, overall it's purpose is to bring us together. And of course to help guide us and give us hope and all that.
In conclusion, we shouldn't judge whether someone has one religion or 1000. Even a person who values only one religion interprets it differently than a fellow-religion worshiper; So basically we all have our own religions but that's getting off topic.
2 comments:
I believe, much like Pi, that becoming a follower of more than one religion is okay. Pi argues that "Bapu Gandhi said, 'All religions are true.' I just want to love God." If indeed all religions are true (which they essentially are because they are just our beliefs/opinions on the topic of divinity), then why not worship more than one. "[Muslims and Christians] both claim Abraham as theirs. Muslims say the God of the Hebrews and Christians is the same as the God of the Muslims. They recognize David, Moses, and Jesus as prophets." So what is so different? Why does religion cause so much controversy? Does it really even matter?
Admittedly, I quite going to church about two and a half years ago. And for me, not much has changed beside the fact that I no longer spend three hours of my weekend sitting in a church pew worshiping God. While I may have lost my connection in the past couple of years, it did give me a new perspective on other religions. Because I was not caught up in my ideals of the divine, I was able to become genuinely interested in other religions, which we discussed in my World History class. There are a few important things that I took away from my history class....
1. There are dozens of different religions found worldwide.
2. Most of the 6-7 billion people on earth have chosen to believe in one of these religions.
3. Each one has a variety of different ideals and practices.
4. People choose their religion based on what suits them best.
5. NONE OF THE RELIGIONS ARE RIGHT OR WRONG. THEY ARE ALL OPINIONS!!! And, as everyone knows, opinions cannot be wrong.
So my question is: why are we (as a people) always trying to change someone's mind or tell them that they can only worship one religion???
That's a good question. I think because we all want to be understood and approved. And we think our religion is beter because it's OUR way and therefore, the right way. Instead of listening we jump right into arguing because we believe the other person doesn't know as much. We truely feel that God has touched us in some way special and different from that person/everybody else.
I feel the same way about everything you wrote (i actually read it this time). Going to quaker meeting has really helped expand my religious horizons since Quakers are composed of many religions coming together. It's more interesting learning about multiple religions as opposed to one. It's cool because you can pick and choose from bits of all the religions to form your own beliefs.
It's sad how religion separates people when, i believe, overall it's purpose is to bring us together. And of course to help guide us and give us hope and all that.
In conclusion, we shouldn't judge whether someone has one religion or 1000. Even a person who values only one religion interprets it differently than a fellow-religion worshiper; So basically we all have our own religions but that's getting off topic.
Did you do that post because of sarah?
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