On Religion

Religion is perceived as a difficult topic: often avoided in conversation among friends or families and more often blamed for catastrophes around the world. People don’t like their beliefs questioned and can become defensive, even violent, at the first mention of a disparate concept because we have a hard time hearing contradictions made to those agreements we’ve made with ourselves.

I enjoy these difficult topics. Questioning the variety of aspects that pulls at our society globally is endlessly interesting to me because these aspects are the keys to our future peace and prosperity…or our destruction, depending on which way we go with it.

After I left the Mormon church, I became interested in researching other religions—their peoples and practices. I wanted to understand what else was out there and whether there was another god who seemed to truly exist. My search ended with a lot of thought-feeding cultural information; however, the only god I came to understand as truth to this reality is nature, biology, experience. At that point, I grew frustrated at the illusion of religion. I kept asking myself why people buy into it en masse when there’s really no proof to back their beliefs. It took my interacting with a variety of people—but most importantly, my family—over the course of several years to find my peace with the idea.

The most important question to ask in life is ‘how does this serve me?’ Religion serves a purpose; otherwise, it would have been rejected a long time ago. What is it about religion that keeps families involved for generations? What is it about religion that governments are so reluctant to touch, even with solid proof of extortion or abuse? Societally, how are we affected by religion, even if an individual chooses not to play a part?

On an individual level, religion is a comfort. It puts life in a well-ordered box with set rules, beliefs, and expectations that make decision making much easier, as compared to the decision-making process of an atheist whose complete personal responsibility is in their own hands. Religion offers an endorphin rush of good feelings when “good” decisions are made and pious habits are kept. It gives a sense of security to life and death that atheism doesn’t have.

On the other side of that coin, though, religion can create self-righteousness and bigotry. The belief that ‘my god/church is the one truth’ is a dangerous absolute that can breed violence, destruction, and war. Religious people who don’t keep themselves in check can easily fall into the habit of seeing through goggles of righteousness, where anyone who doesn’t follow their beliefs becomes the enemy or, worse, a prospective member. Suddenly, it’s less about personal growth and progress and more about controlling the lives and minds of others.

From a societal perspective, religion creates a feeling of community and promotes work for charity. In theory, religion is a place to feed the hungry and care for the weak or ill. The US was predominately Christian for a long time, and this gave the country a certain moral code that we still hold on to, now. However, the conservative nature of that thinking has led to divisiveness in a country that’s much more diverse than it was a few decades ago. After living in Utah as a non-Mormon, I also witnessed the difficulty of finding a job or the passing of rational, progressive laws due to the influence of that faith. I’ve also noticed that our nervousness around nudity and sex stems from old, Christian thinking.

And how about the world? Looking at religion on a global scale is both beautiful and terrifying. On one hand, whole cultures have been borne of religions—unique, vibrant, and exhilarating to experience. Think of the amazing architecture of Europe’s cathedrals or ancient places like Stonehenge or the pyramids of Giza and the effects those places have had on modern research and art. And that’s just one of many examples! However, on the other hand, religion has brought Israel and the surrounding area to almost constant war for…let’s just say, a very long time. And all because each religion was posturing to prove they were the holiest, most worthy people for that land, not even considering the fact that we’re all just human; and we’re all worthy.

The conclusion I’ve made (personally) about religion is best expressed by Paul McCartney’s lyrics: live and let live. If we keep our religious beliefs to ourselves and seek empowerment through that on a personal level, yes! If we start dictating or projecting those beliefs onto other people, stop! I’m very satisfied with the belief system I’ve set up for myself, but that doesn’t mean I think my model fits all. Religion is very personal and should remain that way. So, happy praying/meditating/chanting/dancing naked in a forest! Whatever it is, you do you. Enjoy it!