HOGpreacher

Have you ever wondered why religion spawns violence? Why systems of beliefs generate intolerance? Why is it that the great men and women of faith preach peace, love and compassion but their followers practice just the opposite?

The Bible, Torah, Koran, Abidhamma Pitaka, Veda and other religious writings all promote a peaceful existence with all people. All promote a one way, divine way of living. How can you have it all? Is there any one way more direct to God? Is there any particular teaching or religion more enlightened or wise or true than another?

I do not believe any teaching has all the truths about God or that any religion holds the ONLY key to access God. Even my own Christian tradition.

Going back to the first thought, I believe it has to do with the fragile human condition of insecurity and poor self esteem. Most religions are based on the premise that we humans are not worthy of existence but for the divine element of their sect. In the movie "Wayne's World", Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) finds himself in pop star Madonna's bedroom and proclaims "I'm not worthy! I 'm not worthy!"

Of what is he not "worthy"? Madonna? God forbid! Talk about breaking the First Commandment. Madonna is one of a multitude of entertainment stars. People fall all over themselves for celebrities.

In the same way people do the same with religion. People take positions on the greatness of people. Who the "greatest" athlete, actor, musician, evangelist, president, etc., etc., etc. They also take positions on religion. Only Allah is to be praised according to the prophet Muhammad. The teachings of "Moses" are to be obeyed according to the Rabbis and "Jesus" is the only way to the Father. Not to mentions the instructions of Hindu's, Buddhist’s, Chinese or African Traditionalists and the dozen of other religions out there. This includes the "Humanists" as well, those who are atheist, agnostic or non-committal. All see their religious (some non religious) positions as being absolute.

God IS absolute.
Religions, belief systems and philosophies are not. Fundamentalism is not about right beliefs but about right power. Problem is that this "right power" is insistant upon their God being the only God. Wars are a result of the "right God" vs. the "right God". The only people who lose are the dead.

Speaking only for me, Jesus Christ is the way to God and eternal life. The teachings of Jesus make sense to me and when followed have served me well. When I have been disobedient there have been consequences. This works for ME! However, if you are Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim or Muslima or any other religion, then your God is right for you. You are not better nor is your religion more correct. We are just different and if people of faith could accept this truth, peace would be a reality.

Every religion has it "Golden Rule" and it's "10 Commandments". They are all teaching the same way of "right" living. All major religions preach tolerance to a group of self-serving intolerant people.

April 1st is "National Atheist Day".

Atheists are in deep do-do. Now, my own narrowed minded religiosity says this. I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is.

God is a slave to no one.
We cannot control God in any way, shape or form. And those includes dictating the right or wrong way to worship, believe, follow, reverence, practice or not practice what we understand to be God.

God Is Not A Slave.
Instead, we should be slaves of God and serve Him.