Interesting that people are so passionate about religion. It means so many different things to so many different people. I was just talking to my land lord who stated that it was stupid to be religious. In some ways it is. But, as nobody is perfectly intelligent, we are all a bit stupid. Is religion such a bad way to be stupid?
The impetus for war and the forcing of an ideology onto a people are certainly two of the more negative aspects of religion, but perhaps the most harmful aspect of religion is that it is used for an excuse not to think. There are many excuses out there for not thinking, and many perfectly valid reasons not to, and it is extremely logical to use faith as an excuse. The difference between right and wrong, black and white, true and false, suddenly becomes attainable.
These are the aspects that are commonly demonized in religion, but what about all the good parts? You suddenly have something to share with others, something to form a community around. When in the depths of personal depressions, lonlienesses etc. there is always that source of comfort and wisdom to lean on. The leap of faith required to act has been done, it is no longer necessary to question to death each and every action, it is suddenly possible to accomplish many things.
The picture I've posted is an interesting one, the figure in the image is obviously trying to escape the bonds of those around him. This is one of the biggest contradictions in today's world. We don't want to be judged, or influenced by those around us, we just want to be loved. Like everything this is impossible. We cannot only take the good from anything, balance has a way of re-asserting itself in everything.
Isn't that what religion is like? The assertion of the influence of others on us? Ultimately that is demonized in today's culture, where you must be individually strong and powerful, and it is shameful to rely on others. You must become "self-realized", strong and free. Shrug off the influence of the herd, and be not a sheep. And here's some advertisements to show you how to do it. You should work like a dog to be able to buy everything so that everybody around you will not question your independence, and will only love you.
This is ultimately ridiculous, as we all need people, and want to be able to help people. So why can't we admit to needing help?
Hmmm... the juxtapositions of modern society. I realize that I am far from the first person to point these out, but that doesn't stop me from thinking about it. How else can I help to shape the world that I'm in?
Anyway, Ciao for now.
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