That Good Old Time Religion

I saw this children’s toy for Christmas the other day. It was called “What Would God Want For Christmas”. I wanted to open it and see what it had to say but it was wrapped in plastic and I’m not the kind of guy that opens things up to see them just to put them back on the shelves. It did get me thinking though. I started thinking about all the different religions in the world, about how different each one is let alone how different those of the same faith see the “word of God”.

In the Christian faith alone there are so many different off shoots of the basic tenants of the faith that it’s impossible to identify them all. We are so quick to condemn people like David Koresh and Jim Jones, as any right minded individual should, but what about the Oral Roberts’ and Jim Bakers of the world?

I think the first two mentioned actually believed what they were doing, though there were obviously mental issues with both, I think they both truly believed they were doing God's work. In the cases of the televangelists mentioned, I am of the firm belief that they both belong in prison for the rest of their lives. To knowingly steal the dreams, let alone life savings, of those that you have somehow convinced to believe that you have that special pipeline to heaven if only they keep sending checks is unconscionable.

I remember watching television when I was a kid and on Sunday mornings all you would find were religious shows. I would see these people in the crowd that, looking at it now, I realize were getting something they felt they needed. Back then what they were getting was a spiritual uplifting and a moral lesson. With the advent of cable television that audience grew into anyone with cable and allowed these preachers to reach the easiest audience yet.

To go after the lowest common denominator makes great business sense but the idea that religion is a business is something we all should get angry about. The thought that these people were told by Oral Roberts that he would be “called home” if he didn’t raise eight million dollars is so anti any religion it should sicken us all. I find it amazing that it’s not criminal.

It’s not the belief in God itself that bothers me; it’s the organization of that belief that ruins it. How can something with such pure intent be not only destroyed by man but also bought into by others. My question is how is this extreme form of Christianity tolerated by us while we are so quick to judge extremists of other religions?

Yes, these other extremists are physically killing innocent people but is that as bad as destroying people both emotionally and financially. I know that sounds ridiculous to compare the two but I’m serious. If you’ve stolen the dreams of a man what’s left? And that’s what these thieves of the mind do, they steal dreams.

I Just Don't Buy It

I went to Yom Kippur services with my Mom last night at the local Synagogue. It’s by far, the biggest holiday of the year, for those of the Jewish faith. I haven’t gone for Yom Kippur since I was a little kid. I don’t know what I expect when I do these things but I’m always feeling let down after it’s over. I feel like such a hypocrite. I used to have the same feeling when I would let Shelly drag me to church every once in a while during our marriage.

Maybe it’s a type of jealously on my part of the people that feel the “spirit” flowing through them, I don’t know. I’ve written on a few occasions about my lack of faith and I don’t want anyone to think that I’m making light of those who do believe but I just can’t seem to buy it. I’m all for the “whatever floats your boat” thing when it comes to ones beliefs yet I find myself so, not angry, but maybe it’s disappointment in myself for not catching on.

I wish more than any of you would ever know that I could buy in to this concept of this almighty being. It just seems that life would be so much easier if I could. Yet, it seems not to be for me. I think it must go back to the concept of thinking too much. Being too logical, or at least thinking that way. The whole concept of a God is so illogical to me that most times I can’t even imagine it.

There are so many things in life that would be so much easier to understand if I had this belief that you would think, being the wimp I am, that I would jump right into it. But I just can’t do it. Plain and simple, it just doesn’t make sense to me.I know so many people of faith and I can totally understand how and why they have this belief. The problem I have is their amazement at the concept of someone not believing. I’ve always wondered how anyone of intelligence can entertain this faith they feel so strongly about, yet I know an incredible amount of very bright people who believe. It’s these same folks, in many instances, that are just as amazed that I don’t share this belief.

I’ve always enjoyed a well thought out discussion on the subject but it invariably turns into an ugly argument that can only be rivaled by a liberal/conservative fight. I get turned off very quickly by that and stop the discussion as soon as that happens. I’m all for anyone believing in anything they want, myself, I just don’t buy it.