BETA

It is in our nature as human beings to want to differentiate ourselves from the rest of the herd. So we do all we can to do this. We cut our hair in crazy styles, we wear outrages clothes and make up, and we walk and talk in a unique manner.

These are some examples of how we conscientiously change ourselves to be exclusive. But there are certain few things that we are born with or in to that differentiate us and puts us into categories. Things like, our gender, the colour of our skin, our basic body structure, and the families we are born into. The way this family brings up their children is the foundation of the child’s view on life. This leads me onto what I want to write about... Religion.

Religion… A word that has caused so much destruction in this world. And is still causing disorder today in many peoples lives. Why is God’s name used in vain in so many instances? When the world was created / born did God separate everyone into religious groups and say, you live your lives like this and you like this? No! We did that ourselves. So why blame God for our actions?
I am not arguing about whether God exists or not, my anger and frustrations are with these so called ‘Holy’ men who are heads of religious organisations and places of worship.

I was born into Hinduism. Praying at home in front of pictures of pretty ladies sitting on lotus flowers and men with many heads was a daily ritual. Amma was adamant I did this every day. I personally did not see the point of this even from a young age.

We invest a lot of our time and money into religion. But what has religion given us in return? It has caused division amongst people; it has caused war and hatred. Mostly, it has caused discrimination.
When a holy figure asks us to do something, many of us would obey. Why does no one question the intentions of these activities? Be it to offer milk and honey to bathe the statues or be it to sacrifice a goat, why do we not question the reason behind all these traditions. Do we honestly believe that God has asked us to do all this?

Has the holy figure seen your God? Surely we all have very individual ideas about who God is and how God looks. So, has this holy figure at your local place of worship seen your God to know how your God wants you to behave?

It is my opinion that as long as we are decent human beings who do not harm others and lead a moral life, we will get no trouble from God. Instead of wasting your hard earned money on religion, why not spend it on helping others? Giving money to charities or giving up your time to help local community projects are rewarding acts too. Helping someone in need is far more rewarding than wasting time on religions destructive path.

There are positive sides to religion, but there are more negative sides. It appears that the negative segregation and superior beliefs that religion has to offer are some of the main issues followers take in the most.

It is not about following the herd; it is about living by moral standards. You decide who sets those standards in your life. You? Or religion?
Next time you stop to pray, think more about what your God wants from you and less about what religion wants.