(Potentially controversial, just rambling thoughts, welcome to question but please dont annoy me with self-righteous, use-less comments. If you're known as close-minded dont bother. If you dont like it and are not prepared to look at another's view, don't read it & save us all the trouble.Appreciated)
So, a friend of family posted something on Twitter tday & people got quite angry. He said something about "Why are shops closed today? (Something about religion)". I don't remember.
A chick posted back: God loves you
He said: I don't need an imaginary friend
Which I thought was pretty funny.
Not alotta people did though.
Which brings me to the question: Why do people take themselves so seriously?
Religion is a touchy subject & most people claim to respect other's beliefs.
Not so much.
The world is turning & changing, along with it so is religion.
Religion shapes ones views on sex, sexuality, feminism, lifestyle, etc
But is it just me or does religion in general, in particular, Christianity seem to be a dwindling practice? Or something people just claim to be because, well, it's easy to say.
Practices like marriage, abstinence, monogamy, sexuality (as in homosexuality or bisexuality- is that a word?), etc are changing to most's chagrin.
But when the world is changing, then is it not ignorant to expect religion to be unaffected and judge people who do not practice it "traditionally"?
Its quite entertaining really, to think about, like how can one claim to be Christian when they ignore abstinence, divorce, are homosexual, etc? I am not saying those things are bad, do not get me wrong!
I'm just saying, as the human race, i think its time to rethink our values.
We need to make a choice. Are we simply calling ourselves Jewish or Christian or Muslim because that's easier? Because its what was pushed onto us at school or at home? If it actually lines up with our own morals or values?
Most people seem to use religion as an excuse for time off work during religious days or holidays.
When it's Easter we all of a sudden remember that one time we went to church and take our little holiday.
My point is, weirdly, if you're gonna be a Christian, BE a Christian, don't claim to believe if you don't practice the commandments & basic Christian traditions or else you are a hypocrite. And the saying: Oh, I can have sex now even though I'm not married & I'm only fourteen because tomorrow I can ask God for forgiveness. It's not an excuse to do bad things because saying sorry is just too easy and many people just do it again.
My thing is, if you are going to claim to be religious, practice it with your whole heart before you tell someone they are "sinful" or "evil" for things they do, that you have done but still think it's different because you said sorry on Sunday.
It's not legit, its plain annoying.
What I think puts religion in danger of extinction is the fact that it is used for people's own agendas. Killing a woman for being raped? Huh? That does not line up with my morals and I doubt it lines up with women who are a part of the religion and valuable to it too. They cannot possibly think it justice can they? And when one sees this one thinks: How can they use religion as an excuse for that? It makes you lose faith.
What about the crusaders? People who killed people because they were not Christian? How is that treating your neighbour as YOU would like to be treated? How is it sticking to the commandment: Do not kill. But at the same time, the bible states loosely: I will kill he who does not believe in you. What? Total contradiction don't you think?
Its hard not to think that maybe religion is practiced the way it was meant when it suits us.
There are so many examples of religion being used as an excuse for massacre, genocide, invasions, etc, too much to mention.
Once people stop tarnishing religion's rep for their own use, maybe then people would also take it seriously. Just a thought.
I just dont like the power that it gives people who are not sincere about it and have a more devious plan than giving the human race something to believe in.
Re-evaluate your values and don't be afraid to question society or the norm just because its easier.
If you believe in religion, believe, but also practice.
The last thing you need is a tricky question combined with a lack of faith on your part.
The real thing everyones struggling with nowadays is how to incorporate the beliefs that clash with their religion.
Its a tricky situation but no one can say you're wrong.
We just ask you extend the same courtesy to everyone else.