RELIGION

Just got out of an intense talk with the cleaner, Moses. He asked me if I was Christian, and I, after thinking a while, replied no. I think that's the first time I've ever done that. In the past, I've laughed and said I'm agnostic, I'm non religious, I don't give a damn, and a bunch of other easy phrases, but after my conversation, I finally feel like I'm in the right place. I'm atheist. Not a sceptic - I believe you are entitled to your own opinion as long as you don't shove it down my throat. After all, if you're a devout believer in a religion (for whatever reason) you've found another mechanism to cope with what life offers. I don't have that, because I feel that I don't need one. I have morals, principles, ideals that I plan to stand by, and I'm going to just go with the flow. I don't think a divine figure is hanging a balance of good and bad above my head, toting up the points based on what I do or plan to do. Life is fleeting, and my life is insignificant in the big picture.

Moses told me at length about Jesus. How only by believing in Jesus do people go to heaven. Everyone else goes to hell.
This raises the point - What if you were brought up in a remote village in, let's say, Indonesia, and no one had ever taught you or told you about Jesus? You are still a kind, wonderful, generous person - do you go to hell for your ignorance? Doesn't that imply that God is very, very unjust? Why would the embodiment of greatness, worshiped by "all" choose to leave out people? Not that great after all, then, is he?

Just to challenge Moses, I suppose, I mentioned that Hindus believe in a bunch of different gods. He immediately shook his head, and said they do not exist. Jesus is the only one, every minute we spend worshiping another god, we lose out on the chance of finding salvation and enlightenment in the discovery of Jesus. I just did not know what to say to that. Someone who believes in it SO strongly is not going to spontaneously change his mind, just as it's going to be very, very hard to change mine.

Moses said something about idols. I think that's a valid point, thousands of laddoos and all are "offered" to idols every year in India while people close by die of hunger and poverty. I don't think this can be justified.

My knowledge and judgments are going to be based on scientific thinking, reasoning, and maybe sometimes an emotional perspective.  I'm going to formulate my own code of conduct -- be kind to everyone, don't judge, do NOT, under any circumstances, discriminate,  be honest, be modest, do not put yourself or anyone else down, treat every person and animal you meet with respect, be selfless,  be SINCERE, be cheerful.  As a kid growing up in Air Force stations and stuff, I'll be honest - I've felt a little left out quite often, when all my friends would go to temples or whatever. Now though...I'm quite happy about that. I think I have quite an open mind...or maybe these are just the ramblings of a super close minded person...

By Meghna Thomas


DISCLAIMER - We're not preaching of any religion or atheism and we don't intend to hurt anyone's feelings or manipulate their belief in God.