I’m not much of a joiner, but I am a believer. I pretty much believe in everything, because what the heck do I know?
I believe that, if there is a greater power, it’s too grand for any mortal to define. Heaven and hell, perhaps. Reincarnation, I hope so. A simple return to dust, please plant me in a place that needs a little fertilizer.
Those who slap a hand on a book and purport to speak for their god, strike me as a bit disrespectful of the divine. As they say, going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
For me, faith is a private matter, something to share within an intimate circle or with nobody at all. I tend my spirit but feel no alliance with a particular faith or denomination--although I might be a little bit Buddhist. I try to embrace the Dalai Lama’s mantra,
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
I feel just terrible for the poor Mormon kids who are sent out to knock on the doors of strangers, in a miserable ministry. Instead of wandering, unneeded and unwanted in the suburban heat, they could be building a school, distributing food, teaching people to read, and feeling both needed and uplifted.
There is so much to do.
Religious groups who send followers to poor places only to preach and convert display a special kind of entitlement. Those who condescend without pitching in are rarely heard. What if, instead, they pooled the airfare costs and donated to folks who live their faith, not by throwing up their hands, but by rolling up their sleeves.
Unfortunately religion affiliation, like political affiliation, can be used as an excuse to turn away from honestly considering difficult subjects. More than ever, we need to talk to each other.
I have traveled to more than 100 countries and have seen the enormous good done by true believers, no matter the tribe, who proselytize less, get their hands dirty more, and simply do what needs to be done.
As we enter this season of Ramadan, Easter and Passover, my prayer is that we can all express our faith through action which, we all know, speaks louder than words.
Whole heartedly agree!
Amen to that (apologies for the pun, couldn’t resist) 💚