Purging Religion
Religion is probably the biggest threat to the continuation of our species in terms of development, whether it’s mentally, emotionally, intellectually, or psychologically, that exists today. And chances are, you’re part of the problem.
Yes, that means you, too, Mr. Atheist.
Religion starts with beliefs, you see — things that we accept without question, without examination, without solid proof. They extend from the very inconsequential to the very serious and taint nearly every aspect of our modern lives, oftentimes without making themselves obviously known, but ultimately affecting vast tracts of our lives. Religion then takes these beliefs, removes questioning and doubt, and makes them habit.
“But, Nathan, ” I hear you ever-so-daintily chide your computer screen, “I thought religion was about God?”
Well, think about this, then: Are you patriotic? Do you think your country is pretty great? Have you always thought that? Do you stand up at parades, salute the flag, clap for soldiers, put your hand on your heart during the national anthem, and celebrate your country’s independence?
Funny. People stand up in church, make the sign of the cross, reward pastors and priests, kneel to pray, and celebrate Easter, too.
Do you really know why you do any of these activities? Do you know the true meaning behind each action, where it came from, why people do it, and how it is supposed to matter? Do you think about such things each time you do them or are you simply mechanical about it? Do you feel like a schmuck if you don’t do them, but can’t really figure out why? Ah, ha. Busted.
At this point, there will be some readers who are screaming at their monitors like morons, “What??? Beliefs are bad!?” No. Did I say anything about beliefs? Yes, I did, but I also said that religion are beliefs gone out of whack. To be honest, we require beliefs to cover the gap between what we can reasonably examine and prove and what we require to function as humans in a complex world.
I cannot prove that my car will always stop when I hit the brakes, at least, not without a great deal of my own examination and/or research. I do, however, believe that they will work and work on a consistent basis. This belief covers the gap between what I know about how brakes work and the fact that I need to drive my car to get to work.
In fact, I would
go
as far
to say that
I am
religious about my brakes.I would go as far to say that I am religious about my brakes. I hit them without question, as a matter of habit, never giving them a second thought. Like I said — some things are trivial.
But when it comes to more serious matters, this is where religion has its major talons sunk deep within the structure of our lives and refuses to let go without a fight. “You have to go to church!” Do I? “You have to pray if you want something!” I do? “You have to bow down three times a day on a carpet!” Really? Why?
It is questions like these that go unanswered in modern religions. Oh, sure, they get answers from the proponents of the religion, but that’s like asking a car salesman why you should buy the new model on the lot. The answer you get is tainted and skewed and simply cannot be trusted to give an objective viewpoint on the subject.
So, then, what to do? Well, a person should have enough sense to question all of these things themselves, to derive the best possible answer from all available information, and come upon a conculsion for themselves with a varying degree of certainty. Then that conclusion should stay available for further scrutiny at any future time given a change in the information making it up or the evidence supporting (or denying) it.
The fact is, people are lazy and critters of habit. They prefer to stick with their religious mantras and habits rather than break free and find their true meanings and beliefs. It is easier to go to church every Sunday, sing the hymns, put the dot on your forehead, cross yourself, or stand up when the flag comes by than it does to question these actions and examine them.
But, really — ask yourself: Are you comfortable with treating your beliefs on life, morals, salvation, sin, God, and patrotism like you treat the braking system of your car?
I think your car’s out of control and headed towards a cliff — here’s hoping you’re right!
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