Since the inception of this blog I have avoided writing on the subjects of religion and politics. Yes, I have tucked a seed or two into an entry here and there, but nothing substantial enough to warrant real notice. Well, since this blog is about “the journey”, it would not be complete without a few musings on religion.
When asked if I am religious person, I often counter with an answer like, “I’m not religious. I’m spiritual”. So far I am still sticking to that distinction. Being religious conjures too many images in my mind of fanatic fervor gone array including knights marching off to the holy land on “crusades”, fundamentalist Muslims seeking to rid the world of infidels in often warranted retaliation, and Amish people in horse drawn buggies on modern highways. Don’t ask me why these specific images dominate my imagery of the word, they just do.
The point being that religion, in my eyes, has done more evil than good when interpreted in a misguided fashion by those who tend towards the fanatic. On the other hand, people who have been enlightened by the template of their religion have attained peace within themselves and harmony with others. Is this not the most noble of earthly existences? Such an experience is not exclusive to a religion. These people exist in Christianity, the Muslim faith, and Buddhism (the latter of which is not considered to be a religion but “a way of life”.)
What is the difference then between the fanatic and the enlightened? I am still sifting through the answers to that question. You might be surprised as what I am finding out...
When asked if I am religious person, I often counter with an answer like, “I’m not religious. I’m spiritual”. So far I am still sticking to that distinction. Being religious conjures too many images in my mind of fanatic fervor gone array including knights marching off to the holy land on “crusades”, fundamentalist Muslims seeking to rid the world of infidels in often warranted retaliation, and Amish people in horse drawn buggies on modern highways. Don’t ask me why these specific images dominate my imagery of the word, they just do.
The point being that religion, in my eyes, has done more evil than good when interpreted in a misguided fashion by those who tend towards the fanatic. On the other hand, people who have been enlightened by the template of their religion have attained peace within themselves and harmony with others. Is this not the most noble of earthly existences? Such an experience is not exclusive to a religion. These people exist in Christianity, the Muslim faith, and Buddhism (the latter of which is not considered to be a religion but “a way of life”.)
What is the difference then between the fanatic and the enlightened? I am still sifting through the answers to that question. You might be surprised as what I am finding out...
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