I’m
going to warn you now, I have no clue where this essay is headed.
I’m
starting it because I have a few ideas I want to think about and
explore. But honestly, it feels like I’m about to set off on a
train, headed downhill, knowing full well the brakes don’t work
and the steepest drop hits after I should have a pretty good speed
built up.
What
the hell am I talking about? There are all sorts of versions of
the saying that provides an answer, where essentially all will
tell you if you want to have a peaceful gathering of people, don’t
talk religion or politics. I’ve got my sunglasses off, and I’m
staring directly at religion. Here we go…
I
would never be considered a religious person these days. I don’t
attend church. I can’t remember the last time I picked up any
book with religious themes.
I
suppose my difficulties though are more with what we might summarize
as the organized business of religion. And yes, I know I’ve gone
and stepped on it with that. Because there is no way I will be
able to fully form my feelings and thoughts, defenses and explanations,
or anything else associated with supporting that idea in a single
essay. Religion for many is a lifelong dedication. Good luck covering
that in one thousand words (or less).
For
the sake of trying to keep things smooth and relatively easy in
nature, I’d ask that you consider this. If I created a list of
words and concepts for the founding of a great religion, it would
begin with some very clear and strong cornerstones. It should
be about providing comfort for those that may be unable to do
so on their own. It should be about bringing light to darkness.
It
all comes together in a word that you might not consider that
often when establishing an organization usually means hierarchies
and leaders and offices. That said, a good religion for me would
be about community. I’m here for you… we’re here for you… because
we care. You’re there for me… all of you are there for me… because
you care. Community.
Religion
isn’t, in my mind, about miracles. It isn’t about artifacts. It’s
about simple ideas. I’m no better than you. You’re no better than
me. By celebrating each other, we can accomplish tremendous things.
And
while many would debate if I’m even discussing religion with those
ideas, I remind you I said those are the fundamental concepts.
And in those ways, I am religious after all. I’m going to treat
people with respect and kindness, and be accountable for my actions.
I’m going to resist judgement before clarity, observation and
truth is realized. I’m going to attempt to make my efforts and
interactions and more ones that celebrate equality and opportunity,
not separation and restriction.
Have
you ever had someone tell you that they’re praying for you? How
did you feel when you heard that?
In
some ways, the examples I offer that would have me classified
as not being religious resists that word. Pray. Prayer. It seems
off. And yet, prayer is also where faith is tested, created and
strengthened. Prayer is an element at the center of religion in
my mind.
Knowing
that others are there for you… yes, praying for you… matters.
It’s uplifting, provides positive reinforcement and emotional
support. It can make you stronger. I don’t need religious stories
or imagery, I know this to be true because I’ve seen this definition
of prayer in action.
In
the end, the biggest thing we need is to eliminate the labels.
If you want to believe something… devote yourself to something…
be moved and driven about something… if it has love and compassion
in it, with a sense of responsibility on your part to do good
for the community and others, well…
That’s
my type of religion.
Love
and compassion. Strip it all away and that’s what you should find.
I
care about you. I really, truly do, even though we may never meet.
May your today be better than yesterday. May you find peace and
prosperity. And, may you find a way to wish the same for your
neighbors.