I have participated in organized religions and it has always been a struggle for me to be guided by the teachings of what others seem to embrace as all or nothing. My belief is, there is never an all or a nothing. Even the word of god was transcribed by the hand of man. Men were commissioned by kings and queens to construct a bible that would accommodate the ruling of their kingdoms. I have always been told to "fear the word of god" that's never set well with me. Understand, I have faith in god and it is that faith that guides me in everything I am. It has always been very personal and private to me. It is the grace in my faith that guides me away from harm and if I'm lost or question it's power the fury will surely discipline my neglect. It fills my heart with love and compassion, not for my keeping but to give away, with no self expectations.
We may describe our beliefs differently but it belongs to us equally and without prejudice. God gave us the ability to discover independently for a reason. It is my faith that navigates me through this life, down a path towards what I know as heaven.
I share my faith through my actions not my words. We use words to define what we think and feel, one changed word can redefine what's meant. It is my actions that can not be redefined they show the truth of my faith.
So is it all or nothing? I don't believe so, even just a little is better than nothing at all.
I view religion in the same respect as I view single malt scotch whisky... one doesn't start out liking it, it's an acquired taste brought on by maturity.
This piece resonated with me as I converted from Catholicism to Judaism. Appreciate you writing it.
Thanks, Shane. You may be interested in David's response to my letter. It's beautiful, and includes an appreciation of Judaism. https://volodzko.substack.com/p/on-conversion
I have participated in organized religions and it has always been a struggle for me to be guided by the teachings of what others seem to embrace as all or nothing. My belief is, there is never an all or a nothing. Even the word of god was transcribed by the hand of man. Men were commissioned by kings and queens to construct a bible that would accommodate the ruling of their kingdoms. I have always been told to "fear the word of god" that's never set well with me. Understand, I have faith in god and it is that faith that guides me in everything I am. It has always been very personal and private to me. It is the grace in my faith that guides me away from harm and if I'm lost or question it's power the fury will surely discipline my neglect. It fills my heart with love and compassion, not for my keeping but to give away, with no self expectations.
We may describe our beliefs differently but it belongs to us equally and without prejudice. God gave us the ability to discover independently for a reason. It is my faith that navigates me through this life, down a path towards what I know as heaven.
I share my faith through my actions not my words. We use words to define what we think and feel, one changed word can redefine what's meant. It is my actions that can not be redefined they show the truth of my faith.
So is it all or nothing? I don't believe so, even just a little is better than nothing at all.
Religion is superstition. Organised religion is a means of control. Free yourself.
That hasn’t been my experience of it. But I take seriously the concern you have for ideological control.
I view religion in the same respect as I view single malt scotch whisky... one doesn't start out liking it, it's an acquired taste brought on by maturity.
Great piece. I feel the way about classical paganism the way David feels about Scientology.
Thanks. One clarification: the Scientology bit is also about me. David’s response will come later this week.
I like the piece even more now...