The diversity of religions
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| | Humans have survived over the milennia, like many other species, by virtue of their diversity and adaptability. These characteristics must therefore be recognised and respected as fundamental features of humans as a whole.
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| | It must be added, of course, that these characteristics have caused friction, creating many problems, sometimes culminating in wars, as we struggle to accept and accommodate the differences of other people and races.
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| | Whilst many people and races have much in common, they have many different needs and ways of living. The many flavours of religion reflect this. A religion that suits one type, may be entirely inappropriate for another.
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| | Yet religions seek to 'convert' people to their way of thinking. This is a fundamentally flawed concept if applied to the whole of the World. Imagine an army leader wanting to make all of his troops into leaders. It would leave no-one to lead; an army needs a mix of leaders and followers. Neither role is fundamentally more important than the other, since both are required.
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| | Some religions talk of ideals and strive towards a utopian state, yet rarely question the global validity of these aspirations. Even the concept of a convergence towards a common goal is counter to the necessary diversity of life.
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| | Religions want people to behave well, and want to banish ill-doers. But you cannot have diversity without fringe behaviours - this is the necessary feature of diversity. Without miscreants in times of peace, you lose some of the bravest fighters in times of conflict.
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| | Religions have a nasty habit of looking down on 'outsiders' to their religion. They fail to recognise that this is a necessary consequence of diversity.
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| | In a sense, many religions want to grow up and recognise that their religion will only ever suit a subset of the populace. Much as when I promote the Oriental game of Go, I try to recognise that it suits some people, and not others.
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Enlightenment
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| | The 'enlightened' state highly regarded by some religions is one where you rise above bodily needs and enter an altered state, where your perception of the World and God is fundamentally altered.
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| | However, this enlightment is inappropriate and entirely inaccessible for many people, generally those that cannot take the necessary time out from their daily routine.
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| | These religions can make this state to be very important, or essential, to the religion, casting non-achievers as somehow inferior.
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Gratitude
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| | In my humble opinion, I see religion as being about a continuing gratitude for your life, and for the life of those around you, where you live your life in respect of the privilege of life itself.
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| | Many times, the respect is channeled to a God. Attendance in church serves to remind you of the need for gratitude - of your indebtedness.
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| | One part of this gratitude is towards your parents, who brought you into the World. If we look at this component of the whole gratitude thing, we can reflect on the different ways of demonstrating your gratitude.
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| | You may be nice to your parents, heeding their advice and behaving as they wish. This is in line with the religious stance - obeying God's laws. But towing the line is only appropriate for some people. Some will counter the desires of their parents whilst still being grateful, and still loving them, yet seeking different careers and partners to their parent's wishes. It is not necessarily a mark of ingratitude to do things your own way!
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| | Likewise, not being religious does not remove your gratitude for life. For many, attendance at church is mechanical, and does not reflect any gratitude at all. Ther can even attend church as a possible ticket to a better after life.
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| | Often, doing the best you can with your life is the best way of showing your gratitude for that life.
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