Thread: Lingering Thoughts... (Cyg's Journal)

Faith As I said before, I dont consider myself to be pious. But having faith, in some deifined thing or being, has always been a tricky topic for me personally. Several people I know struggle with this very thing. Im sure many people the world over strive to believe in some higher power. Some do so blindly. There are many zealots out there too, pious to a fault. Dont misunderstand, I do have faith and follow a religion. Though, I cant tell you how many times Ive questioned myself. Why do I believe this way? I prefer the tangible. I prefer observable fact. Ive seen religion shoved down the throats of the unwilling. Ive had it in my face more times than I care to recall. It almost seems like everywhere you turn there are people ready and waiting to condemn anyone, even good people, just because they dont share the same religion. Some religions claim to be an effort of inclusion and acceptance. Yet, in my experience these, self proclaimed, good, holy men and women of faith, will curse you to the depths the second your back is turned. I began to question my own beliefs when I saw good and wholesome people, who would do anything to help even a perfect stranger, condemned because they believed differently. So I decided to do some research. I took it upon myself to really learn about religions of the world, at least to gather a basic understanding of them. I dug through books for a couple of weeks and talked to as many people as I could of different cultures and beliefs. Now I wont claim to be a scholar, by any means. It was remarkably enlightening. It didnt take me long to start noticing commonalities between several religions. The deeper I looked, the more commonalities I found. I eventually became so overwhelmed, with this little venture, that I had to take a step back. It was too much to take in without taking a break long enough time to truly contemplate everything I thought I knew. I eventually came to the conclusion, who is to say any of us are really wrong? Who is to say any of us really have it right? Maybe, in some strange way, we all believe in the same thing, just in our own unique ways. Why condemn anyone? You could be just as right or just as wrong as they are. Id resolved to be more open minded. To hear what others have to say as long as its presented in a civil manner and if I dont agree then just leave it at that. Just agree, to disagree. In whatever you believe, do so and be happy. On that I will leave you with this Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952