Ha, before you get all bent out of shape here, let me “asplain.” This isn’t my statement, but the statement of my best friend in the whole world; which I will not name to ensure privacy 
I had an interesting conversation recently with said person. We were talking about a couple friends who had found “god,” or shall I say “Christianity” due to strenuous life situations. I argued that there is nothing wrong with finding solace in a higher power, if it helps people to get over trauma. My best friend argued that it isn’t “god” or the “bible” that helps people to get over these things, but the community. He said that he can appreciate people who read the bible and find hope, but found that most people who belong to any organized religion get sucked in by the ”other sheep” who become their network of hope and strength.
I was arguing back and forth, when it dawned on me what he was saying. His beef was not with religion per se, but with the sheep mentality, especially those who keep talking about having found god, even though they have no idea what is written in the bible. He argued that most people never even bother to read any scripture or learn for themselves, but follow the “community” who make them feel as if they belong and as if THEY have the answers.
I was taken aback by how much he dislikes religion. It has always been a sore subject for him, but I didn’t have all that much to argue about the way he was approaching it. What makes it kind of sad is that there are a few Christian run programs, like AA, that are ineffective for people who are not Christian. I have known a couple people who refused going to AA because they couldn’t take the “preaching” or “Jesus” talk.
It’s not that I am bagging on Christianity, but it is, in fact, the largest religion on the planet. 60% of the world population are Christians. So that makes it rather hard to choose a religion like Hinduism, or Buddhism. Plus, neither Hinduism, nor Buddhism “recruits” for their beliefs and I have yet to be stopped by either a Hindi or Buddhist who tried to point out the “error of my ways,” judged me based on my beliefs or looks, or fought with another person based on their claim that their god is better than the other, and that all other people who believe differently would suffer horrible faiths/are sinners and go to hell.
What fascinates me is how far people take their beliefs. And yet it proofs the argument my best friend made. How can one spread a message of solace, peace and salvation, while threatening those who believe differently? How can you convince anyone about a loving god, while you are out there hating, judging, preaching and doing the wrong thing?
To me it never mattered what any one person believed or worshipped. My curiosities in the past regarding certain faiths, religions or philosophies were predominantly based on watching the actions and words of those who studied them and then feeling inspired. I never did become curious about a bunch of people who followed anything because “a book” or another told them so.
I do believe that we are now living in an age of science, (hopefully) reason and awakening. I think that there are certain beliefs that are shared across faiths, religions and philosophies. And those I have always called “Universal Truths.” While I wished at times that someone or something told me how to live my life and what to believe, thereby taking any accountability or responsibility away from me, I found that I can’t authentically function like this, because I know “the truth,” to a degree.
So, while I do not hate religion, I am saddened that I live in a country that was founded on the freedom of religion and yet has such a high population of people who keep spreading hate and ignorance to those who believe differently. I quote yet again the bumper sticker of this “well educated,” SUV driving Muppet spotted on the freeway “No Muslim Will Be My President.”
I have high hopes for the human race. I guess that is why they call me an idealist.
