Thoughts on religion and how a few bad apples can make the rest of the demographic look like assholes

I was beginning this discussion with a guy I met in Austin this weekend, and in light of my Facebook encounter, I feel like I need to continue the discussion if not with him than with myself.

He was saying that he has a problem with religion. I don't. To me religion is nothing more than an idea that is sold through Fear Uncertainty and Doubt, just like many other things that are sold in our culture, like insurance. However some whole-heartedly accepted as a good idea because it is such a lovely idea. True love for instance, such a wonderful idea, to think that there is someone out there made just for you. It's ingrained in us at a very young age with stories of Cinderella, sleeping beauty and other Disney movies where love wins out. Makes you feel all gushy inside and that one day it will happen for you, if only you believe and hold out, it will fall in your lap. And plenty of people profit off of it: Hallmark, the chocolate, jewelry, flower, and wedding industries. In addition to that there are whole counter industries dedicated to helping you gain a more realistic view of the world: Therapists, self help books... But still despite it's many flaws in thinking and lack of evidence that it exists, people still believe in it. Why? BECAUSE OF FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. What if I end up alone? That can't happen. It won't happen. I will find someone for me who loves me. Disney tells me so. Thus the belief is born

Fact of the matter is that there are people who never find their true love or even an acceptable substitute. And that is ok. You come into this world alone and you die alone. It's just those people who come along for the ride, for better or for worse that count and will provide comfort. And that is more than just a lover. It's your community. This is where religion comes in because it provides community and can be a comfort to the unknown. What happens when I die? Well you don't know that just like you don't know that you will not die without spending your life with someone, like you don't know if you should buy that outrageously priced earthquake insurance because you may never have need for it even if you live in San Francisco (although according to Facebook ad guy, if I ever by a home here I better buy as much as I can!). Who knows?? And that's why I don't have a problem with religion. It is a comfort to people to believe they know what is going to happen and to prepare accordingly. Being a control freak, I completely understand.

I also don't have a problem with religion because most of the ideas behind most religions are good ways to live your life. Do unto others, forgiveness, gratitude, love thy neighbor, judge not lest ye be judged and other general good qualities that should be practiced on a more wide spread basis. If only religious people actually did follow the tenets of their religions on a more consistent basis, I think the world would be a better place.

Unfortunately, that isn't the case. And while my Austin friend has a problem with the ideas, I just have a problem with people. Human nature can be incredibly generous and absolutely horrid at the same time. And it is that human nature that takes an idea like religion and twists certain ideas into something that suits your needs and ignores those that aren't convenient. Don't like gay marriage? Well we got good ole Leviticus for that. Let's just focus on that specific passage and ignore EVERYTHING else in the phatty book that says not to judge and to treat others as you would wish it. Manipulation at it's finest. That's why letters like this are so funny. Pointing out the hypocrisy and the false thought in the arguments that are made in the name of God is the most satisfying thing I can think of.

And then people, for the most part, are dumb sheep. If someone is charismatic and has something to say to an agreeable audience, they will listen and carry the message. Hence situations presented in Jesus camp. Those kids aren't thinking for themselves. Odds are they never have they've been drilled so much. What is going to suck is there will come a point in their life when their faith is shaken because someone they look up to will let them down in a massive way (Like Ted Haggard) or some similar event (because that is life) and they will have to think about everything they have been taught to accept. Some will come through it with their faith, maybe more balanced, some will be completely fucked up and some will be closed minded assholes because they refuse to deal. And that is a tragedy.

So you see the problem is people. People who believe without thinking and attempt to brainwash others and fight for things in the name of God because that is what He would want. I'm sorry but isn't God unknowable? Last time I heard he hasn't spoken to anyone recently. Unless we are counting George Bush because he seems so worthy. Personally I think he is closer to the anti-Christ. Charismatic and carrying the word of God? Sounds like a match. But that is off the point.

I find it unfortunate that it is those people who take religion to the extreme (like Facebook ad dude) make religious people look like freaks or people to stay away from. These perfectly lovely people who are religious and pray and thank God for what they have and help others and have an enthusiasm for life that they want to share with everyone and are HAPPY are made to look like back water hicks. Not enlightened when it is more likely that they are more enlightened than anyone who scoffs at religion as a silly superstition. Maybe it is but so are the stupid forward emails that I get in my email inbox that tell me if I don't send it off in 5 minutes I'm never going to find me true love. Sound familiar?

It isn't religion that is the bad thing. It's intolerance. And that goes both ways. From both the religious fanatics and the people who scoff and don't pay attention. While it may be awkward from someone who isn't used to it, it isn't funny when some gives thanks for what they have verbally or asks for the universe (I say that because I can't ask God but I can ask the universe) to keep an eye on them and those they care about. It's appropriate. What isn't appropriate is telling other people they are bad for not giving thanks and that their children are gong to hell because they aren't baptized. That is just assholey.

Religion is the opiate of the masses. And like any drug or anything that is comforting and enjoyable, everything in moderation.