Before I begin I'd like to take whatever opinion it is you have of religion and put it in the neutral zone. I understand that there are many different religions besides Christianity, but where I live it is the most common form. This is my view and a collection of an aspect of my life. Respectfully, take it for what it is.
First off: I claim no religion. In fact, I don't really associate with religion in itself. The only claim I have is that I claim to know nothing (though I remain open-minded). I am a believer of life. A follower of humanity and beyond. I soak in my surroundings and adapt them into a personal philosophy. I pursue happiness for myself and for those I love; Whatever you would like to call that.
Here is a list of things that I am not: misled, condemned, blind, stupid, tempted, lost, ignorant.
I was raised on non-denominational Christianity. I attended church every Sunday and most Wednesdays. I did this until around 16 years of age. Why? I thought. I had this idea that maybe, just maybe, I was limiting myself. By the time I was 17 I decided that it was time to separate from what I had been brought up on in favor of a life of philosophical exploration. This bothered a few people close to me. Why? I may never truly know. I was happier. Much more happier. I saw the world in a different light. I saw the world as a human with his own free spirit and years ahead of him. Truly amazing to think about.
I live in a country that boasts religious freedom, but in the region I grew up in, you wouldn't even know it. If you are not a (form of) Christian then you must convert and accept a savior immediately, or risk eternal damnation and hellfire. Even if you just choose a simple life of non-belief, you are somehow offending somebody with your peace and neutrality. I will never understand that. Growing up, I was taught basically that if you are not serving God then you are wrong (disclaimer: my parents are excluded from this. They are wonderful people that taught me what is best and continue to teach me even as I float through my 20s). As I became older, I discovered many other aspects of this earth that were just.. peaceful. You would truly be surprised to know that standing on the outside is another world entirely. You get to see every category with a third person perspective. No claim, no doctrine. Just your own personal powerhouse of thought, motivation, and inspiration.
We have fights and protests about differing views and opinions. Not every person believes what you believe. Whether you are Christian, Atheist, Hindu, Sith, Muslim, Follower of Talos, Satanic, etc. I guarantee that nobody believes exactly what you do. It is sincerely mind-blowing to open up a news article or scroll through my news feed and see the absolute crap that happens out there. I'll be blunt: Your organization/group/religion/political party does not own this earth. We claim to be a free country, but are we really? With people spouting out their religious doctrine as if it is law, with hate and ignorance being poured into our children's minds, with close-minded attempts to destroy other's pursuit of happiness.. where are we really? Yes, I understand that with freedom comes the negative aspects, but we have seriously shifted into something completely different. The lack of respect for different views is astounding. We enslave each other with our ideals to the point of savagery. Step outside of your religion. For once, push it to the side and look at yourself. Look at the humans around you. The flesh and blood you discriminate against is the same as your own. Just think. And maybe, just maybe, we can progress together and edge closer to equality.
