I've only recently realized something. I'm not sure how relevant this will be to anyone else, but here it goes.
I've realized that in the past, I've mistaken myself for being in the majority as far as religion goes. In other words, I've basically made the assumption that the majority of free thinking people thought the same way that I do. They questioned their beliefs, and instead of hanging onto something definate, they left some things open for argument. And I actually thought that whatever relgion a particular person was in, that they came to that religion of their own free will and made considerations before joining said religions.
I realize now that for most people, that's not the case. Most are taught from a young age their families' beliefs. Most just accept what they were taught as children and never bother to question the beliefs that were handed down. Some of this can be contributed to the leaders of the religion. They say believe, just for the sake of believing. They tell you to have faith. What they DON'T tell you is to search your own mind and feelings to see if said religion is what you ACTUALLY believe. It's almost as if most religions don't want to be questioned, and without questioning something, how can you come to believe it except through blind faith?
In the past, I've defended religion on the basis that I too believe in God. And I realize now that this was entirely the wrong reason to defend it. We were given freedom of religion, to believe whatever we thought was right. But is that any good if we simply accept something without question? I hardly think so.
I've realized that in the past, I've mistaken myself for being in the majority as far as religion goes. In other words, I've basically made the assumption that the majority of free thinking people thought the same way that I do. They questioned their beliefs, and instead of hanging onto something definate, they left some things open for argument. And I actually thought that whatever relgion a particular person was in, that they came to that religion of their own free will and made considerations before joining said religions.
I realize now that for most people, that's not the case. Most are taught from a young age their families' beliefs. Most just accept what they were taught as children and never bother to question the beliefs that were handed down. Some of this can be contributed to the leaders of the religion. They say believe, just for the sake of believing. They tell you to have faith. What they DON'T tell you is to search your own mind and feelings to see if said religion is what you ACTUALLY believe. It's almost as if most religions don't want to be questioned, and without questioning something, how can you come to believe it except through blind faith?
In the past, I've defended religion on the basis that I too believe in God. And I realize now that this was entirely the wrong reason to defend it. We were given freedom of religion, to believe whatever we thought was right. But is that any good if we simply accept something without question? I hardly think so.
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