“Hey Man, what does your bumper sticker mean, is it like a cult?”
“No. It represents the unity of all people’s cultures, beliefs, and religious backgrounds existing peacefully in the world.”
“Yep. It’s a cult.”
If we studied world religion we’d be less confused, threatened, and perhaps more understanding of other’s beliefs. We are happy to experience foods of different cultures, but their doctrines are indigestible? Do you hate someone because they eat chicken feet?
What does it matter?
Rules and rituals of religions were established for the benefit of social order. Therefore, how can we judge what is not our own? Unless you are bound by familial pressures to conform, or the need to be accepted by your community, you are free to choose what you believe.
And so are others.
Religions actually have a lot in common. The general theme is compassion, forgiveness and love. If your religious beliefs cause you to be judgmental, if you feel it’s your duty to convert others to your thinking, or your beliefs cause you to feel separate from others, then you’ve mistaken spirituality for your ego.
War and separation is not the intended outcome of religion, that’s not what it’s for.
Sadly, if there were no religions, we would still fight over differences; it’s a flaw of our nature because we are not yet perfect. It is fear and the discomfort of the unknown that alienates us from our neighbor.
The work of this life is of an individual nature. When a person raises his/her vibration, it has a positive effect that ripples outward. If you see a kind act, you can’t help but be touched. When you shine, you inspire those who witness the light. If we make it our individual responsibility to become compassionate, forgiving, loving people, surrounding ourselves with those who do the same, then we can peacefully coexist.
