Generally people think of religion as, by definition, something that you take on faith. And indeed most religious questions aren’t subject to scientific testing—there isn’t an experiment that will prove or disprove the existence of God or an afterlife. And yet, our religious convictions are only really meaningful if they hold up in the context of our lives and our other beliefs, to the tests of whether they make sense and whether they help us to live better lives.
What religious beliefs have changed for you as you’ve tested them against your life and values?
My childhood and early adulthood religious training left me with many questions and few answers. Today, I’m 75 years old and still don’t have all the answers, but that’s ok. I believe a spark of the divine is in each living being and our purpose on this little planet is to spread love and caring. We also have a responsibility to work on leaving this planet a little better. Our responsibility includes taking a stand against injustice and discrimination whenever and wherever it’s encountered. To me that means speaking out and not being quiet and passive. Have my views changed? Not really. I never believed in hell, or a God who frightened people. The change? I’m no longer reluctant to speak out, much to the chagrin of many! It’s one of the perks of aging! (smile)
the proof of the pudding is in the eating
my religion tells me that love will win and that people can only be happy if they live in peace and justice
all around me today I can see evidence that hatred only creates more hatred
MLKJr was right
Today I will do my best to be the peace I want to see in the world. I will fail sometimes. I will keep trying. It’s all I can do.
Rev. Dawn