Religion: What Does It Mean To Me?
Let me start this blog out by stating I am not a theologian, and I am an atheist. Therefore, my qualifications to wax philosophical concerning deep religious thought are very limited. However, I do have some thoughts on the matter.
First, I acknowledge and embrace the fact that this country was founded on principles that were partially influenced by reigious teachings. One needs to look no further than the Declaration of Independence for evidence of such fact.
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When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. |
Second, I do respect tradition, especially when a great majority of my fellow citizens are practioners of religion.
All of that being said, I do not believe the government should emphasize one religion over another, i.e., placing the Ten Commandments in stone outside of a courthouse. However, respecting the deep religious beliefs of some of our former statesmen is fully acceptable, such as the passage concerning god on the Washington Monument (Laus Deo, (Praise be to God) is engraved on the east side of the aluminum cap of the Monument). I do not believe you can properly honor someone without acknowledging his or her deep spiritual convictions.
What I do not understand is why some people hate the practice of religion. Take Bill Maher for example. He often refers to religion as irrational and its practitioners as idiots. That doesn't jive with my concept of freedom of the individual and freedom of choice. As long as you are not imposing your religion on me, what do I care how you practice? Also, it should be noted studies have shown that religious people are generally happier than us atheists. I imagine it is because they live their lives for a purpose and in service for the greater good.
I guess deep down it bothers me to see an anti-religion movement developing here in the United States. Limiting religious activity to me is just another way of limiting thought and debate. Also, the power to take away someone's bible is the power to take away another one's freedom of speech, or my handgun.
Now I understand the argument that some religions and scripture teach hate, and its practitioners often warp the teachings to justify sexism, racism, and war. That is the price you pay in a free society, and one which can be counteracted by a balanced education. Also, I have said it before and I will say it again: ALL WARS ARE FOUGHT FOR ECONOMIC REASONS. That doesn't mean wars are pointless or without merit, just that the underlying basis for all wars is purely economic and not about freedom or religion.
All and all, at this point in my life religion means very little to me, but that will never keep me from respecting what it means to others and to what it has meant to the backbone of this great nation.
It makes me happy to hear that you have a high degree of religous tolerance, but sad to know that religion means very little to you.
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