I’ve seen a lot of crazy things done in the name of religion and I’ve seen a lot of crazy things done in opposition to religion. I am an advocate for the freedom of religion. Despite the corruption that often exists in religion I do not believe outlawing religion is the answer. Nor do I believe forced religion is the answer either. The freedom of association means the right to affiliate and the right not to affiliate with any religion or political doctrine. Having said that I do not believe that religious freedom includes the right to oppress others.
I believe in what Paul describes as Pure Religion, which consists of visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. I do not believe those are solely socialist values nor are they a Communist plot to overthrow the free world.
Paul said "Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels and have not charity I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge: and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
When asked who is my neighbour, Christ gave the parable of the Good Samaritan. Samaritans were hated at the time. They were half-breed nonbelievers. Yet Christ chose someone the people hated to be an example of how that hated nonbeliever was more religious than those who sat in the high places of the churches at the time.
Today I submit the parable of the Good Communist. Someone who doesn’t believe in God or religion but believes in the values of pure religion more than those who profess to do so. Our obsessed paranoia should not be with Godless Communism although at one time Stalin was a real threat. Our fear should be of hypocrisy and apathy.
I remember as a youth studying various religions in my own personal quest for my own religious identity. My conclusion then is the same as my conclusion now. Don Francisco’s Steeple song:
I remember playing that song for a born again Christian I was staying with. Right after hearing the song he angrily said "Yeah well my wife is a bitch" and walked away. He had been through a messy divorce. I shook my head and said to myself, I think you missed the whole point of the song. I do not believe God wants people to be abused. I believe families are important and although betrayal and abuse are common, they shouldn’t be. I believe Don Francisco’s steeple song clearly defines what pure religion should be. Cheers.
No comments:
Post a Comment