Let's break down the definition a little bit. "A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe" Ok, I can understand that. It's a way for us to figure out why we are here, what are we supposed to be doing. What exactly is a "superhuman agency"? Well, it states above or beyond what is human; having a higher nature or greater powers than humans have. (That one doesn't really sit easy in me... I believe we have the power to be amazing. It isn't just limited to "God" to perform miracles. Look at all the great things that happen in the world.) What about "often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs"? This would tell me that there is a set of rules that we are supposed to follow to live the right way. What moral code are they talking about? Well, whatever faith we follow is supposed to have that all laid out for us, right? I don't know enough about the various religions to say what each one teaches, but I'm sure that most of them teach us to love each other and take responsibilities for our actions.
Ok, what is a cult? A particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies. What does this mean? "Rites and ceremonies." Well, what religion does not have rites and ceremonies? Christianity has communion and baptism. The Jewish religion has Bar/Bat Mitzvah and confirmation. Hindus have Kumbha Mela (the Great Fair) and Upanayana (initiation for males). The Shinto religion has Shichi-Go-San and Hatsumiya-Mode. And it keeps going. Nearly all of them have some sort of coming-of-age, marriage and death ceremonies.
What does all this mean? Not much really. Not when you really think about it. We are all seeing God from our own perspective and what we see is right. Not just mine. Not just yours. Not just the children laying in the hospital wishing they could go outside. Not just the old woman laying in her bed wishing she could leaving this existence. Not just the monk in Tibet, or the shaman in Africa. We are all right.
And yet, people have been killing for too long in the name of God. When will it end.
Path of Faith
I was raised most of my childhood with no structured religion, but I was taught to be kind to other people as well as have respect for the world. When I was about fourteen I was given the chance to visit the churches in our area. I went to the Baptist churh with my Grammie as well as the
Peoria Presbyterian Church. Eventually I became a member of the PPC simply because the message was "God is Love". I felt like I was part of a large family that didn't make fun of my mother or me. I felt these people were there to ask questions of and receive answers. I felt at home. After a few years we ended up getting a different pastor who felt it was necessary to raise his voice. A lot. I became uncomfortable there and there was tension during the services. I stopped going.
After becoming an adult I went back only once and was glad to leave. I didn't return to any church until a few years ago when a friend of mine talked about Catholicism. She wasn't stuck up about it or secretive. She was honest and answered all the questions I asked her. (Whoa! I now personally knew two Catholics and was amazed that they didn't fit what I had in my mind... yes, I know that's a bit close-minded, but I'd only met a few up til then.) I tried it out and was impressed. But not enough to become a member.
For more than half my adult life (barely over 9 years now) I have been studying Witchcraft and various forms of Paganism. I began my studies in late January 1998CE and felt even better than I did when I was going to PPC. There were no other people to share any of this with other than online. There was no one to tell me how to go about learning and living this path. There
were people telling me how wrong I was and that my children would suffer. And yet, this was right for me. I knew, no I believed, I was right. Right for me.
And now...
I hear so many stories that make me sad for the state of this planet. Everything from ecological devastations to religious intolerance. (why be so moronic as to take down
all religious decorations in the airport?) When will it get better? Sometimes I begin to lose hope that we will make it past a few more generations before we either destroy the planet we live on or we kill everyone who is different.
Then I see/hear/read something that gives me hope. When you need a boost to your sorrows, try this site -
Good News Network. I have to believe that someday we will make things right. We will make this world a better place. If we can't look forward to that, well, what is the point of continuing this existance?
