Monday, March 27, 2006
The topic of religion came to my mind only about two or three years ago, before which I have no notion of what it's really about. It's about your beliefs, principles and your doings.
Under persuasion from my friend, I went to visit a function organised by his religious group last Saturday. It was not really an eye-opener as I have been to similar events previously, but after the event, I got to know more about the religious institution and how it carries out its activities.
One thing I myself was quite sure of before the visit was that I wouldn't be embracing the religion and this stand was further re-affirmed when I attended the event. Now, do not get it wrong: I am NOT against having a religion, or any religion, and personally think that religions are actually quite beneficial as they lead individuals to having a morally upright life, build up their character and allow those with similar ideology to come and share their thoughts as well as to build up close friendships.
From what I observed that evening, the members of the religious institution are quite closely bonded to one another, and as most religions do, regard fellow worshippers as family. Also, the priest preached about encouraging its members to bravely cross over boundaries, to territiories that they have never set foot upon, to take calculated risks and try out new things and to make a difference in their lives as well as indirectly those around them. This is like what self-help books and motivation speakers would tell you. Its was quite inspiring, and relevant with the modern times, but since it was a religious speech, it had to be relevant to serving god. Now, it's up to the individual to believe or not and to have a religion or not, but for me, I would think that there is more flexibility in being a free thinker as I would not have to conform to a fixed set of beliefs. I feel that it would be a necessity to follow mostly, if not all the teachings prescribed by a religion in order to be considered a sincere worshipper, because you have to believe in what you are believing. You have to be truthful to yourself. I am sure the same truthfulness should go towards the higher authority that you worship. It is then that you feel that your relationship with the higher authority is wholesome.
Posted by charles at 10:32 PM