The Value of Religion

A worthy religion is often confused with a popular one, as religion is one of the many institutions in life where widespread acceptance excuses it from being questioned. And yet, religion should necessarily be questioned, as it is the foundation on which we build moral beliefs and values. No religion should decree that the most important focus in life is a god. The positive energies in life that are derived from any religion should not be directed at a higher figure, for then what does the theology/idealogy really mean in society? Good energies gained from practicing a religion should be directed toward humanity (and the rest of the world's livelihood), because isn't that real essence of religion? To make us better people in what we do? A good person isn't one who believes in eventual salvation at the end of ceaseless prayers. On the contrary- a good person is one who exerts goodness to this world.

Religion needs no doctrine to study, because the capability to do good things is a natural desire that should be discovered and fostered within our own souls. And when we find it, we should share that glory not with a higher being - whatever it may be - but with others around us who need help achieving a more pure existence, or simply need help finding their own source of enlightenment and channel through which they too can share it. Religion isn't feeling an obligation to sit in mass once a week (for fear of facing the rath of an otherwise "loving" god) or praying for forgiveness, change, or enlightenment. Religion is appreciating goodness in yourself, in others, in the natural world... and then sharing it, eternally, without the dogma of a specific religion. Religion is not biast and shares no prejudice with other religions- it is simply existing in a good state, free of impositions, and doing everything one can so that everything else may exist in a good state too. (Religion is not the justification for harmful beliefs, imposition of cruelty on living things, or exploitation of people, animals, or resources.) A worthwhile state of existence is without judgement, and without reassurance that a god will pass judgement on those with whom we disagree. It is merely the decision, in every situation, to peacefully disregard it or to aid in its betterment.

Religion is not self-righteous, guilt-ridden, or imposing. It is modest and pure and compassionate. It is autonomous contemplation, not dogma. It is action, not prayer. It is found in oneself and for oneself, but the good energy is shared with everything else besides oneself, and without the persuasion of any practice/technique/belief being any more valuable than another. Religion, quite simply, is the essence of what you put out into the world, and it is entirely unlabeled. Doing good is doing good. The term "religion" is irrelevant, and the varying religious labels are merely instruments of prejudice. (Yes, I'm anti-Chrisitian. But only because I feel that Christian values contradict what is essential and real.) Living in fear of damnation is not a valuable existence on Earth. Doing good and sharing good energies is worthwhile and real.