Why I Stay Away From Church and My Views on Religion
Today is Monday, and churches are often seen as institutions that some people use to make a living by preying on the gullibility of others. It's worth noting that all religions are man-made, which means they are inherently false. However, whether you believe in a higher power or not, the Lord is still good, and attending Mass is not just about religious practice; it's about seeking to be good and faithful servants of that higher power.
In Christianity, Sunday often carries a capital letter S because it is seen as the day of rest and worship. Yet, it's interesting how the same letter of the day isn't given the same importance when it comes to referring to the Lord in lowercase. This distinction might highlight the perceived importance of rituals over the actual beliefs behind them.
Personally, I haven't set foot in a church in over 50 years. It's not that I don't believe in God anymore; rather, I never did. The church rituals are too boring, and I have far better things to do than focus on the useless arguments over stained glass windows, music styles, or what clothes you should wear. Each of these points is a distraction from the true message the church is supposed to deliver.
A Theological Reflection on God and Satan
For a long time, I read the Bible diligently, and it was a profound experience. However, there's one aspect of the reading that really put me off: the portrayal of God. The more I read, the more I found God to be a cruel, despicable, and vile figure—almost like a narcissist. Conversely, Satan read as a kinder, more compassionate figure.
This led me to conclude that there is no god. Instead, I am an atheist, someone who does not believe in any deities. It’s not that I was forced to become an atheist; it was my choice, after much contemplation and self-reflection.
The Dullness of Religion and Personal Freedom
The rituals and ceremonies in churches can be monotonous and repetitive. They often revolve around trivial matters like fashion and tastes rather than real spiritual guidance. The idea that you must dress a certain way to be heard or to even enter the premises is absurd. What if all you have is a pair of dirty pants or a shirt with holes? These artificial boundaries do not allow for true expression of faith or spirituality.
Conclusion
Religion, at its core, should be about seeking truth and being good. But sometimes, the trappings and superficial aspects of religious practice overshadow the real message. My atheism is not a rejection of spirituality but a rejection of institutions that fail to deliver that meaningful message. If you want to know what true spirituality looks like, maybe you should focus on the individuals and communities that inspire genuine peace and understanding.