The more and more I learned and went to church, the more and more I questioned my religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic).
I wanted a solidified truth to religion. In church I’d often wondered if religion was necessary for anything. Then I realized that people live by it; it is a code they follow, an example of how to be, the foundation for morality, it helps shape a person’s life. After that, I further questioned, now that my life has been somewhat shaped, and my morals are set, what do I really need it for anymore? You go to church every Sunday hearing the same rotation of Biblical passages every time for what? Reminder? The first time I skipped Mass, I felt really guilty. I felt I missed something, let the big guy down. Then it happened again, and again, and the guilt sort of faded away with the ease setting set to -100 (I’ve been using Flash all day, shut up). After a while, I would think nothing of it anymore.
I feel that the terms “atheism” and “indifference” are synonymous with each other. I’d often wonder (in church, no less) what it would be like to not have to worry about any obligations or any predefined set of moral values. In other words, what would it be like to make your own way through life. I think that no matter what, your life would be influenced by religion one way or another. Someone with ethical values, influenced by religion, can very easily tell you what you’re doing right or wrong. Now unless you’re a complete rebel and wholly self-centered, you’d most likely follow.
I’d also wonder why civilizations through time would worship some ethereal being or beings which seem to be only fabrications of their minds. It’s one step closer to insanity, in my opinion. And what of the older, dead religions? Would these gods just disappear (if they were (omni)present in the first place)? Can you trash a belief just like that? What makes it not possible to do the same with the current ones?
I think all the religions boil down to one thing: what happens at death. Some go to heaven, some go to hell, some experience nirvana, some become injected back in the lifestream as a fish or something, etc. Since no one can tell you what really happens at death, no one really knows, so these possibilities still remain valid, and I think that’s the main reason why religions are still around.
I do believe in souls, though. The belief that our bodies are merely physical vessels for something potentially infinite.
I dunno…I don’t really have a solid stance. I didn’t choose anything in the poll.
Just wanted to pitch my 2 pennies in the leave a penny, take a penny tray.