I am hearing more and more often people say about religion that is the cause and impetus for great wars, cruelty, and inhumanity. Certainly, what is happening in the Middle East is feeding that type of reasoning. I hear it as well from young people as a reason to avoid joining a church or attending a worship service.
I need to develop a better response when I hear this type of talk. I guess I should begin by saying that I know of few individuals who can or do live up to the standards of their religion, but I’ve never attended a house of worship where there weren’t a number of persons who are sincere, worthy of close friendship, and from whom I could learn a lot about faith, spirituality, and life.
We are social creatures and joining others in a ceremony of love, thankfulness, and reverence does no harm, and leads to much good. Our houses of worship are perfect places for individual prayer and meditation especially during those times where services are not taking place. I find entering a beautiful sanctuary in the quiet of the day a wonderful humbling experience.
Yes, a lot of evil has been done in the name of religion, patriotism, and God’s will as defined by humans. But, the fault lies at the feet of humanity not religion or God. Every major religion has at its core, Love. It is up to us to seek out that core in everything we do and place we go. In our houses of worship are great places to seek and find Love.
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