Weena wrote:
Quote:
Faith and religion are two different things.
I don't know much about history of the east or of the religions from there.
But it was occurring to me the other day, maybe this stems from ignorance though, that theism and religion are two nonvolatile things that create explosions when mixed.
I mean:
Many in my family are theistic. They believe there is a divine power of some kind. But they aren't religious. They are all reasonable and have tolerance. I meet a lot of people that are the same way.
I can't recall ever hearing about Buddhists partaking in hateful activities, or those of Confucianism burning churches (as an example). These are also religions that do not promote the idea of a higher power.
TL: DR
It seems to me that religion is fine, theism is fine, but theistic religion
can be very bad.
Just a thought.
Buddhism has its own issues. You can't classify it under a religion in the traditional sense of other religions, mainly because the hierarchy just really isn't there, unless you actually believe that the Dalai Lama is really something important (it isn't). Even then, that's just a sect.
Religion, in organized form greater than any small community, starts to become influenced by the desire to unite on various causes. It is then that a small vocal minority can then seize power. All this desire to help everyone around the world, yet such little desire to start in the home. Funny.
I stray from the point at hand. To classify religion on its own merits without theism is to lower it to nothing more than a political party, just in another field. Unless there is acknowledgement and worship (note: that word is improperly used everywhere) of a deity, it's not truly religion.
Religion vs Faith: A person amongst the sheep is safe. A person amongst the lions is in danger. One of those requires more faith, more devotion, and the eventual fulfillment of the prodigal son.
as a long PS:
It's said that the little children go to heaven, but it also means those who are childlike as well. (note: this doesn't mean immature, it means playground rules. bullies suck, playing together is fun, and if a bully were to apologize and mean it, you would play with them too.)
Until the age of 8, you are considered innocent. It is at this point in your life that things remain wonderful in this world, where you're (generally) safe, full of awe, and still
connected. This is why the Catholic church doctrine specifies that no one under 8 is to be indoctrinated. People tend to forget these things.
Those who are fresh to this world still feel a connection to a higher power. Some lose it. Some rediscover it. It's your path.
Choose wisely.
PS: choose quickly. door's closing on 5/22.
