There are few topics which puzzle man as much as religion. My views on the subject have varied greatly with every passing stage of my life. The views I share today need not be the same I shall adhere to several years down the line. I believe one's understanding of this complex subject should never remain constant, but should evolve, similar to the physical and emotional evolutions which we undergo with the passing of time. A rigid, uncompromising view of one's faith causes only spiritual stagnation, and the rise of blind faith, irrational fervour and superstition.
I am a Christian(Marthomite, to be precise) by birth, and largely by choice as well. I am neither a regular church-goer, nor am I addicted to gospel music. I neither fancy large religious conventions, nor adhere to every religious custom as told to me by others. In the eyes of the world, I may appear a pretender, a hypocrit, or even an atheist......the clergy would probably foresee a future for me among the "eternally damned" ! These labels rest as light as feathers against my shoulders.
To my eyes, all religions are equal, not because secularism is among the favourite terms used by the educated class, but because I believe all religions are based on the same principle. All religions believe in the existence of a supernatural being, far beyond our understanding, one who gives life and takes it away, and one who judges us once Death wraps its cold, sinister claws around us. All religions believe that the people of the world are the creation of the Almighty, and as an inherent duty to their Maker, they are to follow guidelines of behaviour to live in civil society. In Christianity, these would be the Ten Commandments, the ten rules meant never to be broken by a true devotee. They form the backdrop of the morals we feel should be developed in every good human being.
Is God to be feared?? If your fear does not overpower your affection towards him, then it may strengthen your faith. Else, to fear your loving,forgiving Father would only serve to distance yourself from him! I, personally, fear the Lord, to the extent that my prayers are never half-hearted.....they are always true, and honest to the way I feel, and my faith is thus embellished! Do I believe in miracles or unearthly powers??? Definitely, because it would be arrogant to assume that there were no forces in this world beyond our understanding. Does God turn a blind eye to the heinous crimes we see today??? It is easy to blame the problems of today on a seemngly negligent God, as easy as it is to blame corruption and dishonesty on the government we help elect. The world we live in is governed by his rules, yet, what we do with it is our will entirely. Anarchy reigns supreme in parts of the world today due to our inaction, and our inability to control the powers He has granted to us. Yet, ultimately, our actions decide our fate during the final judgement! Do I believe in destiny, or a life that is scripted before it unfurls??? No, for the same reason I find claims of God's supposed "negligence" preposterous....The Lord gives us abilities with careful thought, hoping with due faith, that his children make best use of the gifts granted to them! Else, what is life??? Is it merely a re-enactment of a play directed by Him? Is it not, instead, a trial ground, a test to gauge the purity of your soul, and your ability to choose the higher path in times of turmoil?
To me, one's faith should serve the purpose of establishing a heart-to-heart connection with the One you decree as your father in heaven! If you truly believe in his existence, speak to him with an open heart, share your troubles and sorrows, and do your best to live your life as closely to his ideals as possible, then your faith serves a purpose. It is virtually impossible to avoid sin, yet, it is possible to regret,repent, and aim to improve. It is possible to strive each day to root out each undesirable quality in your character, and to yearn to be a better person. Your faith need not involve complex rituals, or unnecessary practices. When you are secure about your own faith, outward demonstrations of it are unnecessary.....after all, if God knows all and can truly read your noble heart, is it truly necessary to prove it through such gestures? The practice of attending Sunday Mass ( Friday prayers or temple visits to others) is, however, very important, for I believe bonding among people is as important as bonding with God himself. It promotes social harmony and unity, and is a healthy practice. I, myself, hope to inculcate this habit in myself soon......the only thing holding me back is laziness, and a tendency to sustain my practices from over the years. PRAYER, is however, the backbone of faith. It is only through prayer that you can truly communicate with God, and the more you ignore it, the more incomplete and meaningless life appears to be. A prayer need not be complex, or all-encompassing, but should only include what you truly needs to communicate......pray for God's forgiveness for the sins you would have committed, for God's strength to help you to never commit them again, and for guidance, that you may always do what is right!
The REWARD??? The sense of warmth and personal gratification which you feel, every time you fulfill a promise or lend a helping hand, is a blessing from God. There are times, when one is deeply troubled, when devoted prayer, for 15 minutes even, leaves you with a sense of comfort. You are filled with an unknown courage, a need to test the gifts that God may/may not have granted you. Above all, rather than groan about your misfortunes or the cruelties of life, you are left convinced that every experience serves a purpose, teaches you more about life and inches you closer to Him. A consistent prayer life can do wonders for your well-being, both physical and spiritual. It keeps you sane in the darkest of times, and serves as a beacon of hope that is never flickers even in the strongest of winds.
Rationalists belittle religion as an illogical means to fulfill a very human need : the need to feel protected when one fears to take responsibility for his own existence. If religion is properly interpreted, it serves the purpose of turning us into better people, by following the laws laid down by Him. If we were to understand and uphold the core values of our religion instead of immersing ourselves into the interpretation of its finest details, communal violence would cease to be a concern in our cities and towns. It becomes a plague upon society only when fervour is misguided by flawed interpretation of the good book, leading pious young men to the arrogant conclusion that they alone, understand its meaning, and are pre-ordained to carry out his judgement on a negligent and corrupt population! For men to consider themselves worthy to pass judgement on others is despicable, for it cripples the very basis of our faith!
It is my belief that each person must chart out his OWN journey back to the arms of the Lord. Rather than succumbing to societal pressures or the interpretations of a select few, one must broaden one's horizon to develop one's individual view of the world, and the objective of one's life! Your faith should bear meaning to you.....your fervour etrenched firmly in its roots, rather than in the preachings of others.
True faith need not conform to society's rules, but only to His rules!
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