A Buddhist, a Pagan and a Christian
Where we meet

In life there are many paths, whether we are speaking about our career, religion, or a walk in the woods. Each path has its own beauty; some inspire, some challenge, and some let us find much needed relaxation or comfort.

We all search for meaning in this life, some of us feel that we have found it, may even feel like we know the ‘Truth’. There are countless individuals who are willing to ‘Throw Down’, because they are certain of their ‘Truth’; wars rage all over the world in the name of these ‘Truth’s’.

How perilous this life must be; that many are willing to kill in order to be secure in their belief. We can look upon others and lament at their intolerance, yet most of us insist that our way is the ‘Right way’.

New Age spirituality has spawned many new ‘Ways’; a veritable cafeteria of religious beliefs to be sliced and diced into a spiritual salad tailored for anyone. What makes a religion, or spirituality, or any path legitimate. Or more to the point, what makes any path more legitimate than another.

We can read from Atheists, Buddhists, Christians, Pagans, and many others; on why their way is the right way. The passion and anger that spills over on the pages of the web show us the intensity with which people will defend their path.

My mother is a Christian, she believes in Christ as fervently as I embrace emptiness. Occasionally, I find myself annoyed by her proselytizing, but I always remember that she has good intentions; she wants to save me. I could get offended, or even attempt the foolish task of trying to convert her to my own beliefs, but when I look into my mother’s eyes and see the pain she has at the thought that I will live eternally in Hell, I realize that she has found her ‘Truth’.

Why we choose our particular religion, at least here in the West, is as personal as our choice in a spouse, or a career. Much of it has to do with; where we have been, and where we see ourselves going, what makes us feel safe, and what makes us feel happy.

Imagine telling someone that their career was a stupid choice, or that their husband is an idiot! This would be very insulting and would likely lead to an argument (unless of course, the husband truly was an idiot, which I understand happens a lot –HaHa).

Our attachment to our religious preferences and understanding of reality is deeper still; it’s foundational. Some of us were brought up with a certain religion, and that religion may have very deep roots in us that help us to survive some of the terrible suffering that we must endure. I have witnessed attacks on peoples religious beliefs or affiliations and I’m always struck with the thought; What do you hope to accomplish with this attack, and if you successfully teardown this persons beliefs, what will replace them, are you going to be there to pick up the pieces of there broken spirit?

Some folks have brown hair, some have red, we have introverts and extroverts, emotional people, analytical people, and the list goes on. Perhaps there is no right religious choice, just the right choice for us.

Ambud

Trackback Post

Related Posts