There is not one truth cast into stone.

Ironically, with everything I have written thus far, I have avoided writing about organized religion...until now. I've chosen to stay clear of religion for a few reasons; first, I'd be able to write a whole book on the subject. There is simply too much to dissect, I'd be writing for ages. Secondly, I already know what I believe (some ideas I have expressed in earlier posts), however, I have no interest in deconstructing organized religion just for the sake of it.

So what inspired this post? A friend of mine sent me a conversation between two middle aged female co-workers (apparently these women always leave their IM conversations open for him to read when he's at their computer doing work). The bigotry, ignorance and hatred expressed in their conversation was appalling. And yet, both these women claim to follow God's teachings.

I'll say this: It's important to learn how think rather than what to think. The experience of truth comes from one's own mind. I tend to stay clear of propaganda that's presented in the guise of literature. That is, any book that offers an answer, I avoid. I am more interested in ideas that encourage free-thought. Similarly, any thoughts expressed in this blog are not meant to be taken as truth, just opinion. What works for me, may not work for you.

There is an old Zen Koan (a story, dialogue, question, or statement) that states, “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.” Simply put, there is no need to depend upon, objectify or revere external figures. To worship is to misunderstand.

No one has the answer for you. Find your own truth. The fact there are people in this world who claim to know what happens when you die is frightening. What's even more troublesome is that people present their findings as truth, rather than opinion. Personal beliefs should be just that, personal. Once beliefs start becoming imposed on others, you cross a dangerous line. Everyone is searching for something. There are bound to be those who will exploit insecurities by offering a prepackaged ideology, free from original thought.

"Religion is dangerous, because it allows human beings who don't have all the answers, to think that they do..."--Bill Maher