*"Shout to the Lord"

So today being a Sunday, the Lord's Day, I began to ponder about the whole concept of a religion.

Religion. What exactly is it?

Well, according to dictionary.com, it is:

A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

And at the same time, religion may also be:

A specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

Such terms, such concepts, definitions, ideals and constructs. Does one really understand the true motive and purpose of religion itself? Why the need for religion in the first place? Some argue that religion quenches the fundamental thirst of the human psyche of the desire and longing of a Larger, Greater being.

Others might conversely argue that religion is just a blatant social construct since it is "generally agreed upon by a number of people".

Or is it?

"Generally agreed" gives forth the idea of a "General(isation)", meaning that there certainly is doubts, gaps and unanswered questions? To "generally agree" on something would imply that certain parties have "generally (not) agreed" on certain areas of that particular religion.

Technicalities.

Others find religion a mere social construct bent on making one feel guilty, sad, depressed through fear and concept of punishments and atonement. In a sense, such a school of thought is not entirely wrong.

How often are we required to do the "right" thing?

What directs our moral judgments? Religion?

Think about it. You are happy when you refrain from Sin, resist temptation and do the morally "right" thing. And then, something falters, you Sin, you feel guilty, sad and depressed. You seek atonement but initially all you can find is just mere guilt and self repression. Has Religion been like that to you?

Sure, some find Religion a source of comfort, joy, refuge and hope. Some others prefer to see it as the icing on the cake. I personally see religion as a denial of reality in certain circumstances.

But don't get me wrong. I'm merely questioning my own faith and beliefs. I'm not doubting my own religion. Yet, this entire sentence itself seem to be a mere justification; a sought of excuse for my post for today.

Then again, shouldn't it be alright to question one's own faith. Shouldn't one learn more through questioning and pondering? Sure, answers may not necessarily come, but shouldn't this quest for questioning one's faith be seen as a deepening of one's faith altogether?

It is precisely occasions such as these that authors like Atwood and Huxley really shine. I have a personal liking for the 'religion' showcased in Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale.

Ultimately, one of my favorite past times would be just to ponder and question. It seemed only fitting that my religion be pondered and questioned as well. And this post is just a mere articulation; a futile release of the sea of questions and unanswered topics concerning religion which has pervaded my mind.*

~*Chris* Was Here At 10:47 pm~
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