Tribulations

[lunarious]

...

 

[Neonatal RRT]

With respect, one does not have to prescribe to any religion, at all, to appreciate the core lessons here. If you have discovered the teachings of the major religions of the world, these very same lessons are being explained, albeit in their own ways. There is a surprising amount of common ground to tread upon.

 

[lunarious]

... why don't you want to subscribe to any Religion?

 

[Neonatal RRT]

... why don't you want to subscribe to any Religion?

A valid question, but not one easily answered. Keep in mind, my wife and her family, our children happen to be Christian, and that's perfectly fine with me. I've been to the church a number of times, but always felt out of place. Part of it, perhaps, the gathering of people, which I tend to avoid. Part of it, perhaps, being my autism variant, which is quite neurodiverse in the sense that I avoid "hive mind" thought patterns and ritualistic behaviors amongst groups of people. I will find myself often alone and isolated because of it, but I'd rather think for myself than allow influence over me. I once saw a bumper sticker that said, "I don't have a problem with God, only his fan clubs." In that sense, I am a spiritual person, I am appreciative of the world I live in, the beauty of the deserts, the mountains, the plains, the oceans, and all the plants, creatures that live within, the potential bounty it provides, and the love of a wife and children. Perhaps, in a way, I have allowed God into my heart and mind, it's just that I don't worship, per se. I appreciate the fact that there are religions to help us guide our ways, but I find that far too many struggle with it, and as one might say, have sinful behaviors. I do believe there should be rules and guidelines, but at what point does it transition into an unhealthy level of control, and is of a significant loss of personal freedom? Perhaps my autism variant creates a situation where I lose the perspectives of others around me. For the most part, people are simply "things" I navigate around and not really bonded to, where I sense that despite all the rules that are in my life, "I" am in control, that "I" am responsible of myself, and sometimes, "I" have a responsibility towards others. I take this personally, and I do care, although the reasons why, is not clear, my personal nature perhaps. It seems that there are many others in this world, including those believing to be righteous, who will try to elevate themselves at the expense and harm of others. If we are all God's children and are loved by Him, then why does He allow evil acts in His name? Strike them down before it happens, but that is not His way. Why not? The amount of mental gymnastics that must occur to accept this reality appears to be evil and deceptive. I'd rather abstain from it and have a clear conscience. The vast majority of good people I have met, regardless of their religion, when cornered on the topic of people of other religions or "non-believers", suddenly transition to evil people and evil thoughts. This is a rather unsettling reality. I know there is a role for religions, but so far, I have found no need for it in my life. I typically will put up some resistance to anyone telling what to do or how to do it, even if the motivations are of good intent. I'd rather guide myself, however flawed, but appears a better path given the alternatives. So, I go about navigating my world and living my life as independently as I reasonably can, being responsible and caring towards the world and it's inhabitants, and appreciating the good parts of philosophies and religions of others.

 

[Cryptid]

Why do people avoid (organized) religion? Could be any number of reasons:

• Bad Experiences: Previously abused, deceived, or exploited by self-proclaimed "religious" people.
• Bad Reputation: Religious leaders preaching hatred and violence toward non-believers; religious doctrine mandates treating women like property -- sometimes even forcing under-age girls into marriage to much older adult males.
• Disenchantment & Disillusionment: Hypocrisy of leadership ("do as I say, not as I do"); arrest and conviction of religious leadership; being adversely judged by membership, et cetera.
• Fear: The thought of losing one's autonomy or identity in the crowd is too scary; fear of being brainwashed; fear of being abused, deceived or exploited; et cetera.
• Indifference: Greeted and treated coldly, Lack of friendly engagement, et cetera.
• Life Situations: Family responsibilities; career demands; et cetera.
• Needs Not Met: No relief from loneliness and depression in the place of worship; no practical guidance for the spiritually lost; et cetera.
• Unquestioning Belief Required: Thou shalt not ask questions, nor shalt thou question Doctrine or the words of the Prophet(s).