Sunday, July 15, 2012

A Question for the religious man

I admire your unfailing devotion. I really do. I wish I could be as attached to an intangible concept. I admire the way your devotion translates into positive energy and beliefs. . However, for all those inclined to call themselves religious, I have a question to ask of you. I do not intend to slight you, or to belittle your devotion or beliefs in any manner. I merely wonder,

Why is it "good" to be religious?
For, if I, without any religious beliefs whatsoever,
- Do not hurt others, for I know what it feels like to be hurt
- Do not take lives,  for I know what a wonderful statistical improbability life is, and is therefore so precious
- Do good to others, for I would like good to be done to me
- Try to give to the world, for it is immeasurable how much good my family, friends and a good society have given to me, and I feel nothing but gratitude and warmth towards society
-Believe all humans are created equal, and deserve the right to live as equals, for no one can choose at birth their color, race, nationality, sex or sexuality

Am I not the same as you? If anything, am I not less likelier to break these rules, for I have formed these out of my own thoughts and sound logic, rather than from a book which I have learned to repeat as a child?

Is it not the ability to think and choose for oneself that makes one a free human being?