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krazycanucks
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(Canada)About me
| Presentation | -i dream of steep and deep sloaps when i sleep, when the pow turns to ice i freak out and weep. The Process of Belief My father used to say, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Recently this thought entered my mind as I found myself in an argument over religious belief. This was not an argument in the classic sense of the word; it did not involve my views on religion conflicting with someone else’s. This particular argument consisted of a personal battle analyzing the rational within organized religion. This led to the question of why such beliefs, Christianity in particular, have had such a dominate role in the formation of our society. At this point my father’s words took on a whole new meaning. I had been raised with Christian ideology my whole life; in our society it is inescapable. Questions that reached beyond my mind’s understanding were appeased by simple contrived answers. Questions that were in fact unanswerable and beyond human interpretation were reduced to matters of faith. It seems that much of the mystery that shrouds our existence is addressed through religion. It serves to tie off all of the loose ends and answer the unanswerable questions. I was raised with the Christian faith, but eventually my thoughts developed beyond the basic spoon-fed interpretations of life. I began to realize that the system of beliefs around which our society revolves are insufficient. Why accept an easy answer simply because it is the only answer which has been presented. Why is it that every question requires an answer; why not accept the idea that some concepts are beyond understanding? I then realized I was looking in the wrong direction. It is not a question about the content or ideas of any given religion, but rather the voids in the human consciousness in which they fill. The human mind does not like cavernous holes or that which is unattainable. It seeks to fill these holes, and searches for ways to bring the unattainable within our reach. Religion serves this purpose. Truly each person is entitled to believe or worship as they choose. The fact of the matter is that most every community of people, from the largest empire to the most remote tribes, has some kind of belief in a higher power. It would then stand to reason that there is a predisposition in the human psyche which lends itself to such a process of belief. There is likely nothing more terrifying to humanity than its own mortality. It is unpleasant to look at existence as having a definite end. Human life comes and goes; and at times seems to be quite diminutive. Perhaps this is why the idea of heaven or reincarnation or any similar ideology makes death easier to face. When a loved one is lost it is much easier on the mind and heart to embrace such beliefs. Life is easier to live if it is not seen as having a definite end. Garnering such a concept is a defense against the inevitability of death. It cannot be escaped. However, true belief in something better in the afterlife makes death much easier to face. This is the closest we are able to come to immortality. Not only is the fear removed from death, but death is met with the promise of better things to come. Our existence is hence extended beyond mortal life through belief in our immortal soul. The human mind is very open to suggestion when it feels vulnerable. It is not surprising that we often believe what we want to hear. After all, reality is a matter of interpretation. When placed aside unanswerable questions, appeasing ideas are most welcomed. It is much more comforting to accept an answer than it is to face a void. Rather than face the idea of an absence of life, we instead place our faith in a heaven. Instead of conceding that we cannot explain the origin of humanity, we credit our creation to our god. The same is done to explain the mysteries of our universe and all that lies within. It seems that many occurrences that defy definition are thrown into the vast mixture of god’s work. Once again, we do not like voids; religion fills in the blanks. Human beings are the only species on earth with the distinction of being capable of an imagination; to see the ideas in life as shades of grey. Our minds create definitions to realize that which is remotely feasible. Our rules are not set in stone. When we are scared we seek solace. When we are lost we seek guidance. Many people find what they seek in religion; to what extent varies from person to person. It is not a matter of black and white, right or wrong. If the grey area offers what is needed, then that is what is accepted. The voids get filled and the unattainable falls within reach. It is a matter of perspective. For many of us religion has not been a matter of choice. From the time of our birth we are inundated with religious structure. We are taught to say our prayers before bed and to bow our heads to say grace before dinner. Religion serves as the portrait of authority which is reinforced continually throughout our lives. It is used to answer curious questions asked by developing young minds. It is used as the guide that distinguishes right from wrong. Religion is portrayed as the governing authority in life. We all have questions and curiosities about life and the world around us. For most of us the answers provided through religion are enough to appease the thirst for understanding. For others it is simply how we have been programmed. But this is not the case for all. When you ask me how the world began I will tell you that I do not know. Ask me about the creation of man and I will tell you the same. I am content with not having the answers. I would rather blindly face a void than accept answers which are taught as a common consensus; “consensus is not a fact based exercise”(Greg Graffin, No Substance). My sense of morals stem from a life of personal interaction with other people. When I hurt someone I feel guilt. I do not have these feelings because I have broken some ancient rule inscribed in stone, but because I understand human emotion. I realize that the human mind is capable of dreaming up ideas that it can never understand. What I find perplexing is the idea of conjuring up an explanation simply to appease a difficult question. I would like to be comforted by the idea of heaven, but my experiences with death have proven that I will find no comfort there. There are cavernous holes that cannot be filled. There are ideas that stretch beyond our reach. There are numerous theories and religions which attempt to enlighten us. However, to some an explanation is neither sought nor required. -Scottie Watson p.s. stink finger is a goof |
| Personality | Open minded |
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thanilis | 31 Mar, 2007 |
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