On a regular basis I tend to wrestle with the concept of religion, and not just one religion, but all religions and beliefs. I like to ask people why they believe what they do, get down to the true self of the person only to find that many do not have the ability to do something for self.
Q. Why do you believe in...?
A. Because of faith
Q. Okay, but why do you have faith?
A. I believe in ... because I was told to.
A. I believe ... because [so-and-so] does
A. I believe...
Your belief becomes an invalid sense of mindlessness if you cannot come up with your own that proves you might have your own thought instead of something programmed into you. Mind if I call you a robot?
Recent events have left me wrestling again, which to a certain extent I appreciate because I can think for myself. Spread across my social media is "please pray for..." and my first thought is...
I find it hard to pray for you.
I cannot seem to find it in my heart to pray for you.
It is not that I wish anything negative or painful upon a person. In fact, my thoughts go out to those whose hearts are breaking over the situation. You see, as I get older, things that had nothing and everything to do with each other seem to be connecting more closely these days. I understand why people treat each other the way they do. I understand disgust in actions and body language around individuals. I then find it sad how a prayer request is made so publicly and selfishly when, if it had been anyone else, the same rules do not apply. The hypocrisy amazes me, not to mention is part of the turn-off.
So am I being rude? I do not think so. Maybe my attitude births from the idea "you reap what you sow."
Am I being too judgmental? Probably, but they are at the same standards as the opposing party (more reaping, more sowing).
So why did I write this? Clarity, understanding, because for the first time in my life, religious or not, ...I find it hard to pray for you.
