Sep 24, 2022
How Religion Is Starting To Hold Us Back
How Your Current Beliefs Are Starting To Be An Unnecessary Burden
Ideology is important; one must possess a personal philosophy to hold oneself high in this world. This needs to not be an already established system of thought, but many generally elect to pursue these established structures of will — if it brought about fulfillment to another, what is stopping it from reaching me?
There is nothing inherently wrong with this. Religion had been a predominant part of our world since human inception and has allowed our species to reach the plane upon which we lie today. It has been a uniting force and an invigorating cause for countless global events, and yet I still remain adamant that it is holding us back.
Why is this? Do I personally have something against religion? Am I an irrational thinker or one of the many conspiracists of the 21st century?
To answer these questions, it is best that simply narrate my reasoning. Despite the somewhat unorthodox method, I believe that I can’t demonstrate credibility by simply stating my position but rather explaining why I believe in this notion. After all, I have been raised as a Hindu, so I am not an atheist by any means, but I have somewhat limited my religious depth.
- Religion Has Deviated From Its Initial Purpose
When one dives into the roots of history, they find that religion was simply meant to bring hope to the people of a certain community; they had a curious nature regarding the world, but this could have led to their demise. They very wisely implemented a system of belief, whether naturally or artificially, to help bring people to a united cause.
One has to remember that, despite the brute force put in by the earliest humans, they weren’t inclined to do so with others around them. The individuality in our nature is a constituent we can’t deny the presence of, and this is precisely what made it so dangerous. People couldn’t survive in groups, let alone by themselves. Religion helped to bring about communal efforts and work.
Moreover, I truly believe that religion was initially meant to be downplayed but spread so rapidly across human [populations that it soon became a focus of many. I believe that if there was any point in time that we would deviate to absolute socialism, it would be during our early stages. Regardless of the massive turmoil between communism and capitalism, Russia and other communist nations lacked the religious strength needed to prose this communal effort.
Regarding this notion and ignoring the intention of its introduction, religion has gone from being a unifying force to a dividing one; each and every day we glance at the ongoing conflict between two religious groups across the world. Neither group accept the validity of the other but is mindlessly arguing to reach a point that, quite frankly, doesn’t exist.
Not every religion-practicing person will engage in such violence, but the stronger the belief, the more likely one is to do such a thing. This is disappointing, for those who have these structured opinions are generally the most persistent, but they let their shortcomings and temper get in way of their rationality. Religion, as interpreted by humans, has become the title of conflict in today’s society.
2. You Can Live Without Religion
Many have found balance in their lives through their practice of religion, and this is undeniable, but thought can be found anywhere. One must truly weigh the benefits they are receiving for the time that they put into their beliefs; one will want to naturally see the fruits of their determination in the life they are leading.
However, with strong beliefs comes confirmation bias; we begin to glance upon any good thing within our lives and associate it with what we have done, when, in reality, it would have occurred regardless.
Whether or not you are an avid practitioner, it is important that you take some time off to assess the impact that it is bringing you, for one might notice that their efforts are being misguided.
I’ve noticed that there are some individuals who spend countless hours concentrating on rituals, but then begin to complain regarding the quality of their life declining. If they simply put their concentration and ethic into reaping worldly benefits, they might notice fulfillment gradually inching towards them.
I have several other reasons regarding this topic, but I will leave them for another piece. Whether or not you agree with me, I would like to hear your thoughts in the comments, for that can help both you and me consider an additional perspective and grow. I appreciate you reading this piece and I hope you will consider joining me for the next one. Until then, αντίο.
