Religion attempts to answer some pretty big questions, questions that have puzzled, perplexed and disturbed mankind for eons. What is the meaning of life? What happens after death? Where did we come from? Is there a god? Is there any point to all this?
Many religions claim to hold, within their teachings and writings, the only right answer to these questions and the only right approach to life. Many, dare I say most, religions are so adamant about their views that they will, if they believe it necessary, appropriate or required, take up arms in defense of their truth and to promote and spread their teachings.
The question that's been rolling around in my mind for some time now is "Why even ask?". Why bother trying to answer these questions? Why bother trying to come up with answers?
Hear are some facts, some basic truths not in search of answers. I am alive now. You are alive now. We are alive together at this moment in a world filled with other alive entities. The future of each of us is shaped one moment at a time by the choices we make. Our choices also affect the future of those around us and eventually, indirectly, the world. The next moment will be different from this one. The world will be different next moment.
Change is inevitable, it is the way of things. That is the one ultimate FACT, all we can be sure of.
Therefore, I believe the big question should really be "How can I make the most of the moment I have right now?". After all, I'm just a minute cog in a giant spinning machine called life, called the universe, and the machine will continue to spin and whir long after I'm gone, different because I was here. I think its pretty self-centered to spend my life trying to prepare myself for eternity or do whatever my religion says I need to do to gain entrance into paradise or make a better life for myself in my next re-incarnation.
What would happen if every fervent religious believer redirected their fervent energy away from their soul and their salvation and focused instead on making the most of each moment? After all, faith and religious beliefs aside, this moment is all we can be certain of, this moment and unceasing change. So why not try to make a difference around you, outside of you instead of inside of you and for your self and your own soul's interest.
Each of us must realize that we are not as individual as we are conditioned to believe by western culture and the religious establishment. Even as individuals, we are part of a bigger picture, a bigger whole, life, the universe. We must begin to realize this, if humanity is ever to be more than a species of warring, squabbling zealots and primitive animals.
Don't try to change what you have no control over, take care of the immediate needs closest to you first. Then broaden your Circle of Infuence.