The Purpose of Religion
Having read a post by The Jamaican Blogs™ this morning on the chronicle of religion in Jamaica, it had me thinking.
We, a community, a nation and a world are a devoted collection of religious animals. We are the only species that quarrel, war and despise each other because of our individual acceptance of a creator and supreme being.
We provide doctrines that indicate a measure of discipline towards worship, personal and social behaviour. In all aspects of civilization, religion seems to have been embedded in our own DNA which established a pattern of thinking and attitudes. Notably, religion is also a method of control for certain groups, classes and nations.
We grew up with a ready acceptance of religion because the concept was taught to us very early by way of words, lifestyle and prejudices. Yet, we have an innate connection to a supreme being or creator that craves for more than a mere existence or purpose. Religion is the single most marketed product in this modern world and affords separatist acceptance of itself.
We argue and fuss over who delivers the best alternative to that “God connection” and push doctrines that support our positions. In every society there are texts that are considered divine revelations and provide operational instructions on how to accept, practice, teach and convert the masses. To add more to our spiritual existence, we pattern a mental diagram of God and fashion ourselves likewise.
In providing a purpose for our lives, we choose a religion that’s either socially acceptable or personally convenient. However, the truth about religion cannot be hidden behind a cloud of uncertainty or questions but is and has always been for one specific purpose. We train ourselves on the rewards of being devoted to a particular religious group but still it remains driven by a primate reason.
RELIGION IS MAN’S WAY OF ACCEPTING HIS OWN MORTALITY!
Have you ever wondered what happens after death? I’m sure you have! Religion provides a unique platform to smoothly transition from life to death. People who are confronted with their own demise prepare themselves with the various rituals and deep meditation that are more mental than physical.
The various religions in a pool of choices are not only spiritual tools but are also personal and social avenues to direct us to be better human beings. We must endeavour to connect with God, however we choose as long as it doesn’t conflict with the laws of humanity and preserves the rights of every human being to the sacred gift of life.
Now, be purposeful and shed the biases of discriminatory doctrines which seek to propel one over another. Note that the goal of life is not death but how we live and contribute to other lives. Be good Christians, Muslims or any denomination that a religion offers. In all things be better and wiser than before and learn the values that make us a different breed of creation by the one God who reigns supreme.
Oakley PurpleHeart Lyle – @PurpleHeart
