Aljosja Yoshi Ziga
Day 7/100
Generally I try to stay away from the topic of religion since it has a unique ability to turn poisonous even when the mildest of tempers pursue it. I believe the reason for its inflammatory nature is that religion is often deeply ingrained in a person’s psyche due to its early and repeated indoctrination during youth, and the fact that faith is fundamentally something irrational which, when contested, can create conflict within a person between their own reason and belief. To merely discuss a matter of such an intimate nature can for many feel like a personal attack even when there is no malevolence involved.
The problem with staying away from certain topics in fear of offending or agitating others is that lack of discussion brings lack of understanding which in turn can lead people to jump to conclusions or believe preconceptions and lies. Without going too deep into that discussion I believe much of the animosity between religious groups could have been reduced or avoided completely if people dared to open up and discuss matters close to heart without fear of being ridiculed or losing their faith if someone happens to ask a question they cannot answer.
Personally I was raised atheistic but have over the years come to value spirituality far more than I believe my parents ever did. When in the company of someone with whom I share a mutual trust, I love to discuss the role religion and spirituality played in their lives to get a fresh perspective on something that, no matter your opinion on it, always has been and likely always will be an essential aspect of the human experience. The beautiful thing about having these types of conversations with Catholics, Muslims, agnostics or any others I might build a close enough relationship with, is that each one further confirms to me that we are all the same. We all aspire to understand the same big questions and differ only in the paths we attempt to take to illumination and the amount of guidance we accept from others around and before us.
Generally I wish we didn’t need to stay away from the topic of religion. Asking more questions and hearing their answers might just be the cure for many of society’s ailments.
Personally I was raised atheistic but have over the years come to value spirituality far more than I believe my parents ever did. When in the company of someone with whom I share a mutual trust, I love to discuss the role religion and spirituality played in their lives to get a fresh perspective on something that, no matter your opinion on it, always has been and likely always will be an essential aspect of the human experience. The beautiful thing about having these types of conversations with Catholics, Muslims, agnostics or any others I might build a close enough relationship with, is that each one further confirms to me that we are all the same. We all aspire to understand the same big questions and differ only in the paths we attempt to take to illumination and the amount of guidance we accept from others around and before us.
Generally I wish we didn’t need to stay away from the topic of religion. Asking more questions and hearing their answers might just be the cure for many of society’s ailments.