I'm currently reveling in the audacity and absurdity of religious fanaticism and waiting to hear if Nathan will let me post his most recent email to me on this subject. Until I hear back, here's a little cartoon to keep you abreast of how I'm spending the next two afternoons (I love that the fly has more common sense than the stooped-over man)...
I'm all for expression of religious belief. I love that we are so moved differently by what we have been taught, what we choose to accept, and, perhaps more importantly, what we choose to ignore in each of our faiths. I love my own religion because it allows for the possibility that other religions have merit and that those faithful in those religions are just as destined for greatness, ascension into some heavenly place upon death, or whatever it is that we believe.
What I can't stand, what I can't accept is when fanatics believe that the ONLY way you are going to be "saved" is if you accept this religion. I mean, come on. If we ALL thought that way, we'd all be doomed for, what? Hell? Book me a ticket on the Midnight Express...I figure I've done enough to warrant it. But wait a second: if I don't believe in that, does that mean it's not so? I'd like to think so.
I still can't forget a conversation (fight, really) that one of my friends here in Korea had with a really bitchy gal. She claimed that this was it: this life was the start and the end and that there was nothing else "out there" after we die. He was flabergasted. If that was true, didn't that mean he would never see those who had passed away? Those he had loved and lost? The belief in an afterlife is personal...I think it's wrong to impart our opinion on others. For him, perhaps there's a "better place". For her, this is as good as it gets. Maybe she'll be more present, while he'll search for meaning in the future. Maybe she'll be miserable forever, while he'll find joy all the time. Who knows. What I do know is that it takes all kinds to make this world the colourful cornucopia it is, and convincing ourselves that "they" are less worthy than "us" is bigotry in its grossest form.
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