#44 Tis the Season, So Who is Right?

It is that time of year when much of the world takes time to celebrate their particular religious icons. Unfortunately, from my perspective, they are caught up in a battle of who is right.

Think about it. Two of the three primary religions have such celebrations at this time of year. All of them, and many of the smaller ones, are at odds. Each claims that their god is the One, True God. How can that be accurate?

Each group is absolutely sincere in their view. Each will refer to their particular document that outlines the history of their religious view. Case in point, last Saturday we noticed two young women walking through the neighborhood. As they headed to our door my wife commented that they were probably here to talk about their religion. She was right. It was an ideal opportunity to ask them about my dilemma. They agreed that it was a dilemma, and one of them proceeded to refer to her bible to answer it. She made comments about God giving us choice and that we choose to do evil. (No argument about choices and consequences.) The other indicated that at some point God will get so tired of it all that He will end it. (Apocalypse)

It was obvious that our minds were made up and we did not want to be confused with "facts". I believe our parting was amicable. However, I wished I had handled it differently. But all of this just begs the question, who is right?

I would humbly like to suggest a possible alternative. I recognize it is no more accurate or provable than anyone other approach. It is just the results of my readings over the years.

Is it possible that we are all connected through a giant energy field? It is possible and I choose to call it love. The Greeks called it Agape`. Regardless of the name, the energy is still the same. It has a positive connotation and we all would be better off by focusing on that. Most religions, in their finer moments, seem to preach that as well. The problem arises when they lose sight of that concept and decide that the other trappings of their particular view is the only true view. Too bad for them, too bad for us all.

One interesting sideline to this, the differences can be easily manipulated to support the strife. During such strife men of lesser character can then attempt to satisfy their greed. That greed can be for material acquisitions, but primarily to satisfy their hunger for power and control. There have been a few times when people were ready to do battle to stop tyranny. I will leave that to historians to comment upon.

I would only hope that folks would consider this view of a way to live in the world....

....serve others, care about those you serve and share the love in your heart.

#44