In "Change is a Constant" it was mentioned that inner change is key to a true outward change. This is a concept that even though we may agree with, we don't really grasp it. For some reason this can be grasped for a moment while being spoken of but immediately it becomes an ineffective thought once our mind goes off on to other matters. This tells us that this concept needs to become a focused part of our lives. So lets explore this concept a little more and hopefully make it more and more a conscious part of our lives.
It is essential for us to realize that religion is our enemy. Yes I do mean this! I will also go as far as to say, "Any religion is our enemy!" More than likely you realize more information is needed to clarify what I mean. Religion as an institution and as an outward practice is what I am speaking of. The focus is only to control (I mean this negatively) a person on the outside not a change in the person. Religion can never change a person for good or bad. Many falsely feel that membership via faith has its privileges with The Creator in these institutions.
Religion dictates practices and establishes a culture for its members that is typically blindly followed. But the focus is only on controlling (I mean this negatively) a person on outward practices not a change in the person's inner space. How many of us and people we know that have questioned the practices of their religion? The vast majority do not. A few that do are typically viewed as trouble makers at best and heretics at worst. How many times have WE viewed such people as peculiar or trouble makers? I can say that I am guilty of this.
The core belief of any religious system is not up to questioning. Questioning is not a bad thing though. But it is to a religion. Look at the entire TNK ("old testament"). The nature of The Creator was questioned over and over again. The Creator never punished a person or people for questioning provided they were willing to acknowledge the truth when presented. Moshe and Avram questioned The Creator. Were they struck down. No! But a religion will strike a person down for it views all questioning as insincerely motivated and a threat to its control. Religion is about man control not G-d control.
With this stated we will pause for now and continue this subject in another blog entry in a few days.
