I grew up in a religious household, went to church every Sunday and participated in religious activities outside of church. A church that taught hellfire and damnation.
The first time I questioned my beliefs I was about six and I had a cat who died. I told my Sunday school teacher about my cat and how upset I was that she had died, and that I was looking forward to seeing my cat in heaven. She told me that God doesn't allow animals in heaven. What? I thought, "If God doesn't allow animals in heaven, what kind of place is it and why would I want to go there?"
Of course, this was one lady's interpretation on Christianity and heaven and animals, but it really stuck with me.
Since then, some of the most horrific things I heard have been from people of the Christian faith. I realize that these are people who are speaking of their own beliefs and their own values and they in no way represent everyone's belief but these things shaped my thoughts about religion.
I went on a ski trip with a church group. A group of about 30 teenagers were having lunch one day and the pastor of the church was talking to us. This group of kids was all white, except for me, but I looked white and I didn't say anything to bring attention to myself. The guy said to us, "I believe that all minorities should be sterilized." This was the pastor of the church! This man who had power over the minds of these impressionable teens said those words. I didn't say anything. I sat there, amazed and very sad. He was saying that I shouldn't exist.
So, the reason I say that my eyes have been opened a little is that I know realize that I have been intolerant of people's faith. I would never say something to someone who practiced their faith, but a little part of me on the inside might judge you a little or might even fear you a little. I don't want to be that way anymore. I realize that as a social worker, and as a human being, that I will come in contact with many different people with different backgrounds and different beliefs and that some of these beliefs will contradict mine, but that in no way does that make them any less valid or any less relevant.
I believe that there are many paths to Heaven, to God, to Enlightenment.
I don't believe in hell or in eternal damnation.
I believe in peace, love and hope.
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! I totally see where you are coming from. I too believe in peace for all if I could give my life to see the happiness and peace for everyone I would give it. As social workers we will have to accept and question and fear even, so it's important to know your weaknesses too. Learn to love and accept yourself and others.
Great Post! Have a great break!
Barbara -
ReplyDeleteI agree that the remarks (from your former Sunday School teacher and the pastor from the youth ski trip) were terrible things to have been said to youth. Sometimes, people don't think before they speak, especially considering the lifelong impact which could be made on the group of listeners. I too have been a church goer all of my life,and can totally relate to how you've expressed that you're feeling about some of your experiences. It's sad that some people allow their ignorance about a situation to spill over into others' lives, without taking thought of the possible emotional scars which will be left behind. Since coming to college,and taking classes in the social sciences, I've learned to consider the points-of-view of others, and realize that my thoughts aren't always the correct ones (nor the only way to think). Great post, and keep asking the hard questions of yourself and others.
Hey Barbara,
ReplyDeleteIt seems we had a similar discourse in our review of our beliefs. My lack of faith stems from interactions I've had with people of faith. Just because I'm not a Christian doesn't mean that I don't believe or even practice some of the tenets of their religion such as treating others as you wish to be treated, loving thy neighbor, etc. But in my reflections I've seen myself do the exact thing that I dislike religious folks for: judging. I judge Christians or people of different faith because I assume they are going to judge me. Our discussion in class proves that people of a particular faith may not agree with everything their religion is practicing (being against birth control or gay marriage).
So, like you, I need to learn to not have a prejudice against people of faith. I need to realize that the encounters I remember vividly are disproportionately negative, and not a well-rounded view of faith.
Thanks for your post; I really related to it.
See you tomorrow!