By Alice Teply
Religion is a force that is still prominent in society today, and dictates the way people live their lives. It is important to have an open mind and see things from different points of view, yet this can be difficult for many. One may respect a person’s right to believe in what they do, yet still feel contempt towards what those beliefs entail. Acceptance and tolerance are important, but it is still difficult to not have strong feelings towards particular belief systems.
Growing up in a small rural area, I was exposed to the culture of the Amish and Mennonites. People in these belief systems adhere strictly to the Bible, and the Church has a strong reign over their lives. I also know people who attend fairly conservative Churches, ones in which women are not allowed to cut their hair and are expected to wear skirts or dresses. While these people’s religious freedom is important, I often wonder if they ever question what the rules of their Church truly mean. If a woman cuts her hair or wears pants, do they believe she’s not worthy enough to be a woman? If a head-covering isn’t worn, is she considered unholy? One of the most common Christian beliefs is that any person who has not accepted Christ as his or her personal Savior will suffer eternity in hell. This would mean that a devout religious leader who commits an atrocious act like child molestation can ask for forgiveness and still get a one way ticket to heaven. These are the beliefs that govern millions of people’s lives, and are accepted without question. People who are raised with these beliefs may not feel oppressed, and may indeed be happy. However many are likely afraid to question, because it would mean unraveling the only world they know, and questioning the very foundation their worldview has been built on. Religious systems need to use these rules in order to control their followers, otherwise how else would they prosper?
Having spent a large portion of my childhood attending a Pentecostal Church, I understand the powerful hold religion can have on a person, and how difficult it is to let that go. Much of what went on at these churches was like a scene from the film Jesus Camp. Looking back on it now, I can see how much we were brainwashed. Even as a child I questioned what we were taught, but still went along with everything for fear of being sinful. When people are instilled with dogma their entire lives, it is difficult to let this go and form a mind of their own. So while people’s narrow-mindedness is infuriating, a small part of me understands what it is like to cling to beliefs that define your entire existence.
After leaving a religious organization, it is a challenge to find your own truth and meaning in life. It is difficult for me to give up everything I was taught, one being the concept of God. Yet my view of God is different than the fascist leader the Church paints him out to be. I believe the teachings of Jesus were positive ones, but that the Church has polluted them and twisted their meaning. The values of love and compassion are buried beneath power. I have chosen to take what I want from religion and leave the rest, because it can only be tainted under religion’s influence. I’m now left with many questions that will never be answered. Despite this, I wouldn’t trade it for the ignorance that befalls many who are unable to think for themselves. Some say ignorance is bliss, but mainly it leaves people in darkness. It’s better to accept the reality of not having all the answers. This, I believe, is true enlightenment.
