Of religion and preachers
I personally don't think I'm a deeply religious person these days. I guess I used to be more religious, but over the years I kind of took it for granted and stopped "seeking" for this universal truth about the existence of gods or heaven. I decided maybe I'm a Buddhist, someone who believes in morals and respecting all living beings, and that we should seek to one day leave behind suffering through death and live happily in paradise (afterlife).
Until recently, after encountering two different groups of Christians, I realised I don't really know what I believe in anymore. I still think in this Buddhist way sometimes, when karma and dhuka hit I still pray and hope for a better tomorrow. But to be really honest, I don't think I know what I believe in anymore! I found myself arguing with these believers of the heavenly Family, and the more I argue, the more convincing I became. Who is to say Gods truly exists? If you can put in and take away the Commandments just like that to "branch" away and form another denomination of your own, just how "true" are you to God? Just because your interpretation of the Bible says that so-and-so disasters happened and they were all "prophecies" of God, does that mean I have to believe it? And if God gave us souls, why didn't he do the same to the animals? When Judgement Day comes, does that mean the animals stay behind and Heaven becomes overpopulated with humans, dead or alive?
With so many questions running through my head and the two girls busily explaining to me science facts that seemed to be doings and prophecies of God, I decided to challenge the girls' faith in God. i asked them about the Lochness Monster, the war between the Catholics and the Christians since a long time ago, and what are the animals doing here around us, if they are not coming to Heaven with us and earth was supposed to be a "copy" of heaven. And not surprisingly, the bible came out and I was referred to the different chapters in the book, which said this and that.
"If it can be proven that the Lochness Monster exists, I will believe it!" "So how then you prove that God exists? Have you seen Him before?"
"The war between the two Irelands were part of the prophecies. And Protestants branched out from the Catholics, that's why they are always in conflict". "So why didn't God stop it?"
"If you want to know why we are here on earth, you have to read the Revelation. Join us in the Bible Study!" "So then have you read the original version of the bible? No? You should! Maybe you can interpret it differently!" "There are many denominations in Christianty, hence different versions of interpretation." "Well, if there is only one universal truth, why do you have "versions" of it?"
I'm not judging them - I'm glad they found their calling and love their Heavenly family the way they do. But it really got me, when I told them that what is real doesn't need much convincing, one of the girls scoffed and said "if you are not interested in the bible study, then thank you for your time". It was really rude, and I was stunned. I took the hint, and exited with a "sorry for wasting for your time!"
I was skeptical about Christianity, and still am. The conversation I just had was weird, but it was truly value-adding. I was genuinely interested in finding out what true believers can offer me this time, but i never found the God they found. I guess since I'm disobeying the book, I don't think I'm going to meet her after judgement day eh?
The next time someone tries to preach to me, I promise to be a better listener. But to the preachers, please come prepared to answer the questions too. But then again.. Something that truly exists wouldn't need much convincing right?
Hmmmm Nevermind, AVENUE Q NEXT!! :D
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