I reject the notion that religion is inherently evil and causes all the Bad Stuff in the world. For one, that view is incredibly simplistic. Yes, many horrible acts are committed in the name of religion, but then again, so are many good ones. And while, yes, the good ones don’t require religion to be done, neither do the bad ones, really.
So by all means be religious if that’s what you want. Just please be the good kind. How can you do that? Well, here’s a handy guide to the Good and the Bad of faith-based actions!
So if your religion inspires you to…
-Donate food, clothing, and other items to the needy? Good!
-Volunteer for some sort of disaster relief effort, such as rebuilding houses? Good!
-Visit people in hospitals or nursing homes? Good!
-Take someone into your home when they’ve fallen on bad times? Good!
-Sing in your congregation’s choir? Good.
-Fight oppression? Good!
-Spread peace and love? Good!
Continue reading “How to Be Religious”