When I am traveling, I enjoy visiting churches. The architecture, the art, the glass, the peace. The first time I visited Notre Dame in Paris, in 1991, was the first time I encountered lighting candles in a church, I find it calming to do. The fellowship of a faith community, the rituals create a feeling of connection and the comfort of routine. Yet, I am not a practitioner of any organized religion. I understand that some people need a explanation, for the incomprehensible, others rely on a touchstone of faith to cope with the stress of life, whatever gets you through the night. I have found other ways of accepting the unacceptable, and allaying my fears.
I am distrustful of those who think that their way is the only way, that feel compelled to try to bring others into their fold. I am angry at religious leaders who shelter abusers, spread hate, and discrimination. I don't believe in mixing religion and politics. The US Constitution has a clause mandating a separation of church and state because of the horrors in the name of religion that Europe had experienced in the years before the Constitution was written.
I ran across this little gem, by the son of a dead President, a President who started to blur the line between church and state.
I'm also a non-believer. I respect the beliefs of others who respect mine. Hadn't seen that clip by Ron Reagan!
ReplyDeleteThis has run on the CBS Sunday morning show two weeks in a row, national airtime.
DeleteIt is terribly important to maintain the separation of church and state. Of course that isn't the case in England but I am sure there are checks and balances. I think all of our last few conservative Prime Ministers have been church goes. One for a short time even trained to enter the priesthood and our current PM is a member of one of the 'happy clapper' religions.
ReplyDeleteOur most recent former president, (he who must not be named), received all kinds of religious endorsements, very hypocritical
DeleteYes, religion and politics are a dangerous mix.
ReplyDeleteThere are some glaring examples around the world of governments based on religion, generally not free places
Deletethe video will not play. and FUCK RELIGION!
ReplyDeleteI was counting on you to be eloquent
DeleteI had never seen that ad before but I love it. I also agree with the beauty of peace in churches when I travel. I wouldn't want to miss them.
ReplyDeleteI chuckled at the zinger at the end
DeleteMany sky-god-based religions have the awful trait to see a need to convert the others or kill them.
ReplyDeleteYes, painful that. I appreciate good people who do good things, but not all do.
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