Today at work I had a conversation that consisted of pet heaven, pointers on how to get into people heaven, Jihad, Jim Jones and Hitler all in a matter of 15 min.
True Story.
I was always told that there are 3 topics that one should not talk about:
Money
Religion
Politics.
Well I don't listen.
I could tell she was religious when she asked me if I knew what it takes to get into Heaven. Me wanting to be a smart ass the first thought that popped in my head had to do with Satan but I didn't say anything. You know what I did? I listened and you know what I AM STILL ALIVE AND IT CAUSED ME NO PHYSICAL PAIN.
And you know what I learned? That she believes in God. That she finds comfort in her pet going to a better place when the time comes, and that she was willing to reciprocate and listen to what I had to say. I KNOW. AN INTELLIGENT, NON EMOTIONAL CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST TABOO SUBJECTS AND NO ONE FLIPPED A TABLE. Who'd A thunk it? She was also kind enough to bring me scripture, and though I am not going to read it the fact that she took her time to give me something was all that mattered to me.
Matter of the fact is people just need to CALM THE FUCK DOWN. Also STOP MISTAKING THAT RADICALS (which are present in every religious and non religious group) AS SPOKESPEOPLE FOR THEIR ENTIRE RELIGION.
Want to know how to tell the difference between a radical and a regular messenger from God. The latter usually uses fear to try and teach people to be valuable members of society and achieving the ultimate goal of Heaven. I am not talking about extreme fear like your going to die if you have naughty thoughts about your neighbors spouse, but the fear if they are a bad person they are not going to get into heaven.
The radicals use the peoples desperation and wants, the goal being that said radical will prophet power and riches. For example: this person promises riches, housing, food, etc to people who lack those things in exchange for loyalty, money, etc. usually ending in high body counts.
Some people may find no difference between the two, on the other hand it will make total sense to others. BOTH ARE OK.
I believe in a higher power, but I do not believe in religious text. It just doesn't add up for me. My God is very personal because it is not the traditional interpretation of God and you know what? My faith has gotten me through a lot in my life. I am still here because of my faith. I also respect that others have faith in things besides religion like other humans. What matters in the end is that we have something that we believe in enough to get us through this shitty thing called life.
Speak less, Listen more. The people who get heated over other peoples views are people not willing to listen with an open mind so fuck 'em.
