Religion and Compassion

The agency I work for is very friendly toward accepting partnerships with religious entities. I appreciate the notion that my agency, which is not a religiously centered organization, does partake in pre-lunch prayers and other religious activities. Freedom of religion is two-fold. In one respect, people should be granted freedom to actively practice religious activities in the workplace, while those who hold toward different beliefs or lack of beliefs should not be scolded, judged or given any sort of punishment.

Why I mention this fact is that we recently met with a pastor of a church who said that since we have similar mission, though different missions, he'd like to work with us on the areas which overlap. He said that while our agency will not go out and spread the Gospel, and his church will not financially assist people the way that we do, our common ground is indeed helping those in need. His words struck a very nice chord in me and it put me on a whole new journey of thought when contemplating the journey to find religious meaning.

I believe everyone has a personal relationship with God. My biggest problem with religious heretics is their choice to act as God's personal judges. Homosexuality is considered an abomination of God, after all, it says so in the Bible. Pre-marital sex is deplorable, and those who do it are immoral, unworthy beings. Well, I thought the Bible says that we all sin, and it seems to me that Jesus preached love and peace. Right. I know, I know where all this is headed. Being a student and follower of God is not easy. It's not meant for us to do as we please and expect a place in Heaven. I agree; however, my problem isn't so much that people preach the sins God has defined, so much as the way in which people deliver such information.

One sin is a bigger temptation for one person then it is for others. For example, I have no earthly desire to partake in any form of homosexual relationship. Furthermore, as I have not created the human race, I really can't say whether it's a choice or not. People do say so, though, only because such acts seem detestable to them. To avoid an act for which you have no earthly temptation does not give you free rein to heroicize yourself and belittle someone who is strongly tempted in that sin. To preach God's word well, takes less words, more love, and more empathy and compassion.

Once we begin to show love for others, unquestionably, and begin to accept that we know very little about what prompts someone to act the way he or she does, then we have more power to be the real salt of the earth. I'm not sure what people are trying to accomplish by chastising others, belittling them, and saying, "What you're doing is a sin, and you'll go to hell for it." The words may be true, but they are not effective. If you want a part in helping to save someone, show love and understanding, not hate and contempt. Such judgement is cruel and fruitless. It wastes time and energy, and hate proliferates.