THE STRUGGLE, EVER ONWARDS

  Before I forget, there will be no blog tomorrow as early flight will prevent it. New post on Dec. 26, and in the interim catch up on missed postings.  I wish all a Happy Holidays, a blessed New Year, a better year, though of that there is much doubt.  Now on to the new posting, 

It is quite eerie to find time and time again, the power of the phenomenon of groupthink. Unfortunately, however, this group thing tends to be either of little importance with little effect or initiates one of mass(ive) effect, all to the negative It is when you find a plethora of similar, even identical, plots in newly published books, in the movies, on TV, in the print and online news and related sites, all the talking heads. 

What is the cause and is there, in fact, a causative factor? If so, from whence does it come? Is it in the water, the air, in some kind of transmission?   I have no answer of certitude and common-sense explanation, other than the unacceptable flights of fancy from some, or the relevance, the timeliness of religion this time of year. Absolutely possible. but there is a difference. The articles. this year are awash with the negative, the worrisome and worried.  

Throw in the usual sop that religion will lead the way into a golden era and there you have it. Perhaps, maybe even possible, though doubtful at best. Does it take into account the history and the consequences of installing religion within the ranks of governmental factors? History shows it was quite negative, more so as one religion was ranked above all, resulting inevitably in inter and intra religion and religious fighting, from top to bottom. Extremists and cynics ran the Religion and the true Faith within any religion was lost. Rare voices   of unity and tolerance, of commonalities and care, were quickly shut down, silenced, ridiculed, labeled as an enemy of the state.  

I for one would prefer to leave religion out of government. It crushes the soul and has no business there. It conflates religion and faith, apples and oranges, for Faith is an individual undertaking while religion is more of a communal undertaking and the two do not necessarily walk lockstep with the other.  It is a difficult concept for people to accept, understand and practice. From that difficulty arises the religious woes and wars of history, over large and small issues, even silly ones. All becomes magnified under the magnifying glass of Religion at its worst.   

Some nations of the world do have a state religion. Some are more successful with it and others are more oppressive with it. But inevitably, the stricter the Religion, the more it imposes upon people who do not follow the rules as the authorities see it, the more unrest and resentment there will be. Degrees of "seen and observed" begin to count more than the Faith which was to be bolstered and strengthened by the structure of religion. 

If there is a state religion then the more it interacts in a positive manner with other religions found within that same state, the better the atmosphere. More people will be drawn to Faith, even to a formal religion both of which allowing them to breathe free and believe in such manner which sits comfortably upon their shoulders and in their hearts. People should be free to choose or deny, as long as there is no imposition on those who do not follow, at least outwardly, the state religion as stated and declared by a mix of Religious and political personnel who do not necessarily have the welfare of the state and its inhabitants as their first priority. 

If a situation of imposition of One version. is occurring, it is then that religion and faith collide, unable to live beside and with each other. Suddenly those who disagree are labeled the enemy and the animosity grows to unbelievable and harmful levels. The reins of power are fought over. There is a rising volume, of higher decibels of hate and toxic language, morphing into emotional and physical abuse of the worst kind. The boundaries apparently become elastic, and the precepts of morality are trampled underfoot. 

Even with the best of intents, when religion becomes Religion, Faith loses. Friendship, kinship all such ties are weakened. And for what? Does it really matter how I sing when I worship? Or how I stand or if a ritual somewhat differs? If these variations are not of harm to others even as they serve to strengthen Faith via religious rituals encouraging of that goal, why the almost crazed opposition?  

This is not heretical thinking, merely asking, wondering, why it is that religion has been drained of the juice of enjoyment and fulfillment, of participation, and open welcome to children, as they join in prayers and presence in synagogue. Is it that they would then witness our rushed prayers - dry, mumbled, begun late or early, so as to limit the time taken for prayer? Stifle voices raised in unison, joined in praise of the Lord? Is it any wonder or mystery why attendance for formal prayer sessions has lessened among too many? Why do we stress the attitude of the stricter, more condemning of observances as the better path to follow, abjuring the Talmudic precept that the wiser one is he who discerns within an easement rather than the one who only demands and finds restrictions.       

The words above are to be found in my thoughts, percolating, wondering, questioning. As are and do many others, for I am not alone within these worries and concerns. There is more to follow for me and for my readers, a more individual basis, on this and more. But it is a woe upon us all if we as a group, if religions as a group, do not find the proper path, the more encouraging and truer path. The one which allows for a future. The one which will encourage religion over Religion, of Faith over faith. We must create a better path, one of more inclusivity and accommodation of differences. One which celebrates the similarities and together we join with joy to pray to the Lord. Within the structure of our religion and a positive and powerful Faith. 

To understand that the Lord we call by many names is one and the same, and frankly not too happy with us all these days. Proof of the pudding? Check out the state of global and national affairs. The Ugliness perpetrated in the name of Religion and faith in. Shame on us all.   

More on the morrow of the morrow.