Dear Maggie,
I’ve been on a quest to find the truth about religion, to find the one faith that’s the right one, and all I seem to find are flaws in all of them. I’ve been studying and reading and nothing seems to really answer all the questions I have. We’re heading into that time of year now, when it seems people of faith really feel it and show it and just enjoy and celebrate it so much. I want to be one of them. I just don’t know how to put aside my doubts and believe in the doctrines of any one church or religion. Every time I try, I find out something that I just plain know is wrong. I want to believe, I really do. And I know that they say faith is believing in what you can’t see. But it’s not believing in things you know to be false, is it? So what do I do? Will I ever find the true path to God? How can I go about finding my way?
Signed,
Desperately Seeking Something
Dear Seeker,
I try not to tackle topics of religion or politics here, to keep things from getting too heated, but I’m going to make an exception because your letter touched me. So here’s the thing. There is no “one true path to God.” There is only the one that’s true for you. And here’s why: Every religion being practiced today is no more than man’s interpretation of what God wants. More than that, they are man’s interpretation of who and what God is, and how best to approach Him/Her/Them/It.
The basis of nearly every war ever fought on this planet is “My religion is right and yours is not.” But surely if a person had it right, they wouldn’t be killing everyone who disagreed, would they? Even without God telling us directly, we can be pretty sure of that much.
If you’re determined to find a religious group to join, and it’s fine if you are, then find a path that feels right to you. One that feels sacred and good, and makes sense overall, to you. If you come upon some bit of doctrine that you feel is off, remember that religion is man-made, and therefore, prone to flawed premises and misunderstandings. Try to ignore those parts, and focus on the parts of the faith that you love. Know that no religion is perfect.
Bottom line, your relationship with spirit is a private, personal one, unique to you alone. Joining with others who share most of your beliefs can be gratifying, but it’s not essential. Above all remember that it’s not any religion’s job to make your spiritual life complete and fulfilling. That’s between you and your God. So give organized religion a break, take it for what it is, and don’t try to make it be what it’s not. (Perfect.)
Happy Holidays!
Maggie
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