This - My Creed

Questioning Inherited Beliefs: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Have you ever questioned the beliefs handed down to you since birth? Ever been curious to explore them for yourself, rather than solely relying on what you inherited growing up? This is my personal journey in a nutshell, into doing just that.

Since childhood, I've always been curious about the world and our purpose in it. I once read a post that stated as a species, we constantly seek something tangible to explain human existence—why we are here, and our place in it. We are social beings who need to see, touch, and be part of something to believe in it. Organized religion often fills that need, while simply believing in and talking to God does not.

It can feel lonely when it’s just you and God. He doesn't say a lot and requires you to do all the talking. He exists beyond the physical world. Religion teaches that God requires absolute belief without offering a chance to scientifically prove or disprove His existence. That’s hard to sustain without the support and fellowship of others. Thus, we organize ourselves into groups of like-minded individuals, creating religious systems.

Most people never actually choose their religion; it’s chosen for them by being born into a particular family. For many of us, religion is not a choice—it’s a birthright. While some actively choose a religion that fits their beliefs, many do not, and that’s where my exploration begins.

As I delved into questioning my beliefs and the nature of existence, I naturally explored the broader landscape of religious systems. This journey deepened my understanding of various beliefs and led me to scrutinize the challenges and critiques that some religious systems face.

Unraveling Religious Systems: Challenges and Critiques

Religion is a system, and like any man-made system, it can fail. Here are some critiques and challenges associated with religious systems:

1.  Dogmatism and Rigidity: Some religious systems can be dogmatic and rigid, providing a narrow framework that doesn't adapt well to modern life’s complexities. This rigidity might limit individuals' ability to find meaningful solutions to contemporary challenges.

    In my own experience, this rigidity created a sense of confinement, where questioning or diverging from established beliefs was seen as a threat to faith itself. This environment often led to fear rather than freedom, making it difficult to explore new ideas or embrace the complexities of modern life. In many traditions, questioning is discouraged, yet it is through questioning that we can deepen our understanding and relationship with God. This rigidity can manifest in the enforcement of certain rituals or dogmas that may no longer resonate with contemporary believers, leading to a crisis of faith for those who find these practices outdated or irrelevant.

    This phenomenon isn't unique to Christianity. In Islam, the rigid interpretations of Sharia law by certain groups often leave little room for personal or contextual interpretation, similar to how strict Christian dogmas can be limiting. On the other hand, Sufi Islam, like Christian mysticism, offers a more flexible, personal approach to spirituality that emphasizes the direct experience of God over rigid adherence to external laws.

2.  Selective Interpretation: Religious teachings can sometimes be selectively interpreted to suit cultural or political agendas, potentially distorting the original messages of hope, responsibility, and resilience.

    For example, certain passages in the Bible have been historically used to justify harmful practices like slavery or the subjugation of women. These interpretations reflect the cultural and political biases of the time rather than the core messages of love, justice, and equality that are central to the teachings of Jesus. My own journey led me to question these selective interpretations and seek a broader, more inclusive understanding of Scripture. This has been a difficult process, as it required unlearning deeply ingrained beliefs and looking beyond the interpretations I was taught to find the true essence of the Gospel.

    This issue is also seen in other religions. In Hinduism, the caste system, which is not explicitly endorsed in the Vedas, has been justified through selective interpretation of certain texts, leading to centuries of social stratification. Similarly, in Judaism, certain rabbinical interpretations have been used to exclude or marginalize women within religious practices, despite the Torah's broader messages of justice and compassion.

3.  Exclusivity and Judgment: Certain religious traditions promote exclusivity and pass judgment on those who don’t adhere to specific beliefs. This can alienate individuals and hinder a sense of shared responsibility.

    Growing up, I often encountered the belief that only those who followed a specific path—namely, accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior—were assured of salvation. This exclusivity fostered a 'them versus us' mentality, where those outside the faith were seen as lost or condemned. Over time, I realized that this mindset not only alienated others but also limited my ability to fully embrace the impartiality of God's love. It became clear to me that true faith should be inclusive, reflecting the boundless nature of God's grace rather than restricting it to a select few.

    This exclusivity is echoed in other religions as well. For instance, in some interpretations of Islam, only those who follow the 'straight path' of Islam are considered to be in God's favor, with harsh consequences for those who deviate. Similarly, certain sects of Buddhism may emphasize a strict adherence to monastic rules as the only path to enlightenment, excluding those who follow a more layperson-oriented approach. These parallels highlight a common challenge across religions: the tension between inclusivity and exclusivity in matters of faith and salvation.

4.  Institutional Failures: Corruption, abuse, and hypocrisy within religious institutions have led to disillusionment among followers. Scandals involving religious leaders can erode trust and undermine the message of hope and responsibility.

5.  Lack of Adaptability: Some argue that certain religious doctrines may resist change, making it challenging for these systems to address evolving societal issues effectively.

6.  Overemphasis on Afterlife: Some religious systems place too much emphasis on the afterlife, potentially diverting attention away from real-world problems and fostering a sense of responsibility for the present.

    In my religious upbringing, the focus on the afterlife often overshadowed the importance of living a meaningful and responsible life in the here and now. The constant emphasis on heaven and hell as the ultimate destinations made it difficult to fully engage with the pressing issues of this world. This skewed focus can lead to a form of spiritual escapism, where the promise of eternal life becomes a reason to disengage from the challenges and responsibilities we face in our daily lives.

    This is not a problem unique to Christianity. In Buddhism, for example, the focus on attaining Nirvana can sometimes lead to a detachment from worldly concerns, potentially neglecting the importance of compassion and social responsibility in this life. Similarly, in certain strands of Hinduism, the emphasis on Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth) can lead to a neglect of duties in the current life, reinforcing the idea that this world is merely a stepping stone to a better existence.

7.  Gender and Social Issues: Certain religious traditions have faced criticism for their stance on gender roles and social issues.

    Within the Christian tradition I inherited, rigid gender roles were often justified through selective readings of Scripture, which portrayed women as subservient to men and restricted their roles within the church. This narrow interpretation failed to recognize the full dignity and equality of women as image-bearers of God. As I began to question these roles, I discovered a broader biblical narrative that affirms the equal worth and spiritual authority of all people, regardless of gender. This shift in perspective not only challenged the traditional views I was raised with but also opened up a more inclusive understanding of God’s kingdom.

    Similar issues are present in other religions. In Islam, debates continue over the role of women in religious leadership and public life, with varying interpretations of the Qur'an leading to different practices across cultures. Orthodox Judaism also grapples with gender roles, where traditional interpretations often restrict women's participation in religious rituals. In these contexts, like in Christianity, there is a growing movement to re-examine sacred texts with a view towards gender equality, challenging long-held norms and opening up new possibilities for inclusion.

It's important to recognize that these critiques do not diminish the profound comfort, guidance, and sense of community that religious systems provide to millions of people. For many, faith is a source of hope in difficult times, offering a framework for understanding life's challenges and a supportive community to lean on. 

Religious teachings often emphasize values such as love, compassion, and personal responsibility, which can inspire individuals to lead meaningful lives and contribute positively to society. The success or shortcomings of any religious system in nurturing these qualities largely depend on how its teachings are interpreted and practiced by its followers. While some may struggle with aspects of their inherited beliefs, many others find that their faith enriches their lives, fostering a deep sense of purpose, belonging, and connection with the divine.

When people feel disappointed by their religion, however, some choose to reject the idea of God altogether, while others turn to science, agnosticism, or atheism. This cycle repeats as they adopt another framework to make sense of life. Perhaps this complexity arises because of our unique consciousness.

We often categorize things as "good" or "bad," but our real purpose might simply be to exist and live. Maybe all these systems are meant to coexist, each contributing to the grand scheme of the world. 

Despite our differences, we all mostly want the same things out of life. But these slight differences generate emotion, and emotion generates a sense of importance. This is the true tragedy of humanity: we are doomed to perpetual conflict over slight differences.

Think of it this way: Sometimes, things that seem unfair or wrong might just be a natural part of life. Take animals, for instance—they don't distinguish between "right" or "wrong." They just do what comes naturally, like hunting for survival. Humans, with our ability to think and reflect, perceive hunting as bad or evil, especially when it involves our own kind.

I'm not saying this to support or encourage violence, but to point out that because we can reflect on our actions, we perceive things as "good" or "bad" based on our own judgments.

Finding Freedom in Faith: My Journey of Self-Discovery

Let’s take a few steps back. I spent a long time researching many sources, looking for answers. With each experience, my search deepened.

I grew up in a Christian household, with god-fearing, prayerful parents who instilled their beliefs in me. This became a defining part of who I was. I aimed to be the perfect "goody two-shoes," struggling between doing what I thought was right and fearing disappointing others.

As a kid, I even told friends how to live "right by God." This mindset lingered into my teen years, where I wrestled with the desire to live carefree while fearing that I’d ruin my identity by deviating from expectations. 

When I was 18 years old, I met the man who would become my husband. He was from a Muslim household, and I was from a Christian one. From the start, we knew that our relationship would come with challenges, especially from our families, who believed that it wouldn’t work. The strain of our differing religious backgrounds became so intense that, about five years into our relationship, we decided to break up. Neither of us was prepared to fully embrace the other’s religion, and it seemed impossible to move forward.

Those two or three months apart were incredibly difficult. But during that time, we both realized that our love and commitment to each other were stronger than the religious divides that separated us. We decided to reconnect and try again. Five years later, to our surprise and joy, we tied the knot in a double ceremony that satisfied both sides of our family.

It wasn’t easy, but we made it work. We’ve grown as individuals and as a couple, becoming more open-minded and understanding along the way. Our families, despite their initial reservations, have come to accept and support us, even if they don’t agree with every choice we make. We’ve since had a son, whom we plan to raise with the same open-mindedness that helped us navigate our relationship.

Eventually, I started valuing thinking outside the box of my old beliefs. It felt liberating to challenge the rigid boundaries and arbitrary rules that had defined my life. Today, my views have shifted significantly, bringing me a new sense of peace. The fears that used to haunt me are now opportunities for growth and understanding.

Exploring one’s beliefs is a journey that can take you down many rabbit holes. It’s impossible to cover all the literature or views out there, religious or not, but that’s part of the adventure if you're curious.

This is my attempt to give up my belief in a system or “organized religion” while holding on to my belief in God. Without Him, this very endeavor would be futile.

Inherited Religious Dogma vs. Evolved Understanding

Inherited Belief: I grew up believing that the Bible was the infallible Word of God, a prescriptive guide that dictated how I should live. I was taught that understanding Scripture required strict adherence to specific doctrinal interpretations handed down by the Church. Salvation, I believed, depended on repentance, accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior, and living a holy life through a combination of faith and works, including rituals like water baptism and regular Church fellowship.

My Belief Now: I now understand that Jesus Himself is the Word of God who came to dwell among us. The Bible is not a rigid prescription for living but a descriptive account of God's ongoing relationship with humanity. Rather than relying solely on doctrinal interpretations, I seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit for a dynamic understanding of God’s will. I no longer see sin as a barrier between God and me—this separation exists only in our minds. In truth, nothing can diminish God's love or grace.

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Inherited Belief: I once believed that sin separated us from God and that only through repentance and belief in Jesus could we be reconciled. I thought that holiness was something to be achieved through specific acts of faith, including confession and repentance, which were necessary steps to gain God’s favor.

My Belief Now: I have come to realize that sin does not truly separate us from God. The perception of separation is an illusion, rooted in unbelief. God's love and grace are ever-present, unchanging, and extend to all people, regardless of belief. I've learnt that the word "repent" literally translated means to "change your mind". Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection have already cleansed us of sin; confession and repentance are not prerequisites for salvation but are instead the natural response to understanding and accepting the truth of God’s grace.

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Inherited Belief: I was taught that participation in Church sacraments, like the Lord’s Supper, was essential for maintaining my fellowship with God and the Church. I also believed that hell was a place of eternal punishment for those who did not believe in Jesus Christ.

My Belief Now: Today, I see the Lord’s Supper as a profound expression of fellowship with the real presence of Christ, a reflection of His grace and work within us. I no longer view hell as eternal punishment but as the ultimate state of unbelief—a futile attempt to escape the relentless love of God. Even those who do not believe are still enveloped in God’s saving grace, included in the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross.

Key Points:

1. Curiosity and Questioning: From a young age, I questioned the beliefs I inherited, seeking a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it.

2. The Role of Religion: Religion provides a tangible system for belief, but it often imposes rigid structures that can feel confining or outdated.

3. Challenges with Religious Systems: I identified various issues with religious systems, such as dogmatism, selective interpretation, exclusivity, and a lack of adaptability.

4. Personal Journey: My journey led me to reassess the religious beliefs I was raised with, ultimately finding peace in a more personal, less rigid understanding of faith.

5. Freedom in Faith: Letting go of the fear of not fitting into a specific religious mold allowed me to embrace a relationship with God based on grace and acceptance.

Bottom Line:

After years of exploration, I discovered that true peace comes from understanding that faith is a personal journey, not bound by the rigid confines of religious systems. I've found freedom in realizing that God’s love and grace are already ours, and that the work is finished. We can rest in that truth without the need for fear or striving to fit into predefined molds. My belief in God remains strong, but it's no longer tied to the structured systems I once knew. Instead, it’s based on a personal relationship that brings peace and freedom.

Suggested Reading for Further Exploration

If you’re interested in diving deeper, here are some resources that I found helpful:

• "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis
• "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel
• "The Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning
• "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• "Cosmos Reborn" by John Crowder