WHAT IS THE TRUE RELIGION?

"Another problem with religions is that they all preach peace, love and mercy, and they're willing to kill you if you don't believe them." Charles F. Taylor

There is no true religion - there is only the Truth. And the Truth can sometimes be buried under bullshit. Religions generally are and have been elaborate myths created by men to explain things they don't understand, and to gain or maintain prestige, power and wealth. As previously discussed, even religions founded or inspired by messengers have been dominated and ultimately corrupted by men. Throughout history, religion has been used as justification for hatred, bloodshed, oppression, slavery, caste systems, homophobia and the subjugation of women. Those are truly examples of taking God's name in vain!

Even followers of different versions of the same faith have slaughtered each other. During the Reformation, Catholics and Protestants engaged is a series of terrible wars in Europe over more than a century, whereas Sunni and Shiite Muslims have been fighting for 500 years. But when religion has been replaced by political ideologies like Communism or National Socialism, all manner of evil has followed. The lines between politics and religion are sometimes blurred, but the Truth is that a difference in beliefs is never a valid excuse for killing or mistreatment of others.

We do not mean to suggest that religion is necessarily a bad idea. Indeed, it has been one of the major unifying forces of humankind, a source of laws, and helped bring order and stability to societies. And it has inspired great works of architecture, art, music and literature. Religion also promotes acts of charity and good will - often by the same people who otherwise disregard elements of God's Laws. At times, it has stood against tyrrany and oppression. Moreover, it has provided comfort to the sick and dying, as well as their loved ones, and hope at times when there was no other reason for it. Since we both have undergraduate degrees in theology, we may be a bit biased in favor of religion. Nevertheless, it is our belief that it has done far more good than harm in this world, except perhaps when it has come at the point of a sword or gun.

Efforts to establish a religion based on the Truth have been and likely will continue to be resisted by followers of other faiths, governments (including those which purport to embrace the freedom of religion), and men desirous of maintaining the status quo. Another impediment is getting people to enjoy the blessings of Grace and those things that make their lives worthwhile, instead of counting on a utopian future. Many religions ask their followers to trade guilt in this life for the hope of salvation, obedience for something to believe, and individualism for identity - a sense of belonging. Then they sweeten the deal with the promise of paradise, heaven or nirvana. When a person has made such a bargain, accepting the Truth requires a paradigm shift. There are also millions who are seeking answers in their lives, but have already rejected religion. Whatever the challenges, the Truth must be made known to all who will listen, and celebrated by all who choose to do so. Any religion created hereunder shall be called Gracism.

Next: The Truth About Other Things