by Belinda Long

Created on: October 13, 2009

There was a time when I would have associated religion with good people. That time has long since passed. I have come to realize that being good and being religious have absolutely nothing to do with one another. Some of the most disgusting acts in history were committed in the name of religion. Some of the kindest people in the world can be found at home watching the football game on Sunday, rather than in a church.

The jury is still out on what makes a person good. It is so difficult to categorize good and bad because everything must be considered. Motives, actions and culture all play a role in whether you are considered a good person or a bad one. However, one thing remains solid in my opinion. You do not need to be religious to be a good person.

Some religions will tell you that you can be the best person in the world, but if you don't believe, well you're pretty much screwed. My response to that? If a higher power can judge me so harshly on a technicality, ignoring my good will, I'll take my spot in hell proudly. Through out religious history, people have been burned alive, beheaded, blown up, shot and abused. All in the name of a higher power. This is the path to a better place? Killing in the name of religion is acceptable? I fail to see where good and religion have anything at all in common.

If you truly want to be a good person, do things for the right reasons. Don't hide behind religion when your choices are reprehensible. It is ignorant to say that the only reason you are against homosexuality is because God doesn't like it. Killing an abortion doctor for performing abortions isn't going to bring you any closer to the Golden Gates. Stop and change a tire for a stranger - but be safe about it. Open your heart to a family who has experienced tragedy. Offer a dollar or two towards milk for a family in need. Don't judge others. That isn't your place.

Good and religion often don't even belong in the same sentence. Good comes from within you as does bad. If you are behaving badly, take responsibility. Certainly you can repent your sins before your higher power and be forgiven, but what good does that do? Is your only goal in life to look out for yourself? What will people say about you when you die? Will they remember you for your kind words and actions? Will they say you were cruel and vindictive? Religion is no excuse for doing bad and being good doesn't mean you have to be religious.

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