by Ginger Betzer

Created on: August 01, 2010   Last Updated: August 02, 2010

Of course there are some religions that are better than others.  To say that one religions is the same as another negates the very premise of the question.  There are certain universal egalitarian, humanitarian presuppositions that seem to work better in some religions and worse in others. 

For instance, I was raised in an evangelical christian church.  My grandparents were ministers.  I was told my entire childhood  that most of my friends...relatives...and my own father...were going to spend eternity in hell...not just a few months mind you...but a literal burning forever in a tormenting, painful screaming hot hell.  Why?  Because they did not chose Jesus as their lord and savior.  That's a bad religion.  I'm not saying that all of Christianity is "Bad"...there are many good aspects of that religion...feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, etc.  These acts of charity are essential to it's faith and contribute an awareness of our creator to others.  But I was told Ghandi was going to hell.  For pete's (or should I say Peter's?) sake.  That just doesn't make sense to me.

And taking a look at fanatical Islam and it's treatment of women, its hatred for the rest of mankind and it's domination agenda...that's another bad religion.  I know many Muslims who are not fanatical... They are very nice people...and very much embarrassed and frustrated by the misconceptions associated with their religion.  I'm Jewish.  I chose Judaism because it  states that all men who do good have a place in the world to come. 

Judaism does not teach that the future holds eternal burning torment for anyone.  It's premise is that G-d uses adversity to teach us, not to punish us.  We are also taught that it is the responsibility of every Jew to " tikkun Olam"...heal the world.  This is done through charitable acts, and also through education and learning.  We are to make the world a better place for all mankind.  Yes, I admit that I am prejudiced.  But not to the extent that I say my faith is the only faith.  What I am saying is that some religions are more human than others.  And we are created to be human.  We can't forget that. 

So a religion that has less superstition and judgmental narrowness is a better religion. A religion that values human life and human dignity (men and women) is a better religion.  A religion that inspires self-less altruistic acts of kindness and charity....is a better religion.  A religion that inspires and encourages questions and learning and science and curiosity and doesn't instill fear and isolation and slavery...is a better religion.  A religion that promotes justice, compassion and human rights...is a good religion.  Which religion is that?  I hope it's your own. 

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