Sadly, somewhere along the line, many seem to have forgotten that religion is meant to be about belief in God. The religions of the world may have different teachings and different rules to be followed, but primarily they are about God, love and compassion. This being the case, how can one be right and another wrong? They can't, not when they all talk of God as the absolute truth and creator of the world.

Absolute truth; if something is an absolute truth, no matter which words we choose to define it, or which name we give it, it is still the truth. Does it really matter which name we choose to call God? Does it really matter which path we choose to walk in His way? I don't think so. I don't believe for one moment that God is like some petulant child who would get upset by which name he is called. Nor do I think that He would turn any away because of the path they choose to travel.

Surely the most important thing is to live our lives as best we can, not letting hate, anger or greed be our motivation. To show kindness, consideration and respect to all living things. To be compassionate and caring and not to judge others on their beliefs; or be so arrogant as to insist what we believe is right, and that any who don't believe the same way are wrong.

Therefore, intolerance is probably the main thing that is wrong with most religions. Intolerance of others and their beliefs, insistence by many of its followers that they are right and everyone else is wrong. Refusal to accept that just because others do not share exactly the same beliefs that they could also be right.

Power and manipulation are another two major problems with religion. Far too often religion has been used as a tool with which to control and manipulate people. Countless lives have been lost throughout history, people slaughtered, tortured and killed for having different beliefs. Supposedly, all these murders and crimes have been committed in "the name of God". When are people going to wake up and see how wrong this is, how they have been manipulated and encouraged to hate, how this is against the way life should be and the very doctrine of most religions?

Then finally, there is the confusion and misconception about religion, belief and faith. People can follow a religion but may not necessarily truly believe, they may not necessarily have faith in what they follow. Conversely, just because someone does not follow a particular, or any, religion, this does not mean they do not believe in God, or that they do not have faith. It just means they have found their own way to believe and their faith is based on what they feel and believe.

Maybe if religions were to become more about God, more tolerant and accepting that there are other ways. Less about power, less about control, less about who is right and who is wrong, then some of the things that are wrong with religion would no longer be a problem and maybe the world could be a better place for everyone.

Learn more about this author, Maria Lucana.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about What's wrong with religion?
We want to hear your view. Write now!