The Vitality of Religion

Over the past few days, I have again experienced a confrontation that had the subject of religious importance. What I simply cannot understand is the logic in living with religious elitism. Is there any possible way to substantiate one's intellectual or spiritual superiority to one who does not restrict their entire life to a particular path of faith? I have been an audience to the The Bible, The Torah, and plan to read The Holy Quran when the right time comes. Furthermore, how is it possible to label me a blasphemer because of my beliefs that I have never made truly clear to another because I am searching for a definitive and concrete conclusion of my own? What I find particularly amusing about these accusations is that the source is one which has no knowledge of any religion other than it's own, claiming it's superiority over the others. I've always wondered, how is it possible to claim superiority over any other of a principle faith when no dominant religion teaches such things? When things arrive to this propensity, there is nothing more than misconception and arrogant dogmatism clouding one's judgement from the reality of a religious faith.

This is why we see such violence "in the name of God" all around the world. In no way does any genuine religious doctrine teach the use of violence in God's name. That is contradiction at it's best. Unfortunately, the actions of such extremists lead to stereotyping of entire cultures and faiths. The persecution and exclusion of Muslims in many factions of American citizenship has been the result of these occurences. To my dismay, I have even seen such ignorance from my family. Once informed of my intention to study the Quran, many looked upon me with shock and discontent as if I had betrayed our way of life. Although I do not deem this totally upon their fault, I do believe they have (in a single way) become figurative puppets of society, not being intellectually inclined or strong enough to rebel against the ignorance and misinformance of the masses. While I do not mean to disrespect my family, I must speak what I think is true.

Never have I meant to disrespect the vitality or principles of a religious faith, but I see what I see. My interpretation of religious principles and doctrines is all I have. It's what I choose to believe, and I think I am trying to make that choice very thoroughly using all the time and information I need before making a conclusion. If you wish to label me a heretic to the church, by all means do so. Subjectively, there is no problem with rebelling against what I don't believe as long as it is done respectfully using no arrogance or altruistic fallacies to argue against the beliefs of a religious faith. The final question I must ask is, why does society continually negatively label or conclude the thoughts of any mind that lives in anti-traditionalism or unconventionalism? Someone must always question and investigate. If no one did, there would be no motive for improvement or intellectual pioneering.

(This was written quickly, and under some influence of anger. I apologize for any offense that I make although I do not believe that I have done so to anyone.)