My God is better than your God [The dangers of Organized Religions]

In high school there were jocks, geeks, burn-outs, preppies, stoners, loners and players. In the real world there are Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Pagans and etc.

Social Cliques created and directed by--and to serve the interests of--people. Organized Religions have nothing to do with spirituality or an individual's relationship with the higher power they believe in. They are tools used by people to keep large numbers of followers walking the path they promote and to further their own agendas.

Organized Religions are also the leading cause of death and suffering throughout man's history of existence. While most religions speak of love, tolerance and compassion... they tend to preach prejudices and build separations between each other's followers; which in turn leads to discriminations, hate and even violence.

Having faith in a higher power or Supreme Being, a belief that there's something beyond what we know of this life; these are wonderful things for those who have them. For many, their faiths and beliefs aid them in coping with daily stresses and living a decent life. However, none of this requires or depends upon Organized Religion.

Human sacrifices, crusades and land disputes perpetrated by Organized Religions have resulted in more deaths than AIDS, cancer, natural disasters and cosmetic surgery mishaps combined. They chant peace and love while they act to conquer and convert.

There may--and I do say may--have been a time in history where Organized Religions served a more noble purpose. When people were fewer in numbers, more scattered across the lands and felt less connected to one another. When the building of--and worshiping at--churches, temples, mosques and statues provided some sense of connection in a large and scary world. Somewhere along the way though that became twisted and subverted. Today Organized Religions aren't promoting a sense of unity and connection but rather building barriers and growing divides. Holding ideas like grace, mercy and forgiveness in one hand while swinging clubs of prejudice and intolerance with the other at those who don't share their philosophies.

So remember, as you attend whatever religious services you might in the future, and perhaps even as you're praying for an end to the current outbreak of violence in the Middle East, that you're actually supporting such an organization as has helped lead to that very ignorance and fighting.