Religion

It’s unfashionable to talk about religion, for the most part because a small percentage of people seem to be embarrassed discussing their concept of faith and they have persuaded all the rest of us that talking about religion might “insult” or “bother” the few of use who are unsure of our feelings about religion.  But I think the majority of people I know are comfortable with their world view of why we exist and what the purpose of life is. In some cases the concept of faith might not mirror any of the organized religions but it’s something the individual takes comfort in and doesn’t want to force on others.

Perhaps the best measure of any religion is a belief system that allows others to ask questions and doesn’t mind the fact that those others might view the world in different terms. Recently the creators of a TV show called “South Park” put together a musical stage show called “The Book of Mormon” that depicts Mormon missionaries and even the prophet Joseph Smith in less than complimentary fashion. I think it’s important to note that the LDS church did not boycott, or picket the show and the press reviews even indicated that faithful Mormons had travelled far in order to see it.

I think the Muslim community would react very differently if an entertainment were put together called “The Koran”. A gesture of disrespect in Florida, indeed a stupid gesture of disrespect in Florida led Islamic mobs in Afghanistan to murder UN workers who were innocent of any wrongdoing and only were there because they wanted to help.

So while I’m comfortable in my faith and I wish you comfort in yours I cannot understand those who treat even the slightest disrespect as potentially lethal to an ancient but very troubled religion.