I would like to point out that I'm not a religious person. However, that doesn't mean there is no lesson to be learnt from religion. I mean all religions of the world. Whatever religion you may belong to, I it is important to learn from others. This is not only important for our peaceful coexistence as people of different backgrounds and religions but we also develop mentally and spiritually.
My idea of a god is different from most people ever since I started being a student of all religions. I don't not see god in the anthropomorphic terms most people see god. Further, critical thinking has led me to the conclusion that there is neither hell nor Pearly gates of heaven. This is as a result of people's desire for permanence. I learnt that from the enlightened Buddha. Since god is no man I do not believe he could have a desire to be worshipped.
Disagreements on how god should be worship has led to the Jihadist groups such as ISIL, Boko Haram, Al Sha Bab that have terrorised the world all on the name of religious interpretation of the Qur'an. The little knowledge I have on Islam is that the word literally means peace, for this reason I believe individual ambitions, gullibility and struggle for power is the cause of this extremism, not Islam. People sheepishly follow those they deemed superior to them without question. This is where the vital role of logical thinking comes in. We need to question things as human beings... if you believe that there is a higher power. That higher power wouldn't give you something you don't need. Reason is such gift we should be utilising in our daily lives everyday.
I wouldn't be doing justice to this article if I made this just a Muslim problem. Many Christian are just as guilty of this. I'll make an example of "Prophet" T.B. Joshua and many others like him. They are an ever growing trend in modern Christian faith. What fair and just god would condone these pastor who take from the gullible and desperate masses and enrich themselves. It doesn't make any sense to me. Hundreds of his congregants died in his "holy hostels". The "holy man" failed to predict that this was going to take place, Why? If indeed he is closer to god than the rest of us. He has made millions trading this so-called salvation. This reminds me of post medieval era Catholicism, where the rich could by their salvation while they continue with their unscrupulous ways.
There misinformation of religious beliefs has cost many lives. Further, it has contributed to irresponsibility of the rich, who now believe they could do as they please. Why not? They can go to church and pay tithe next Sunday.
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