Religion Research / My Religious Views

There are five major religions in the world Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.  They have all been established for relatively long periods of time.  How do you know which one of these could be right for you?  First you have to understand the basic concept of what religion is. 

Religion can be defined as organized collections of belief systems, cultural customs and world views.  These can then be determined and then translated into spirituality and moral values.

But what about faith?  Religion has no purpose if you do not put your faith in it.  The basic definition of faith is beliefs not based on proof.  Religion, faith and uncovering what you believe can be confusing.  This piece I have written for my self-discovery class is the story of my faith.

Church, Love and God

 

My earliest memory of being at church is at New Life Fellowship.  I can remember the balcony pews.  The wood was light colored and they were back lit by beautiful stained glass.  I can remember lying on a blue cot in the nursery and scribbling on printed pictures of Jesus.  But, I didn't find God there.  Not between the printer inked pages or in the bright glass tiles.

 

I found him in the little things, in nature.  Within the very things he created.  The warmth of the sun, the tickle of a green blade of grass, the fluttering wings of a butterfly, the buzzing of bees, the delicate petals of a rose, a swift, cool breeze, the lapping waves of the ocean, all the colors of a sunset, the crunch of crisp autumn leaves and the white wisps of blowing snowflakes.  I've always felt closer to God outside, than in Church on Sundays.  I can feel his presence fill me in a deep breath of fresh air.  I feel alive and greater than myself.  Like I am meant to be something great and part of something much bigger than my own day to day life.  Finding God is one thing, but knowing Him is completely different. 

 

I got to know Him through love.  Through the love of my parents and their love for me.  I've messed up many times and they still love me.  Just like He does.  But, I got to know just how much He loves me through my relationship with my grandmother.  She saw me as bright as the moon and stars, and I the same for her.  Even when my parents were angry with me, her arms were open for a hug.  She was there when things were good and when they fell apart.  I called to talk to her everyday, about anything at all.  She shared her wisdom and knowledge and anything else she could, with me.  She was the most kind-hearted and joyful person I have ever known.  She taught me many things.  But, above all, she taught me how to love.  The only way to love is wholeheartedly and unconditionally.  To love is to see the face of God.  And what is God?  God is Love.