THIS IS WHAT MAKES US MERE MORTALS...

I was reading back on the previous editions of the Straits Times which I missed out on because of school work when I chanced upon this article which got me really riled up. Yes, the age-old debate on religion and whether does God even exists at all. First and foremost, let me just clarify this: I am NOT an anti-christ, even though I admit I really came close to being one in the past because of the things I've heard and seen for myself. But as one matures, he/she will come to know that the acts of a few do not really represent that of the entire community. I would like to believe that ALL religions, regardless of the manner in which they were preached to mankind, are inherently well intentioned and serve to impart good moral values to people so that they can behave in a responsible manner towards themselves and the society at large.

Take this analogy for an example: As a student, you are given subjects to study in school. Now, it really does not matter which subject you favour upon because ultimately, whatever you decide to pursue further interest on later will eventually, help you become a more educated person in life. But do you feign ignorance and play down the insignificance of the other subjects just because it doesn't really interests or appeals to you? No, you don't. Every subject has a role to play in educating the student. Every subject is equally important to different people. Therefore, no one has a right to criticise others for their choice in the subjects just because they believe their chosen subject to study in school is far better than others. Flawed logic. Just because you never really take the time and effort to understand the subject doesn't mean that the subject is any less important. People have the free will to make choices, that is why "specialisation" of religions or subjects in this case, occurs.

Anyway, back to the topic of contention: "Why God 'allowed' deadly tsunami to strike" (ST, Jan 29). The writer wrote in to refute the claims made by previous authors who made comments lamenting the fact that God himself was not there for mankind when disaster struck, or why God didn't prevent the tragedy since he was omnipotent. It is perfectly fine to find fault with the man up above because we humans, being mere mortals, could not have a satisfactory answer to the events that were unfolding before our very eyes. That is what religion is for, to provide solace to believers that everything happens for a reason. And of course, from the scientific perspective, the tsunami is just mother nature's way of venting her fury and there is pretty much nothing we can do about it except for damage limitation.

But what I can't stand is the fact this particular writer goes on to string together a series of quotes from some Saint from donkey years ago to explain the misnomers that he felt did injustice to his religion. Rather than putting his money where his mouth is, I think he did a pretty good job of stuffing his foot in his mouth instead. Firstly, he should learn to respect other people's right to air their own views. Lest we forget, this writer is flesh and bones like we are. Just who is he to offer philosophical takes on the tragedy by quoting from teachings from 'sagely' saints? Before you ask me then what a pastor is for, yes... I know it sounds a bit contradictory and its like I'm shooting myself in the foot. But a (good) pastor preaches to those whom wishes to believe in the religion, not impose his views on others. Just imagine a total stranger barging into your management lecture and telling you what you've been studying so far is crap, totally irrevelant and he goes on to tell you how the subject should be taught according to him? How would you react? Screw him of course!!!

Secondly, I would want to say to him: Save the preachings for yourself. How would you like it if some misfortunate accident were to take away someone dear to you and turn your life into a living hell? Would you attribute it to the fact when you said " ... why God allows evil is that if He did not, then a lot of good would be lost"? I would bet my life on it that no amount of help would make you overcome the grief that is permanently etched in you, no matter how hard you try to forget. Let's not kid ourselves on that right?

Lastly, schism occurs in all religion: To my knowledge, Buddhism is branched off into 2 main school of thoughts: the Hinayana and the Mahayana. Islam into the Sunnis and the Shi'ites, as well as other forms ranging from the moderate to the extremist as preached by the Taliban government in Afghanistan. And of course Christianity also has its fair share of history which dates back to the time of the Crusades.

Schism in the modern context takes on a different role, but nonetheless impactful. For example in Singapore, you have the, put in a diplomatic term, 'charismatic' churches which have their own style of preaching as well as spreading the message to the masses. On the other hand, you also have churches that are not that 'charismatic' but still serves to advocate the religion in their own subtle, non-imposing ways. Truth be told, many a times overzealous believers have tried to pursuade friends or even accost total strangers on the streets to join their churches with the promise of "good food and making new friends". I'm like: "Hello?! Do I need to go to church just because I wanna eat good food or make new friends??" Is that the reason why people go to church for? What kind of message are they spreading? You mean like their church is some holiday chalet or what ah? No right? People go to church because they want to get in touch with their spiritual self what, no? You see, black sheeps like this are aplenty and something needs to be done before they deface the religion which they think they can seek sanctuary in.

Oh yeah, just you might want to know... I don't buy into the " If you don't believe in Jesus, you will burn in hell " thingy. Let's just say I donate a few hundred to charity organisations every month, perform regular volunteer works to help the less fortunate in less developed countries, engage in acts of kindness on an everyday basis like helping the blind to board the correct bus, BUT I do not believe in Jesus. How? do I still burn in hell just because of the very fact that I do not believe in Him?

And also, I do not seek eternal life, but rather eternal life comes knocking on my door when I have a lifetime of beautiful memories to look back on when I'm grey and old, gazing lovingly into my wife's tender eyes. I am only concerned about how I live my life as I can see right now - my family, my friends and the people close to me. I really care not if I burn in hell for eternity, just as long I treat the people in my life to the best of my abilities that underlies their significance in the roles they play in life's precious moments. While there is still room for improvement, its comforting to know that I did make the effort rather than other people who wait for things to happen in their entire lifetime. Tell me then, what's the point in living?