Sermon

 

 

 

 

I was not raised in religion and contrary to many people, my older family members became less interested in religion as they aged.  We certainly considered ourselves Jewish, and I still do now.  I think the label would be “secular Jew” if I wanted to use a label—which I don’t.  I don’t like labels at all including agnostic or atheist.  I have attended services at a synagogue and visit churches for funerals and weddings.  I don’t like being a part of anything that either forces or guilts me into doing things I don’t want to do, and organized religion clearly falls under that heading. 

I am not “anti-religion” per se, I understand how and why people believe as they do and have no interest in trying to convince someone otherwise.  It would be great if people who are religious would accord me the same respect.  In big cities it’s easier to blend in and not feel a pull to model your life along the lines of someone else’s.  If you are a part of a large extended family that includes religious and cultural customs you’ll probably do as they do.

My thinking is not totally concrete; I have a sense of spirituality and order in the universe.  I don’t believe in one Supreme Being; mostly I think we just don’t have enough information to understand the why of things.  How can a human being grasp the concept of infinity?  It makes me dizzy to think the universe is either finite or infinite; I don’t think we have the mental capacity for that to make sense.  I’m inclined to believe there is a scientific explanation for almost anything we can conceive but also that there are many things we can’t conceive.

More and more these days I find that religion can be a destructive force in the world.  Not that this is new information, but I actually feel the waves of hatred in the air.  Everyone feels threatened by some group somewhere.  The main groups, Islam, Judaism and Christianity, although historically sharing a history and many beliefs, all feel threatened by each other.  Each group has been persecuted throughout their respective histories as well.  I grew up knowing more Jews than Christians; now I live in an area where Christianity is an assumption rather than an option.  Who you are and who you hate is your heritage.  Saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” is a clear offensive onslaught. 

I can’t say I believe in a future or past Messiah, but if I read the signs I might think the Apocalypse is imminent.  Honestly, I have no idea what I should do about that.  Overall, I think I’m a good person, if that is the deciding factor. 

I really don’t understand the continued dialogue about Christians being under attack, or there being a “war” on Christmas.  Every retail establishment across the country begins their Christmas displays and sales in early October.  In the south there are no items for sale denoting any other religions for holiday celebrations or otherwise.  When I want to purchase a menorah or candles I have to do so on-line.  Never mind Islamic or Hindu symbols, no point in looking. 

I know it is what it is and my feelings won’t change anything.  I just feel a need to point out that we are at risk, as a nation and as humans, when we practice intolerance for those who believe differently from us.  If you define yourself as “good” why not join that with “person” and not just “Christian”?