REPRESENT
It's simple, really.
See, religion isn't really about worshipping a huge entity. It isn't about blind belief either. It's about culture, and good ideals.
So you get a belief system. While I'm still not sure if I believe everything from the typical Christian/Catholic God mythology, there's quite a bit of evidence, so I choose to call "God" the entity that either created, or influenced the entire balance system everything around us is managed by. I don't think EVERYTHING around us just happened by coincidence. From culture, ideals, feelings, the beautiful "miracles" of life are just too much to be just one gigantic coincidence. So I basically do believe there IS something behind it all.
So you're taught to believe that God is good, that he wants what's right for you, and that he is perfect and always right. So to do as He would want, I just make up what someone who is "perfect", and wants love, peace and happiness for all, would prefer.
- Good versus Evil schematic, there's no doubt that while there's alot of grey areas, you can definitly make the effort to be good as much as you can, to how many people you can, while still maintaining your own happiness.
- Instead of making a mass about chants and prayers, why not make it about transmitting culture, help, and telling people about charity drives, helping the homeless, actually DOING SOMETHING instead of just praying for it for a long time? You can still pray, but why not do, as well? We're all Gods when we can.
- Belief system. Would a God punish a person who is good, kind and generous just because they haven't been taught to believe in Him? [tornado fang] no. So let's remove that from the equation.
- Respect for God. Wanna speak to God? Address Him as a friend. With respect. Not as an old and powerful master of all things, but as someone you can trust and truly help you. Even if you don't believe He's hearing, venting out helps. So it helps quite alot to have someone to listen. Helped me quite a bit in hard times.
- Bible schmible. Written by men, FOR men. So it's not a textbook. But I do urge the importance in learning about religions and their cultures. The Bible itself has quite alot of stories which, back then, in ancient culture, they were quite relevant in teaching morality and kindness to people. Why not teach them through new stories?
- Gay marriage? Allowed. For [tornado fang]'s sake, let people be happy. Same with all sexual practices that don't involve hurting anyone, or using anyone who is not aware or mature enough to know what they're doing.
- Abortion? Let's face it, a family who does not want a kid isn't going to make his or her life any easier. And a pregnancy can alter people's lives. Fetuses don't feel a thing. Allowed, but it shouldn't be used as an irresponsible contraceptive measure and people should still reap what they sow.
- Ideals you pass on? Tell your children to read and learn about cultures. Tell them not to lie, cheat or steal. Tell them to behave in front of others. Respect your families, as long as they respect you in return. Stand by those you love, and never betray them. Basically? HAVE COMMON SENSE.
- Confession? You don't need to say your sins, but if you do feel sinful, why not take a punishment? Like local volunteer work. Charity. Blood drive. Something THAT IS USEFUL AND NOT A WASTE OF TIME.
So, yeah. Be good to everyone. Be just and fair. Don't steal. Help who you can. Give and receive. Be respectful to everyone, of all religions, creeds and races. And be happy, while making others happy.
Makes sense?