Is it Time to Rewrite the Holy Books? 2

For years afterwards I pondered on what kind of religion thrives on perpetual, personal unhappiness for its gratification. What kind of godliness seeks merely to cause pain and anguish when one's time on earth is so short? What kind of worship concentrates only on the negative and nasty things of life so that confessions of sins take precedence over confessions of goodness? What kind of god prefers someone living in a hell of a marriage, or in 'sin', and depriving themselves of love and affection in preference to starting all over again with a new partner in mutual blessing and spiritual joy? What god indeed prevents females from developing themselves to the fullest, condemning them to a life of inequality? Could it be the same one found in the holy books which were written by men, for a male dominated society, to fuel the power of men, while deliberately repressing the development of women to avoid any competition, and deny them their rights to ensure the continuity of unchallenged male power and control?

The Bible is God's word, I am frequently told. But who guaranteed it to be so? How do we really know? It was truly inspired writing, that is certain, by people who felt a deep need to shout their feelings to the world - and we are told they had the benefit of God actually walking among them! But as it has mainly been based on word of mouth, no one in our age can ever say for sure. And if we live by what the Bible says to the letter, to the exclusion of all else, not only would we still be doing some pretty violent things to our fellowmen, but could we also not be missing the inspiration of our own prophets in our own age? Which age has a monopoly on a direct link to God? How do we know that new prophets and disciples are not being nurtured now? In fact, could we have stopped listening to God because we have become so enmeshed in our own arrogant web of self-sufficiency and the straitjacket of self-righteousness and outdated beliefs, we are far removed from what God might want of us?

The Bible is etched on my memory to such an extent, having been immersed in it at an impressionable stage in my life, that whole passages - beautiful ones about charity and love, and nasty ones about brimstone fire - float about regularly. I also remember every book in the Bible since my rote learning over 40 years ago! Yet I cannot identify with it in any way. As I do love God, I am constantly plagued by what sort of god not only looks like one race of people, carefully matching each ethnic group, but only mentions those of one colour in His special book, making me, and millions like me, non-existent, especially if he is responsible for all of us, we are made in his image and likeness and he loves us all equally! What sort of god punishes the faithful while those who couldn't care less hardly seems to be punished at all?

Preserving and Maintaining Control
There is no doubt that Christian ideals are under seige, especially with the gay and women's issues, because there are too many anomalies in their execution. But that is the problem with any unchanging and inflexible religion which is created and dominated by one group or one gender in society. It reflects only their likenesses and belief, tolerating no examination or criticisms. Interpretations tend to be dogmatic, insular, being favourable only to the interpreters, in order to preserve and maintain their control of God's word. Years from my childhood, human beings are still not allowed to be fallible, to enjoy their life as given, otherwise they will be punished severely and forever. We must be perfect beings in God's sight, there being little godly love available for any defaulter.

Yet, if all God wants are people to punish, then it can't be the same God I worship. I am a very spiritual person and I have always felt close to my God, guided and blessed by Him daily in my life. Regardless of my actions I have never felt that I would be punished. As long as I am not offending anyone, I have never felt that I have sinned. Maybe this is because my God is one who values everyone, regardless of gender, or race, sexuality or attitude, strength or weakness. Being naturally superior, he does not need to punish us weaklings for using the assets and brains He gave us! In fact, I have always felt there would be forgiveness, love and patience - and not in another life either, but right here and now! I have been so loved and protected throughout my life, it is difficult to explain this to a non-believer and I have not even encouraged my children to share it. If they do not understand my feelings, they would only pay lip service to please me. They have to discover it for themselves too.

My gradual change in life pattern, emphasising how I treat my fellowmen here on earth, with respect, care and value, seems light years away from the constant guilt and hopelessness I felt as a youngster when blind acceptance of vows made when I was too young set me unquestioningly on the path of a spiritual hand-me-down, devoid of personal appreciation or meaning. Living in a manner which reflects my love, faith and beliefs is the greatest gift of God and it should speak louder than superficial words mumbled in church just before I go out and vilify my neighbour.

Trapped and in Anguish
Each human being is unique, unlike any other. Why should we be cloned in a religious mass of stultifying conformity? A group of people offers only support, mutual friendship and recognition of our feelings. They should not dictate our spirituality. Each of us is responsible for our own souls, making our dealings with our God an intensely personal matter. If you feel trapped and anguished by your faith, more comfortable with hatred than love, instead if peace, tranquility and a sense of purpose, you may be worshipping the wrong god, reading from the wrong book or associating with the wrong people who would seek to control your soul through threats and hell fire than with love and peace.

It could be time to examine what your holy book is saying and ask precisely what relevance it has to you as a child of the 21st century - for your life, aspirations and expectations. Whether men who practise sexism and racism, wage war and promote constant conflicts, men without love who sanction murder in God's name, the ones who would easily kill you without mercy to impose their beliefs and maintain their power, are really the best mediators between you and your God. It is also worth asking whether the concentration on the afterlife is not an excuse to to evade our real responsibilities to each other here on earth. Obviously, we don't have to strive for love, understanding and togetherness now because should we kill, maim and pillage, a vengeful God, who is on our side, is waiting to forgive us when we die!

"The Church is put into the world not to live on past history but to make history," said Graham Kendrick, the hymn writer. I couldn't agree more. But what new history is being made by an obsession with past prophets, past books and past values which increasingly disregard our own achievements, which negate our vibrant and diverse present, which puts religion above us and denies us our unique future?

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