Religious Messages

     In most cases, our parents have guided us into a particular religion.  As we had faith in our parents, we believe what they believed.  They also taught us what not to believe, how other religions were mistaken on many issues, and how agnostics and atheists were completely wrong.  Many of us are prejudiced in favor of our own faith and against other faiths.
     Most religions convey the same basic messages:
1.  A higher spiritual power created the universe.
2.  Human beings can depend on this higher power to provide love, protection, and help.
3.  Our scriptures are true, accurate, and provide a guide to values and behavior.
4.  An afterlife awaits the faithful.
     Many religions are sending the wrong messages:
1.  All people are born heterosexual; homosexuality is a sin.
2.  Abortions are always wrong.
3.  What happens is supposed to happen, part of  God's plan, a reason for everything.
4.  Expect miracles, happenings beyond the laws of nature.
     In our democracy, all religions and lack of religion must coexist.  We wish this acceptance would apply around the world.  Overconfidence in any one particular religion can create dislike, hate, fear, and even war.  Religious messages should promote love and peace.