SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Thought of the day for Sunday August 16th, 2026, The Story of Religion... Religion in America is a defining issue, most of us in this nation of 400 million plus have some affiliation with either a religious sect, or organization. For many people, Black and Brown people in particular religion is one of the driving factors in our daily lives, for Black People nearly every event, social or otherwise has a religious aspect, for example Black Folk will always bless the food before sitting down for a meal. Somehow invoking the Higher Power somehow negates the fact that pig intestines are on the menu, that we (Black People) are prone to hypertension, or as we say Pressure". There are 3 major world religions, all of which have many of the same prophets, apostles and of course the main character Jesus , yet they worship separately , some go to Churches, some to Mosques, others to Synagogues . If there is but one God, One Faith and One Religion, then what is the rationale for separation? I thought the ultimate goal was to get to the place above the clouds we call Heaven. Are there separate facilities in Heaven? Is it Separate but Equal in the afterlife?

For most of us here in America our introduction to religion begins with a story that was told, at least according to the Bible, biblical scholars 2000 years ago in what is now occupied territory called Palestine. According to the story the Earth had become increasingly sinful, so much so that God who is three separate, distinct individuals has decided to send his only child to die for the sins of the people that he (God ) loves to much. Now here is where the story can cause confusion, God is sending his "Only Begotten Son" to die for sin, yet the very same merciful God sent a flood that according to scripture decimated the planet, left only 1 family remaining to repopulate the Earth. I know its something that you cannot take a face value , understand, you have to have faith. You have to put aside reason, in some cases common sense in favor of faith. According to the Bible; Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen" Nowhere does it say anything about discarding reason, but okay I get it that is where faith kicks in, when you cannot explain something you rely on your faith to make it make sense. That is a very rudimentary explanation of Faith, but I have a question for those of Faith, those who have spent decades studying the scriptures; my question is if we have God, or a belief in the Higher Power, why do we need religion? I've been told that as believers we need a "Sheperd", someone who will guide us on our walk with God, but my question is does God require an intermediary to speak to us? The Bible clearly states that God spoke directly to Adam , to Abraham and to Moses, there was no Pastor, Imam, or Rabbi, yet today we are told we cannot get to Heaven with some, in most cases man directing our journey. Is that what God had in mind? There is a scripture that reads "My sheep know my voice". If that the case why do we need all of these other voices in our heads? I find that religion is one of, if not the major reason for conflict on our planet, everyday hundreds of people die in the name of God, we are told by some Pastor, Imam, or Rabbi "That it is God's will".

What merciful, loving God is okay with the slaughter of innocent children? Does not the Bible say "It is better to tie a millstone around your neck, throw yourself into the deepest part of the ocean, than to harm a child? Yet America has an endless stream of members of the clergy who ignore that scripture on a daily basis, they tell us that we " Must bless Israel". Now I maybe mistaken, but wasn't Israel a person, not a physical location? So who is it we should be blessing, the land that was once Palestine, that has been annexed by Europeans, or the descendants of this guy Israel? And just who are these descendants?. I have a theory, but that is a discussion for another day, today I 'am seeking answers, why do I require a religion that does not originate with God, who are members of the clergy to dictate the complexities of life to me. Couldn't I go ask God directly? Isn't that the basis of prayer? So lastly the Bible says that on "Judgement Day every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess", that is an individual encounter with the Creator, no one will be there to speak for you, you must give an accounting for your life with the benefit of anyone, no Pastor, Imam nor Rabbi, so if they cannot be there then, why do you need them now? So Pastors, Imams, Rabbis please get back to me with your answers.