With all due respect...
Well, hello there folks! This is my first blog for JCR. I’m looking forward to the fact that I’m able to write this without the burdens and formalities of essays (I get to refer to myself as “I” – amazing, isn’t it?). So, with that out of the way, I am left with one more problem: I’m in a spectacular mood. Have you ever tried complaining while in a good mood? If so, I’ll make sure you receive a stunning round of applause while I try and figure out what’s wrong with you.
Well, hello there folks! This is my first blog for JCR. I’m looking forward to the fact that I’m able to write this without the burdens and formalities of essays (I get to refer to myself as “I” – amazing, isn’t it?). So, with that out of the way, I am left with one more problem: I’m in a spectacular mood. Have you ever tried complaining while in a good mood? If so, I’ll make sure you receive a stunning round of applause while I try and figure out what’s wrong with you.
And now, for the topical stuff:
I have always admired the human race for its variety. We, as a race, possess a veritable oasis of ideas, cultures, languages, stories, types of music, etc… If you’re human and you’re bored, you’re not trying hard enough (don’t feel bad, I’m a slacker myself). Still, with the virtue comes the vice. Our own diversities will sometimes prevent us from seeing “eye-to-eye” on everything. One very big example of this is religion. There are thousands of different religions on this planet, and yet the members of each and every religion are convinced that they are the ones who are correct. In most cases, I see no problem with this. Everyone has his or her own world view, and there is some truth to every religion.
The problem is when people take things too far.
What is too far?
Some religions refuse to let go of certain archaic opinions and beliefs, despite the fact that my old friend “Reality” doesn’t always agree with them.
Let’s start with “Evolution.” Here’s how it works:
When organisms reproduce, they will pass on certain genetic mutations. These mutations produce physical traits. If the physical traits are beneficial to the organism’s survival/ability to reproduce, that trait will then last through future generations. Lucky mutations get passed on, unlucky mutations die off. That’s how evolution works. Over millions of years, this can lead to a variety of different species. We know the earth is 4.54 billion years old through carbon dating, and other forms of evidence such as ice core sampling, etc… If you don’t know what that means, Google it.
Can somebody please explain why that is even controversial? It is a scientific theory supported by truckloads of evidence. Some folks insist that we should be tolerant of other beliefs. I agree with this – to an extent. If anyone believes that we should tolerate ideas that harbor or promote racism, sexism, homophobia, cruelty to animals, or anything else of that nature, I would like to personally set their kneecaps up on a date with a rusty sledgehammer (and I mean that in the nicest way possible). If you insist that the path to salvation is for those who are willing to smash their thumbs in a toilet seat, let me remind you to get back on your meds. All of these examples are just as ridiculous as denying a fossil.
All that aside, there is some truth to every religion. Arguing over which one is “true” is like two stick people fighting over whether a shape is a circle or a square (the correct answer being a cylinder – if only they would look at it from another angle).
The moral of the story? Believe whatever the hell you want as long as you’re not using your beliefs to be a douche bag. That is all.
-written by Robert Smeaton
