"If we abolished all religions, there would be no more wars". I've heard this said many times. It is one of the biggest lies of all. Take the current conflict in Iran. On the face of it, it is primarily a clash between Judaism and Islam, isn't it? No it isn't. Jews and Muslims lived side by side in the Middle East for a thousand years with no real problems. Islam recognises Judaism as a religion of the book. The reason that we have a conflict and the Americans have got involved is because some of the worlds largest oil deposits are in the Middle East. There are far worse regimes in the world than the Iranian one. I am not stupid enough to think that the current Iranian regime are good guys and I shed no tears for their leader when he was blown to bits. But ultimately the reason that there is a conflict is because of the wealth of natural resources in Iran and also their strategic location in the gulf, where much of the worlds shipping passes through. I understand the US not wishing Iran to have nuclear weapons. I suspect that if North Korea didn't already possess them, they might be being bombed as well. Wars start because of the strategic interests of the warring nations. Nazi Germany started WW2 to secure resources. Hitler believed that the USSR had oil and land that he believed would make Germany a Superpower. His problem was that GReat Britain and France wouldn't accept his invasion of Poland. When he believed they were beaten, he attacked the USSR. In short, it was not about religion. Until nations don't have strategic interests, we will have wars.
So does that mean that I think organised Religion is a wonderful thing? No actually I don't. I do attend church and I do believe. I do however have massive reservations about the way our religious organisations conduct their business. I find it vaguely amusing listening to the various readings from the Bible, where the words totally contradict the behaviour of the organisation that are hosting the services. For me, this isn't an issue that affects my system of belief. It is, in my opinion, just the way human beings are. Of the human race, about 5% of us are simply obsessed with power and control. Most people just want a quiet, peaceful and happy life. But the 5% want to run the show, have the trappings of wealth and push other people around. Some go into politics, some become Headmasters at schools, some become Police and Judges, some become Bishops, Rabbis and Mullahs. Just to clarify, I think most people who do those things are not power mad lunatics and do a great job. But all of those things are attractive to people who want to possess some sort of power.
The problem for me with religion, which sets it apart from the rest of the list is that in Religions, there is no proper oversight. There is no HR department overseeing Bishops etc and sacking them when they cover up child abuse and other criminal activities.
Last night, I went to see my wifes band play at a lovely Church near Paddington. My eyes were drawn to a statue of a Bishop. I am sure he was a very fine Bishop. He was depicted in a glorous purple robe, with gold brading. His outfit was fabulous. He was holding a cross in front of him. I then looked at the image of Jesus, in a simple robe, on the cross. Jesus is never depicted in fine robes of purple and gold. As the utimate head of the Church, you'd think Bishops may be tempted to follow his example and not 'bling up'. But that doesn't really seem to be how such things work.
What draws me to my faith is the fundamental message of non violence, caring for those less well off and trying to do the right thing. It took me a very long time to see past the problems with the organisation.
I find it all rather sad.
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