What Religion Am I?

What religion am I? Damned if I know, pardon the pun. I've cast circles and read tarot cards (Wicca). I've taken theology and morality classes (Catholic). I've read Siddharta (Buddhism) and learned why you wear white in the winter (Ifa). I've even gone to new members classes (Baptist) and been in charge of the youth ministry (Methodist). I have listened to the teaching of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in person (Islam) and compliments of the internet, I know who Vishnu and Lilith are (Hindu).

I don't practice Santeria , but I know when to light a candle for San Ramon and pay my homage to La Madre de Dios. I have studied angels and their hierarchy. I even studied, though not very good at it, angelic writing and symbolism. All for what? I don't go to church. I was churched to death as a child. I went to catholic school and was made to attend church on Sunday... every Sunday... all day Sunday... with my parents.

My theory is, I can take my nap much more comfortably on my couch than in a church pew. Basically, I have not found what I need in a religion. There is however, Judaism, but I think you have to be born into that.

I've been asked do I pray, The answer is no, but I do hold conversations and give my thanks. I keep it short because I know she's busy and I try not to ask for material things. I tend to carry around a line from one of my favorite Christmas movies, "believing is seeing". See, I believe that religion should offer realistic guidance and should speak to your soul.

Fire and brimstone with teachings of and eternal damnation, in my opinion are not only archaic and unrealistic, but have the rule by fear connotation. Ruling by fear cannot possibly give one the peace of mind or soul soothing serenity that comes with spirituality. It instead invokes obedience and piety while leaving out commitment and sincerity.

I suppose that I could create my own religion, which takes a little of something from each. My religion would give the true teachings of evil and free will, that is as soon as I learn what it is. I do know that there'd be no church: "the church is within you", so I've been told. "It is not a building of bricks or filled with items made of gold"

Like Siddharta, who became Buddha, I'd teach love for all things in the universe. Everyone and everything living is all connected. Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect and care for the tiniest ant for that ant has a contribution to our well being and happiness. Then I'd include do what you will, but no harm to none and remember what you do comes back to you in threefold from my Wiccan teachings.

I could continue on, there are pieces of each that inspire me. I even appreciate what the Jesus lady, as my son so affectionately called her, taught me on the day that I opened my front door. Her parting words were to invite me to a "meeting", but I just wished her a Merry Christmas and told her no thanks. She and her entourage were Jehovah's Witnesses.

All I learned about them is, they made the list of cults, according to www.ChristianAnswer.net, and were ranked number two on the list. Oh, I also learned from them that symbols are a no-no. You know, no cross, no Christmas tree, no flags. They don't say the pledge of allegiance or join the military. They seem to have forgotten that the very country they were founded in was created on the basis of freedom of religion.

Oh well, I still haven't figured it out. I still don't know what religion I am. Guess I'll just have to live the best way I know how and see what the afterlife has for me. Maybe I'll be in Valhalla or Avalon. Perhaps, it'll be Mt Olympus or maybe even reincarnated into that little ant I told you to take care of earlier. I suppose all I can say is heaven only knows.