After watching the videos on the topic ( here’s the post with the videos on MCGI : have a peek ), I appreciate Hiro’s view and explanations as to why people may decide to have no religion. According to the video clips, their reasons may include frustration and discovering that the “religious leaders” are after their money, to mention a few. But my question is, is there really anyone without a religion?
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During my undergraduate days, I have a friend (we’re still friends, but he’s currently abroad) who identified as an atheist. He argues with everyone who proclaimed there is a God, and I’ve seen him raise some strong points that, as humans, one will find so hard to answer or even justify the existence of God! We had an excursion to a rural area, this was made compulsory by my institution. The excursion itself was in partial fulfillment of the requirements of a 3-unit course. We spent almost a week at the location (5 days precisely), and we had two big hostels, one for males and the other for females. Something shocking happened!
The third day we got there, a report came concerning an overnight robbery in a neighboring village. The attack was brutal, according to the villagers. Although there was security, a few police stations were situated in the community, but the robbers managed to escape. I noticed the soberness of my friend, and I was shocked at what I saw that night! I innocently woke up to take a leak, I only opened my eyes to look around before stepping out, but I saw my good friend on his knees, whoever he was praying to, and whatever he was saying, I don’t know, and I held the urge to ease myself because my mind just didn’t want to interrupt or make him feel embarrassed.
What I have learned from that short scenario is that nobody gets to the closets of these “proclaimed atheists.” As funny as it may sound, everyone believes in something or someone, either openly or in secret. The name tag “religion” might make people create a hostile perspective towards the subject. I believe everyone has something they believe in, and that is their religion. I am not saying this to raise an argument, I am saying it based on my experience, which may be invalid in some other context. But I think we all need to answer a question: "is there anyone that really believes in nothing?"
In response to the frustration of people cum their reactions to religious leaders they believe are out to exploit them, I believe it is difficult to be flawless as a human. Hence, my approach to religion, especially as a Christian, focuses more on the knowledge (the Bible) of my religion rather than the figures or characters presenting the knowledge (e.g., pastors, prophets, etc.). I can testify that this approach has kept me going, and I’ve had several records of good reports and experiences in this Christian journey.
In conclusion, it is impossible to have expression or manifestation when faith is absent. Why? Will you start a building if you don’t believe you will complete it? Yes, you have the resources and all, but there are people with resources without the confidence to even make a move to start. If you want to experience God, trust Him, believe in Him and pray to Him alone. Do not put your trust in a fellow man! (Psalms 125:1).