What I believe seems to be a great topic of discussion. Too many times I have been beaten over the head with my parents’ beliefs. Since when is it religious to procreate only to further a cause? Is that my true purpose? Was that what my parents had in mind when they decided to create me? Am I intended as a Soldier of Christ? That is bullshit. Never once have I believed fully in everything the Church has said. Their integrity is flawed. How can they preach love for all, yet condemn those who don’t follow their guidelines? Unconditional love should be for all people, not just those who have a certain set of beliefs.

I consider myself a Catholic. That’s how I was brought up. I am not the same as the other Catholics, though. I assign my own meaning to being a Catholic. It means that I will attempt to be kind to all other people, regardless of who they are. It means that I believe in a higher power, though I am not sure if it is benevolent or malicious. It means that I will try my best to live my life according to my code of ethics, and be as morally good as I can.

Going to church doesn’t make one religious. Nor does it save them from hell. To go to church just for the sake of going to church is a lie. In my beliefs, that is a greater sin than not going at all. I spend my time in silent meditation of where I am life and how I have acted toward others.

Lately I have been receiving many emails and messages that were forwarded to me that all have a general theme. They basically state “If you don’t forward this message to a bunch of people, you don’t believe in God.” Nothing could possibly offend me more than this. My belief in God has absolutely no dependence on whether or not I conform enough to buy into these dumb messages. My belief in God is dependent on my will alone; so do not presume to believe anything you say can change who I am or what I believe. I will not be suckered into stating something contrary to my beliefs. I am my own person, and I will believe what I want.