Thought Corner

We keep hearing or reading about the different views on abortion, among many other topics of social relevance, and we all have our opinion of how the world should operate. Sometimes we read that the reason something bad happened was because we did not adhere to someone's religious belief and we're somehow being punished by GOD. I'm sure you've heard it, "Your child has autism because it's a punishment from God because you're a sinner...believe in abortion...don't attend my church...etc", you get the picture, perhaps you have heard these words yourself.
Why must people believe that there is someone or something that delights in human suffering or punishment? That is such a human behavior and a human standing, certainly not one applicable to something considered omnipotent and great. It's as if they think they can use the almighty as a weapon against us. Can one group of people believe that the sun shines only for them? Can rational people believe that something called almighty can have a special enemy or a particular friend? Can human beings have so little clue as to the smallness of our species and our insignificant place in the universe? That we could believe that there is a being that would inflict suffering on an innocent and insignificant child? If so, I don't want to worship at the temple of such a beast, nor does such a one deserve to be called God.
The universe is not a weapon to be use against our neighbor--it's simply not ours to command. To condemn a child, group, or religion is to assume to have control of the "almighty", and to do that one would have to be greater than the almighty.
So, in the words of Rodney King to the press (after L.A. police beat him severely), "Can't we all just get along?" Can we?
Can we leave our neighbors to their own decisions? It's okay if they attend a church of their choice. It's okay if they decide to have seven children or none at all. It's okay if they don't believe "In God We Trust", if they did they wouldn't get up for work each day, and they would not stockpile food and nations would not stockpile weapons of war.
In a world of so much chatter, of so much noise, of so much talking and screaming to be heard, the essence of true greatness, inspiration, and love, lies in solitude, quiet reflection, and genuine caring. Our lives do not depend on what we believe or think the almighty wants. If that were so, we would have had direct communication and daily control from above. Do we really think that God needs us to fight his battles? Or that he needs us to interpret what he says? He can talk if he wanted to say anything productive and useful. That there is no word from above should tell us something about our belief system--and perhaps we need to re-evaluate ourselves and our place in this universe.
Peace.