Is life really just a random string of events, nothing more than actions and their subsequent reactions? There are people who believe this to be the ultimate truth. Others believe in an almighty benevolent deity, or that we’re all just random particles of universal energy. There are possibly as many beliefs, and variations thereof, as there are people. Which makes me conclude everybody believes in something. Even those, who argue passionately for believing in nothing; just the fact that they say “I believe in nothing’ is an indication that they believe in nothing, being something.
When everybody believes in something, it’s bound to happen that people start believing something similar or the same thing. And presto; several philosophies, theist and non-theist based, were incorporated into society. It’s part of who and what we are. I like to think every philosophy, with a freaky exception here and there, is essentially positive. If you look at anyone of them, in its simplest form, they advocate good things like preserving life, not being dishonest and many other good intentions. I think most people would agree on this!
But as soon as you past the basic part, disagreements become plentiful. Over time, belief-systems have evolved into something more like a life-style than a life-philosophy, with rules and regulations, rewards and punishments. And like people, these life-styles and life-philosophies can be different as night and day. Which is okay; I think a life-style based on a life-philosophy is a good thing; it creates a meaning in life, a feeling of purpose with guidance from above perhaps. I think a lot of people need this in their lives, to make sense of it all. Some more than others... But sometimes things go too far. For example: when people get the idea that their belief is superior over all others. It can give its followers the inspiration to force their belief onto others, sometimes only feelings are hurt, other times lives are lost. Most philosophies advocate moderation, but unfortunately some people only hear what they want to, or interpret things so it suits them best.
I enjoy listening to people who have a well developed opinion regarding their belief-system, especially those who can argue their point in such a way that I almost feel obliged to agree. And I often do see eye to eye with them, more or less: A-theists believe in scientific proof, Theists believe in faith, Agnostics believe in the possibility, Buddhists believe in enlightenment, Gaians believe in mother nature and I tend to believe in all of the above, in varying degrees. I guess I’m just an all-round believer.
But… I have noticed people don’t like to hear this. It seems I either have to agree, disagree or keep quiet about it. It has been said that I can’t have it all. Can’t we just believe in agreeing to disagree?
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
