The last time I re-ran this post, it touched off a lively discussion among the readers. I’d like to see it do it again.
Why it should be at all controversial, in a work of fiction, to depict a religious dimension to the characters’ lives and culture, is not easy to explain. Some of those secular fanatics really hate it if you even admit “religion” exists.
It has been suggested that I could be more winsome in my dealings with them.
That much effort, I’ll save for more important things.
Well stated, Lee. The majority of people believe in God. As you mentioned in an earlier post, while the mainstream religions are tanking, belief, faith and gathering together in non-denominational groups is on the rise.
A few years back I heard a story of a Christian visiting Russia and speaking with another Christian, there. He paraphrased Genesis 1 as part of their conversation and noticed that another man in the room had started crying. Apparently, this man had never heard that God created everything and was so touched, that he gave way to tears. To my way of thinking, this speaks volumes about the innate spiritual need of humans. There are people whom deny this need and deny the existence of God, but in my opinion, it is because this has been educated out of them.
You are both very correct. Indeed, there is a built-in void in all humans that can only be filled by God Himself. I have always believed it was this very condition that prompted Abraham, called father of faith, who, living in an idol worshipping society, began to look around him, observe the wonders of the universe and use his common sense to see that no idol could create it. He began to search for the true Creator, and was met by God.
Anti-religion fanatics are the ones making the most controversial noises. Athiests are hell-bent (!!) on letting God know they don’t believe in Him!