Reflection on Life Class Day 5 – God and Religion

For me, religion goes beyond rituals. It’s about humanity at its core. I believe that the essence of true religion is found in how we treat one another, in the compassion, empathy, and understanding we share as human beings. God, to me, exists as both a creator and a destroyer—a boundless force responsible for the beauty of life and also the cycles of transformation and renewal that shape the world. This reminds me that creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin, essential for growth and balance in life. I don’t see God as confined to a single form or place; instead, I believe God is the energy that flows through everything, connecting all of existence. Living with integrity, kindness, and respect for all forms of life is, to me, the highest form of devotion, a way of honoring both the humanity we share and the divine rhythm of creation that surrounds us.

The doubt that stayed with me throughout the session was that how can we not believe that there is a force/energy that is driving us through?? Its a question to ponder on…

I often seem to notice that many people still struggle with finding the true meaning of religious beliefs beyond rituals and rules. They often question how religion fits into modern life, especially when balancing tradition with personal spirituality. People also grapple with seeing God as both a loving creator and a force that allows suffering and change. There’s often tension between following organized religion and pursuing a personal, inner faith journey. And in today’s diverse world, many find it challenging to respect their own beliefs while being open to those of others.

I believe that we can find common ground in religious beliefs by focusing on shared values like compassion, respect, and kindness. These values connect us all, no matter our specific beliefs. Let’s start with working toward common goals, such as helping others or protecting the environment which will eventually bring us together. By focusing on actions and shared purposes, our differences become less important and maybe someday we shall be “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.

#criticalthinking #lifeclass@fs