Religulous

Most people know that I 'don't have a religious bone in my body.' I never have, not sure I ever will.  Do I believe in a higher power? No. Do I support those who do? Sure. Do I believe in something?

I believe in myself.

I believe that I am too blame for my actions. I believe that what I do directly impacts my future and the lives of those around me.  I don't believe that I already have a path laid out for my life. I believe that I can change it and make it what I want, without the help of a higher being.

I guess I have my own religion. I love the 10,000 foot view of Buddhism.  Buddhists practice selflessness.  They want for nothing and their lives are bountiful.  They believe that in the end, their actions and ONLY their actions are what make direct impacts on their lives.  They blame nothing but themselves. They believe in themselves. While I don't fully practice nor buy in to many of the aspects of Buddhism (not eating after noon, reaching Nirvana, worshipping multiple deities), the basic understanding and belief system is something to which I think all religions should look into.

This post comes as a direct result of the Cleveland area Catholics requesting a pardon so that they can enjoy stuffing their faces with hotdogs today: the Cleveland Indians Home Opener... on a Friday... during Lent.

I laughed. My jaw dropped. You. HAVE. to be kidding me.  Not only do I think it is absolutely ridiculous that anyone would expect the Bishop to waste time on deciding if they can or cannot have a hotdog today but also... what's more important to you? Eating a goddamn hotdog or respecting your faith? So, on every Friday during lent, Catholics show their respect and faith in Christ for the sacrifice he made... EXCEPT if Friday also happens to be a home opener.

Let me conclude this by saying: I have no religion and because of that, I am not judging anyone who practices a certain faith, especially Catholics.  What I am doing is questioning why something like this should even be considered.  I can understand requesting pardons for more serious matters... for things that come up because as we all know, life happens...I can understand requesting pardons in general, for a myriad of reasons, certainly.  What I can't understand is requesting a pardon FOR HOTDOGS.

“Anyone who thinks sitting in church can make you a Christian must also think that sitting in a garage can make you a car.” 
― Garrison Keillor