“As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee”

– Swami Vivekananda, Parliament of the World’s Religions

When I was about 10, I remember asking a counselor at a faith-based summer camp what I needed to do to go to heaven. He said all I needed to do was accept God.

Throughout my life I have always had a difficult time rationalizing any God’s existence because there is obvious suffering in the world and it affects people here and now. We are left to suffer, and left to find a way out. I analyzed the causes of my own suffering from every angle possible, and dug until I could no longer dig. Through introspection and time I was able to come to terms with everything, let go of the grudges I held, and decided to focus on actively improving my attitude at every opportunity.

This was not accomplished without help; supportive friends, my family, and listening to other people’s stories provided solace in knowing that I wasn’t alone. In a chaotic world, that is enough to keep trying. I felt as if attributing these positive changes to God took away from everything that everyone had sacrificed. We are the ones suffering. We are the ones who need support, and we are the ones capable of providing it. Feeling so much love and kindness from those who have supported me demonstrated the necessity to reciprocate support through expressing love and kindness to all others. I see this as a social responsibility irregardless of faith. Some call this Humanism and in principle it is so. I try to refrain from identifying myself with specific beliefs because the negative connotations which attach themselves to humanism are undeserved, and most often, a result of its supporters arguing its superiority over religious thought which ultimately adds nothing of value to the central argument.

Religion is a complicated subject to address because so many people identify with so many different religions, all of which seek the same truth. In my most present state I too am concerned with this truth and am seeking it by my own means. It is important to remember along your personal journey what religion offers people and to refrain from attacking one other throughout the course of dialogue. We are all human and none of us have all the answers. Throughout this process of uncovering eternal truths concede this fact and leave yourself open to discussion. In the shadows of uncertainty, an open mind offers a small light.