Religion has always been a subject of much controversy in today's society. It seems everyone has a strong opinion about their religion, your religion, and the way you should believe. Being raised in a very religious family, I have my own opinions about religion and the role it should play in my life. My parents were and still are devout Jehovah's Witnesses. I was raised in an almost cult-like manner. Jehovah's Witnesses are very zealous in their faith. My childhood consisted of going door to door every Saturday (no cartoon mornings for me), attending two hour meetings every Monday and Thursday evenings, and a two hour worship service every Sunday; followed by more door to door work. I was not allowed to associate with "worldly" peers" that I was forced to go to school with; my circle of friends was limited to other Jehovah's Witness children so as to strengthen my faith, and protect me from the evil I was surrounded by. .
It is no surprise, I'm sure, that religion plays no role in my life today. My husband and I are both very turned off by religion, and don't see the need to worship in a formal manner. But we both believe in God. I feel that religion should be a private and sacred thing.It is a very fine line to walk in regards to religion, keeping the subject neutral is the safest option. Separation of church and state was made a rule for good reason. When you allow religion to seep into public life, you violate rights set forth in the constitution, tolerance of others is easily forgotten, and people succumb to sometimes close minded teachings and approaches in other areas, such as our schools.
Tolerance is something that I feel should always be kept in mind when dealing with anyone in society today. We encounter many different people from different walks of life in our daily existence. Who's to say what they should practice in their home or teach to their children? We don't have to agree on everyone's decision; I don't agree with my parent's religious choice, the way I was raised, or how they choose to be involved in their grandchildren's lives; but that's not my call to make.
