until it sleeps

this is an interesting article that contributes the fall in religious affiliation to the rise of politics in church: walking away from church. 

and now for my two cents (some might call it rambling)...

the outspoken religious leaders who think it's their bold calling to caste judgment on fellow human beings and draw political lines in the sand obviously back fired. to point their holier than thou fingers at a few issues, making them the paramount deciding factors on where you stand, where your allegiance lies. what may have seemed to them as well intentions fueled by blind ambition and religious fervor, leads to a divide and conquer mentality that just keep repeating over the centuries, in-bedded in all nations, religions.  Unquestioned, unwavering. a stuck record that desires power and control, lead by a sense that they are God's chosen spokesperson, free to manipulate, free to direct, free to threaten. can we see beyond the smoke and mirrors?

Intertwined in culture and heritage, woven together with the essence of personal existence. Since first breath, wrapped up as part of everyday life; practice, ritual, habit. Black and white shades in an otherwise colorful world, lens of insecurity desperately grasping identity. The horizon is vast and doesn't have to be seen through tunnel vision. Do we really live in a check-list world where one needs to conform to the political and religious brainwashing in order to confirm their belief and faith?  Belief and faith should be real and not brought on by fear or guilt. We must protect our minds from those who have ulterior motives.