Cerebral Combustion
I am losing my Religion
In usual conversations, religion is rarely being talked about. To a lot of people, talking about one's personal faith and beliefs is inappropriately perplexing and bizarre. It is as strange as having three holes in your nostrils and your companions persistently asks how in the world did you had that or why. On several cases, I've had discussions on religion, not personal faith, to people of different denominations besides Roman Catholic which almost always ends up to arguments and individual tirades. I was raised a Catholic, but I diverted my faith to a more personal level by accepting the Lord Jesus as my Personal Savior back in high school. It was not a choice to avert from a particular religion; I was simply redirecting my convictions unequivocally to Him, without false pretensions and unnecessary charades.
Recently, I had been drawn to watch Joel Osteen on television. I am aware that televangelical ministries are around for a long time now, but it was not after I caught him while channel surfing that I became curious why he is listed as America 's one of the most influential people. As a pastor, I heard he is big, but I never realized how big he was until I actually sat down and watch him at an hour's length preaching before a huge congregation, gathered in what seemed like a colossal fish tank. The fish tank nonetheless was a recently purchased Compaq Center, formerly home to the NBA's Houston Rockets which costs over 90 million dollars in renovation and is now being used as their church in Lakewood Texas. With more than 30,000 members across the US, undeniably, he truly is the latest "star" in the Christian kingdom. And it's not surprising. He smiles while he preaches, and it is quite safe to say he is charming. Somewhat Richard Gere charming. For a pastor, having a rock or Hollywood status in the world of religion is phenomenal. I know for a fact that to become a priest, a pastor or a minister, it is either your calling or an uncanny gift. I am particularly amazed by his gift of words, of his eloquence and spontaneity as he leads a double life as an author of self-help books and a preacher.
But what really is he all about? He talks about God for sure, salvation, inspirational and positive messages about improving your life, saving your soul, etc. He is endearing and yes, I give him credit for opening doors to people from different walks of life in the absence of judgment and condemnation. But this people also pay ten dollars to get a seat whenever he preaches across states or countries. It is not surprising then that his church gets more than 55 million in revenue each year. What is ten dollars if you can save a seat in heaven, right? What a cheap bargain. One thing I noticed though that he often associates virtues with materialism. Like for instance, in the middle of his preaching, he said he just bought a Mercedes which model and style is not yet out even for display, when one day, his son swiped it with a dirty rug, and of course, he forgives him. It is all about forgiveness after all. He too, talks about taking pleasure in what he says is a result of having God's favor. He testified about how he had been pulled over a couple of times for speeding but when the officer saw his last name was Osteen, no ticket was issued. He said the same can happen for every Christian who wakes up declaring they have God's favor. By following this method Osteen says he has been able to get the best parking spot in a crowded parking lot, a first class seat on a crowded airplane with no boarding pass, and priority seating at restaurants. I don't know, I just feel there is something peculiar in his theologies.
Religion is lately being associated with politics, showbiz, and prosperity. When it should be the only institution dedicated to sanctify our broken spirit and soul through the divine intervention of the One we believe that reigns supreme. People may look up to different gods, but the goal is the same. We want to follow the one we worship. But shouldn't religion be practiced instead of being heard? And should religion be an extravagance or an expectation of good things? From what I know, it is only an order, a sacred and ultimate order which relates man and his existence.
There shouldn't be a definition of your faith. We all thread in this earth swathe with the unknown and uncertainties. What we believe should define our own actions. Who our devotion is for should be an extension of what we do to our brethren. And why we commit to the God we know should reflect our dedication to live a life that is fruitful.
(Comments and reactions to du_minatrix@yahoo.com)