Discussions on religion make me frustrated.

Last time I went to church, the Sunday School teacher addressed the topic of how the world is full of problems.

He asked what we, as Christians, should do about it.

He said we still have a voice on taking a stand against stem cell research on unborn babies, and how we should still persecute gays and lesbians.

Now there is no doubt in my mind that there is a higher power, but other people who say they believe make me uncomfortable in their views.

I think we shouldn’t kill people in the name of science. I don’t think killing someone in order to save another is justified.

It’s not our place to judge people for what they do in the privacy of their homes. The homosexuals I’ve encountered would never impose their beliefs on me, but almost every church-goer I’ve met has suggested I may not be living my life up to their standards.

When I attend most religious gatherings, I keep my opinions to myself to avoid World War III.

The teacher also said we should find happiness in whatever we’re doing, and settle for what the higher power has given us.

I agree people should find happiness in what they’re doing.

However, I don’t think people should just settle when they could find something better.

I’ve found happiness in my pursuit of contentment, if you can understand that.

I’m probably never going to settle, because people are continuously growing spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

I never want to just be happy in one spot, never questioning anything.

What’s the fun in that?

If you’re never going to try something new, why live after age 30?

There’s nothing to look forward to in some people’s utopia of blindly following and leading unquestioning lives.

People generally go to church to grow in their spiritual relationship and have fellowship with other believers.

But why do you need a building to talk about religion?

It doesn’t make sense. If I want to talk about religion, I will, and I won’t have to wait until Sunday morning to talk to someone I see once a week.

Another aspect of faith is you can’t guilt someone into believing.

If anything, you’re turning them away from spirituality.

Just like that imbecile who stands on Southern’s campus yelling at students.

He says we’re sinners, unGodly fornicators, and we’re all going to burn in eternal Hell.

It makes me think that in order for me to go to Heaven, I need to be like that guy; be miserable and scream at everyone until I’m blue in the face with non-understanding, judgmental and all-around scary tactics.

Religion should be based around love and understanding.

I think people who believe in a higher power have a good handle on things, because they’re not intently searching for something to cling to for support. Something interesting I’ve noticed; the most spiritual people I know hate churches.

This realization makes me wonder if organized religion is truly sending followers in the desired spiritual direction.