i question it

As of late, I've noticed a lot of my friends have become religious. I'm not talking the "I go to church on Sunday" religious; I'm talking "Thank you God for blessing us, providing us, etc."

On some level, I guess I should expect it. After all I went to a Catholic, Jesuit university - and a majority of students went to Catholic grade school & high school. Overall, I don't have a problem with those who have a strong faith in religion. It's an individuals choice as to what he/she believes (presumably). I don't necessarily agree with their beliefs - as a recovering Catholic with major questions with the current state and action of the church - but if it works for them, great.

But why the sudden religious revolution? Your guess is as good as mine.

I knew a lot of these people in my college days and early 20s, at Marquette and otherwise. Judging from the activities partaken in, I highly doubt we were thanking God for blessing us. In fact, "God" was likely only spoken in terms of "God dammit", "oh God, yes", etc. And I'm sure some activities were not condoned (by a higher power or the authorities) in any way.

Now one of these friends is pledging money to K-LOVE (a "positive, encouraging" Christian music/ministry station) saying "I've donated have you?" Hmmmm, no. I don't intend to either. Another is huge fan of Christian music. I think he's a fan of every worship/praise group out there (as evidenced by his status messages). Some of these said sites states "It's more than worship, it's a way of life." So chanting in unison with others is a way of life? As I recall, Waco was similar...and we know what happened there. This same friend (among others) have an inordinate amount of Bible verses under their "Favorite Quotes". Newsflash: Just because something is written down does not make it true. Yet another states "Putting my faith in Jesus Christ has changed my life. I desire to give God glory in everything I do out of love and thanks to Him for his sacrifice for me." Really? This first implies that one must have a belief in God to have meaning in life. However, I am sure a number of atheists found meaning in life without said belief. Second, I put faith in myself because if something is going to be accomplished/changed in my life, it should my doing and not an outside entity. It is somewhat unsettling that someone would put faith in something over putting faith in oneself.

One could argue that once children are involved, things change as all of these friends have children. I can see that, and know that indeed happens. Case in point - my brother. He (and his family) started to go to church because of the kids; prior to that we were both "Santa Babies" (as my mom lovingly references). Learning about religion isn't a bad thing. I think children need to learn about religion - at least the historical perspective - due to societal references. I myself am interested/intrigued as to how religion, society and culture co-exist in today's world. But suddenly devoting your life, completely altering your perspective, putting everything out of your hands and essentially removing accountability? I question that.

I'm not a hedon. I'm not an atheist either. There is nothing wrong with believing in God or practicing religion. I just don't think that one's religious beliefs proclaimed to the masses (no pun intended), nor should it be the reason for life's trials and tribulations.

There's a saying that goes "if it's to be, it's up to me". Maybe we should start living by that creed instead.