Religion as Citizenship and Letting Go

[Xyzse]

In study, I have checked out differing religions and tend to believe in the Law of Thermodynamics where energy does not disappear and we are all just energy coming from star dust. Meaning, we are all connected in some way and to hate on someone for thinking differently from me is counter-productive. It is best to improve on oneself and affecting the world should be through example rather than shoving ones opinion on to others.

Religion, to me is being part of a non-homogenous group which is akin to citizenship to a country at the least, and at the most, it is like being part of a family. Even in a group with unifying principles, individual beliefs are different. Most religions have varying sects with traditions and priorities of their own; then it could be even broken down to an individual basis. Which only leads me to one thing... I can not hold a person's religion, country, race, (politics) or whatever group they are a part of against them. I must base it on the individual and not condemn them for their relations, doing so would make me lose the chance for a connection or understanding.

So in regards to religion and the idea that it is like citizenship or being part of a family, I find these as a guide-line:

- Do Not Blame a Child for the Sins of the Father = Leadership of a group does not mean that people part of the group agrees with the ones at the top. I.E. When Bush was President, there are many things he has done that I can not condone and agree with.
- Do Not Ask them to Leave a Group Because of a Particular Issue = A group is not stuck with just one thing. There are positives and negatives to everything. One should not assume that an individual agrees with the stance of their group in regards to all issues. To paint them in a broad brush is being ignorant, insensitive and intolerant. I.E. The Catholic Church would be against condom usage, but most of them use them for safety and other varied reasons. Many feel conflicted about that, but it is their personal issue. People derive value in religion in different ways. Do not expect them to get rid of their family and social contacts just because of the faults of others.
- People have differing values, don't expect them to have the same reaction as you = Priorities are different, to limit oneself to only those with the same reactions places one in a bubble, creating a skewed view of the world.

I was just having a conversation on how some people go off on others and complains about how they were treated badly. They place themselves in a niche or as part of one group and act like they have a chip on their shoulder. Constantly worrying about other people's actions/reactions in relation to them, and finding fault at it when many times it is misconstrued. Like how some women would get upset when I open doors for them, please note that I open doors for everybody. It is just nice, though I must admit that doesn't happen much any more.

All I am saying is, out of all this, is that sometimes it is best not to take things personally. To let go, and accept people as they are without judging their actions as something that relates to you. It is accepting that the only change that one can do is on oneself, and by one's actions one can lead by example. Can't constantly worry about other people think or do and just be. We can go after the leadership and so forth, but on a person by person basis, we have different backgrounds and should be more accepting of diversity.

I apologize if this might be considered off topic. However, I just don't see the point of harping against someone who is part of any group due to what the leadership in the group does. They should be looked at as an individual and their actions.