The Road Not Taken They say that one should never speak of religion, politics, or money in conversation. Sadly, these are the things I love to talk about. For some reason, these topics ignite fires within people, and turn them into instant lawyers- opinionated beasts hellbent on destroying the opposition, and supplementing them with their own reasoning. It always made me wonder: why do these topics make people so passionate about their beliefs? It seems blatantly obvious at first- that people want to defend their logic and doctrines. However, what causes them to arrive at that conclusion, and have faith in that belief? Because it’s most believable? Because it’s most convenient? Robert Pirsig once said that “You are never dedicated to something you have complete confidence in”. Perhaps, but that’s still looking at the grand
…show more content…
Growing up in a catholic household, I wasn’t taught to think, I was taught to believe. Not that my parents discouraged rationalization, but they naturally included me into their faiths in order for me to grow up with some sense of belonging. For years I followed my mom to church, dressed in my little blue collared shirt and khakis, waddling behind mother duck subordinately without ever thinking for a minute that it was unnecessary. Boring, yes- but never optional. I saw mass as another inescapable aspect of my schedule. As time progressed, I found myself furious with my own beliefs. I was angry at having to go to church every week, I was angry at needing to give things up to observe my religion, and I was angry with God for my life as it was. I was spiteful for the good portion of 2 years, wondering why the world was like this. It didn't even occur to me that I could start practicing my own beliefs until I was already discontented with the way things were. Soon enough, I gathered the courage to tell my mom that I didn't want to go to church anymore. At age 12, confronting
Growing up in a catholic household, I wasn’t taught to think, I was taught to believe. Not that my parents discouraged rationalization, but they naturally included me into their faiths in order for me to grow up with some sense of belonging. For years I followed my mom to church, dressed in my little blue collared shirt and khakis, waddling behind mother duck subordinately without ever thinking for a minute that it was unnecessary. Boring, yes- but never optional. I saw mass as another inescapable aspect of my schedule. As time progressed, I found myself furious with my own beliefs. I was angry at having to go to church every week, I was angry at needing to give things up to observe my religion, and I was angry with God for my life as it was. I was spiteful for the good portion of 2 years, wondering why the world was like this. It didn't even occur to me that I could start practicing my own beliefs until I was already discontented with the way things were. Soon enough, I gathered the courage to tell my mom that I didn't want to go to church anymore. At age 12, confronting