There are very few things in this world that can divide people as quickly and decisively as religion and faith. It is at once a source for great works and heinous acts. Throughout history humanity has proven time and time again that it cannot, or more precisely will not accept the differences we all share. It is a sad commentary on this world and its inhabitants that this is the case.

Many of you have read The DaVinci Code. I personally have not because I was not impressed by the first chapter. If the first chapter of a given book doesn’t capture my attention, then I tend to not continue reading the book. That’s just me, though. However the content of the story is such that without reading the book I have come to learn of its story and theories. There are those who are up in arms over this book (mostly among the Catholic faithful) but isn't there an old saying that “Me thinks the lady doth protest too much”? In this case I believe that the Catholics, much like the Jews over The Passion of the Christ, make a large scene over nothing.

To my Muslim friends this also stands true. Recently a friend of mine at work was outraged over the cartoons in Danish newspapers that made a mockery of the prophet Mohammed. According to Islamic law, he tells me, to speak ill of the Prophet is to earn a death sentence. I can see where he has grounds to be upset. The cartoons in question were in poor taste in my opinion. To others they may appear quite hilarious. To Muslims it is not a laughing matter. Most American news outlets cast the Muslims who rioted over these cartoons in the same light as Osama Bin Laden. This is a massive mistake.

While there may be some in the Islamic community who adhere to the radical leanings of Bin Laden, the vast majority do not. Islam, much like Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism, is a religion of peace and love. Those friends I have made who are Muslims are amongst the most respectful and caring people I have ever had the pleasure to encounter. Bin Laden is a deeply disturbed man who has perverted Islam to serve his own egomaniacal dreams. But he is not the only one who has committed great crimes in the name of God. Christians, primarily the Roman Catholic Church, have been responsible for several hundred thousand dead over the last 1500 years, either thru direct intervention or unforgivable silence. If you want particulars, consider that the Catholic Church as a whole did nothing to abate the Holocaust or the Slave Trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s funny to me that many of the people I’ve met or seen who are atheists or agnostics formerly counted themselves amongst the Catholic faithful.

Buddhists are the only ones I know of that have never instigated a conflict with another group of people. This is the antithesis of their belief system. For example, Nolan might remember this, there are photographs from the Vietnam War that show a Buddhist monk setting himself on fire in protest of the conflict. Not setting others on fire or bombing a public place like these cowardly suicide bombers do. They set themselves on fire. I’d love to see that kind of conviction from the other religions in the world.

In closing, please remember this. There were gods and goddesses that stood for thousands of years before these new ones took their place. Those deities have been forgotten, lost for all time. Soon these gods will be lost, too. And what a wonderful day that will be. Perhaps we will have lost the urge to spill the blood of other human beings over an imaginary friend.

Sincerely,
Nicholas Rex