People who know me – or have read any of my blog posts – will also know that I’ve never been an avid fan of ‘evangelical’ or ‘fundamentalist’ religious doctrines; especial when those stringent and constricting beliefs get shoved in my face by their followers.

Back in 2016 I wrote – Don’t Bother Me with Your Religion – where I briefly examined some of the issues around this problematic subject. Now I’m certainly no theologian, but neither am I a follower of any particular religious doctrine, and that – in my opinion – is absolutely a good thing and something which I’m proud of. It is also probably one of the main reasons why I can actually see good in most people, and their religions.

The Dalai Lama once pointed out… “If you have a particular faith or religion that is good – but you can survive without it.” He also said; “All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness… the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.” A sad question for me, perhaps now more than ever before, is realistically; how often does that actually happen? Yes some religious followers are visibly more devote than others however; how many people truly believe what it is they are following? How many do what they do out of tradition or even peer pressure? How many actually think deeply about the stuff that they scream out on social media platforms, and in public forums? Not enough of them!

I think Georgia Harkness, an American Christian theologian, eloquently summed up much of what is wrong about those who hide behind their religious tenets. She observed; “The tendency to turn human judgments into divine commands makes religion one of the most dangerous forces in the world.” And the current rise of Christian Nationalism within the far right is sadly showing that her opinion was correct.

It seems to me that many religious beliefs, and the sectarian violence that sadly but often develops alongside them, stems from little more than vocal individuals who are seeking personal power and/or wealth. Struggles that were perhaps originally born of human tribalism and inherent instincts for survival but now have mostly financial foundations. They are the thought processes that now breed and reinforce the hatred that we are currently witnessing. Levels of hate and extremism which come from a total lack of respect for others, a lack of understanding and fear that serves to develop contempt and paranoia. Thoughts that collected, manipulated and subsequently reinforced by some right-leaning activists – and our media – for their own personal or organisational gain.

I’m happy to admit that I’m a contented Humanist; I take a more philosophical stance with my personal beliefs. Thoughts that emphasises the value and agency of human beings, both as individuals and collectively. Rather than relying on any religious doctrines or supernatural beliefs.

I have always tried to advocate for reason, morality, ethics, and holding empathy and compassion for others; especially those who might not have benefited from my own fortunes in life. These thoughts have long been my guiding principles. Additionally, I have always encouraged people to seek out their own personal fulfilment and find their own “meaning in life” through their own personal growth, by the adoption of critical thinking. And to always try to do what they can to actively contribute positively to their community, our society, and the wider world that we all inhabit, with all its wonderous diversity.

I don’t claim to be perfect, far from it. Every day of my life has been and will continue to be a ‘school day’, one where I can learn about me, other people and the world that we live in, until there are none of those days left. Some say it’s a tired trope, but I have always personally believed in that often-quoted adage which says; there is more that unites us than divides us!

It’s not about ignoring or dismissing any of our differences, far from it. It’s a call to prioritise the commonalities within our wonderful diversity, to grasp hold of all those things which bind us together as a society. To try and create a world where we look beyond any superficial differences and recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. We should all see this simple phrase as an important reminder; collaboration and understanding are always possible, if and when we make that choice, and even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. For me, that phrase promotes a mindset of inclusivity and empathy, which hopefully fosters a sense of collective responsibility for the well-being of all humanity. We all benefit from living in a world that challenges us to actively seek out our common ground and build bridges instead of walls!

Try starting your day, every day, with a simple question to yourself: what can I do today that will help to change our world for the better, and for all those who live within it?