Places of Worship: A Personal Choice

by Pieter Pastoor

I have been a Methodist most of my life. At times I was very  much involved and other times, well, not so much. As a young person, I always thought that taking religion seriously would be best left for a later date,  maybe when I turn 55, or 60 or if still in good health possibly 70. Then, as my theory went, it was time to seriously commit, read the whole bible, pray a lot and have deep discussions with the Pastor.

Next year I turn 65 and occasionally I think of my youthful thoughts. To my surprise, now at this age, I wonder why I even went to church. I wonder how many places of worship there are in Davis? Possibly 20 or more. Each one asks their congregation to give. Giving to the church is good, might even make you feel good. My goodness, a Christian church  has no problem in asking for 10% of your income. I’m not sure if that is pretax or not.

Now all that money collected…what happens to it? Now I wonder what would Jesus say if he heard that most places fully air condition the sanctuary for actual use once a week. (Maybe a few hours). Mmmm the hungry…guess they will have to skip a meal, while we pray in comfort.

Its not that I don’t believe…it’s j ust that I do not know what to believe. Christians say the only way to heaven is through Jesus. Hindus say there are many ways. I have friends who say its just you and me baby.  Others who say they have a personal relationship with Jesus. I do find the latter a bit like a one way street but who is to argue.

So what do I believe? I believe that there is someone or thing that made this wonderful universe in which we reside. Now who this God or father or son or ghost or spirit (maybe even a holy one) is, I do not know. If I were to go to church again it would be like the one I heard about in Chicago. A Christian church where only the minister receives a salary. A building is rented for Sunday morning. If you join the church, all work is voluntary. The minister has no office. If you want to have a talk with him, you might meet him at a coffee shop. A very personal discussion takes place during a walk in the park. The money the congregation gives is pumped back into the community for those in  need. Decided by a committee. A whopping 90% of the churches receivables (I guess you can call it that) is used to help those that need a hand. Now to me that sounds like the right way to do it.

I guess my motto in life is “do the right thing”. The golden rule is a good guideline. After all most religions preach that. If you really believe that, it is a very difficult rule to practice.  I’m going to keep on trying. Now I would not be surprised if the kind, generous and helpful folks (who  tried to live the golden rule by any avenue or religion) which have  helped me in my lifetime, that they, will be waiting for me on the other side.  Hopefully with a nice cold beer.