There are so many religions in the world. When one observes from afar, the options indeed resemble a buffet platter, sprinkled with a wide assortment of delightful tastings. However, as history has shown, what starts out as a prophetic and wise teaching often lends way to manipulation, torture and death. I mean, how does the notion of freedom from oppression, spiritual awakening (on a very personal level) and love turn into what we have seen over the past few millennia? With an open mind, it is actually very easy to see how.

Indeed, the great teachings of love and awakening are usually at the core of many teachings. But there is one common element that brings religions to a state of chaos. The belief that one person is special over all others is this element. Usually this individual gathers a following and rightly so; he or she is making sense in a world of corruption and chaos. But when that persons dies, the "savior" is gone and people are left in disarray (or the person becomes corrupted). Because the "common peoples" faith was placed outside of themselves they are left without guidance. And so it is easy for power hungry people to come in, spew out a few motivational words and take charge against the oppressors. And so the cycle starts all over.

This statement certainly doesn't just apply to the Big Three. Even faiths such as Buddhism have become riddled with extraneous matter.

The Buddha and many other religious figure-heads didn't seem like the ritual sort. In fact, if I read correctly, Jesus and many others in this gang seemed to protest against ritualistic practices. However, their images certainly keep people in line these days.

 

Disclaimer: If "your" religion (that is the one true faith unlike the other false ones) fits into this category, fear not, this statement is certainly not for you.