Message of religion went off track

The world seems full of strife and discord in our day. Religious conflict seems to be spreading as fast (or faster) than those deadly diseases we see popping up everywhere. How did religion become deadly? I was brought up to believe that God was full of love and hope. I was brought up to believe that God did not wield a sword with which to chop off the heads of those who were different from me.

The central message of all religions that I learned about in my life has been of love, peace and hope. I was taught the soul was a precious reflection of our belief in the eternity of life. Yes, that belief may be varied, depending on the culture we were raised in, but because we are of a different culture did not mean that God's love was any different.

Love is the same, anywhere on earth, and isn't that what God is? And if not, then what is God? Can love ever be better soaked in blood? If we are reaching for the same thing in life, then how can our differences get in the way? We stumble like those who are just learning to walk when we travel the path of our life; and when we stumble, the love of those around us picks us up and helps to guide us to a hope for a better tomorrow. Isn't that what belief should be all about? Isn't that why we believe?

Robert K. Clark

Wheeling