O.M.G

I've been thinking a lot about religion lately. When one is a parent and would like to set certain examples. religion is surely a minefield that one can avoid, tiptoe through, or march confidently into with respect to the teachings that resound for lifetimes. As someone who considers myself a somewhat spiritual, free thinking proponent of free will, theological questions raised by children give pause for thought.  My 8 year old daughter understands that there is a god, there is a heaven, and daddy has a big family bible that contains stories about god and his son Jesus.  She also believes that her grandmother's spirit visits in lady bug form, and Santa Claus can certainly pull off his yearly logistical nightmare. That, is the privilege of childhood - the grace of being deliberately kept in ignorance of the truth, so that happiness can be provided easily.

I have tried to have an open mind about god and religion.  My own personal journey included stints at church with family as well as by myself. I guess it is with some comfort that although my father was never religious, he didn't preach intolerance of religion. My mother perhaps more spiritual and respectful of the institution, took us to the United Church in small-town Ontario but for the most part, my sister and I were allowed to explore that world ourselves. I am older now. When I think of religion now, I can't help but to see it as a blood thirsty enterprise that uses the texts and tenets of humanity to rule and prosper as they have for years like the corporations and governments that pull .  Having faith by definition requires letting go of doubts and trusting your teacher. Like any paradox - the greater the possibilities, the greater the possibility of abuse.

But god is good right?  I mean, they're all good. Do I choose my own god or is god chosen for me?  If the I hadn't had my kids with me Saturday morning, and if I had happened to smoke a joint before the "soft" knock on my door - I might have entertained the two attractive Jehovah Witness disciples on my front porch.  Wearing my Barney purple bathrobe, I could have educated AND entertained myself.  As it were, I shook them off with a disappointed shake of my head as it was clearly pancake and pj time at Chateau Heathen. We had a Winterfest to attend nearby as half the neighborhood was jacked up to go to the warehouse between the French school and City Housing. The big, old place was full of bouncy castles, games, live music, face painting, coffee, hot chocolate, snacks...all free of charge.  Packed with hundreds of kids and staffed with dozens of smiling, helpful people, this was not funded by any level of government. No, Winterfest was basically a PR/info gathering exercise by a religious based organization who is planning on converting this warehouse space into their new place of worship.  Not your father's church - these people are clearly media savvy, motivated and well organized. What seemed to strike me - and kinda creep me out, is that the people all seemed so happy and focused..two things I crave at times.  I'm not sure if all the people there cared they were being farmed and filtered by a group for the power and economics they might provide or if it happens so often they see it as normal. Maybe they just really want to share the secret of happiness.