Why RELIGION IS A BAD WORD

There were two things that happened to me that blew everything I was taught about "religion" out the window. As a child I was raised in Open Bible and Assembly of God. Not that these two denominations are bad. I would say that I was somehow "brainwashed" into thinking the way we thought was the only way to think. I didn't know why but I really didn't think Catholics were Christians at all. Most of my biases were in the Christian realm. I didn't for a minute think about any other religions. Just Christian. I thought Methodists and Lutherans just played church. Too much litergy. I thought Catholics had too many stand ups, sit downs, kneels. So my kids started attending Des Moines Christian School. This was my first awakening. I would read through the directory and notice which church each family went to. Over the years I befriended different parents and found them to be sensible, articulate "christians" even though they didn't go to my church. Then we decided to buy a Christian Bookstore. Over the years we have had employees from the following denominations. Open Bible, Assembly of God, E Free, Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Nondenominational.... I realized that we all had something in common. God through Jesus Christ. That was about it. Yes, we all had different beliefs as far as how we practiced our "religion" but we didn't argue the little details.....we honored each others similarities. Now I practice reverse judgmentalism.............that's my own term... :) I now am judgmental about people who are judgmental. Do not put your beliefs on me and expect me to think exactly like you do. Forget the word religion. Religion is about war and differences and rules and regulations. Try to do the right thing. If you sin, ask for forgiveness but mean it. Pray often and always. A running dialogue with God is a daily comfort. If you have a few bumps in the road, you need to ask God for direction. I do not believe you are damned to hell for making bad choices occasionally. Love people. Forgive people. Be nice to people. I love you all and ask that God through Jesus Christ Bless you and keep you on this beautiful Spring day!