Religion

I just finished reading The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and I have to say it peaked my interest. I call myself an atheist, I do not believe in a God. I believe there might be something there, but no God.But being an atheist doesn't mean I cannot be interested in religion, I just don't believe in it.

In the book there is an old Masonic Legend mentioned. The book peaked my interest about the Freemasons and I decided to read up on the subject. I haven't started reading yet, but I have ordered a book about the Freemasons.

What interested me was that these days Freemasonry is considered some kind of satanic cult, as something evil. While the idea behind Freemasonry (in the book that is!) seems more realistic and believable. Freemasonry comes across as a 'religion' which accepts the combination of religion and science, while other religions seems to despise this combination.

According to the book, Christians see themselves as 'the created'. They are created by a God and live by his rules and Word (bible). Freemasons however believe the humans are the creators. The Bible speaks of the fact that we're created  by God's image and in the book (I don't know yet whether this is true, but it make me think), Freemasons believe as well that we have been created according to God's image, but not physically but mentally.

It is known that the human mind has great power and is capable of wonderous things. Based on the information from the book (though I'm full aware most if not all of it is fiction) I don't think that Freemasonry should be considered as evil cult, just because their ideas might be different. Why judge their rituals? The other religions haven't exactly been saints either throughout the course of history. One of the ten commandments says "Thou shall not kill". Well then explain to me this: what happened during the crusades? what happened during missionaries? why are there Christian soldiers fighting in a war on the other side of the world? Every situation has taken place with violence and death. Where does that leave "Thou shall not kill"?

A lot more examples like this could be given. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to upset anyone here or to say that you shouldn't believe. The morals and values in religions are great, and if they give you support by all means, believe! I just think it is a pity that there are several religions who take advantage of their "Holy word" to their own benefit. They seem to claim one thing but do another.

That's also a reason why I choose not to be a follower of a religion. Why would I claim to stand for something and live by the accompanying rules, when I know I'll probably bend those rules to gain personal benefit>