Month: February 2021

First of all, I want to clarify that I am not influenced by any particular religion, nor do I follow the political side of any religion. My goal is for each of us to take charge of our personal actions and understand where we stand in the holy realm of God. I personally believe that God is not a political entity, so God cannot be prejudiced or discriminatory against anyone who does not follow a particular religion or God’s favorite religion. I was born Muslim and do not intend to change to any other religion because, to me, they are all paths to God and should be treated as such. Otherwise, we may commit spiritual crimes like prejudice and discrimination against other individuals. My questioning is not aimed at the spiritual aspects of any religion; rather, I am highlighting where they get tainted by the deadly human politics of belonging to their groups. Where our sense of belonging takes over the individual and leads to spiritual crimes instead of fostering spirituality. Since we cannot completely escape politics, we must individually become the CEOs of our lives so that we can judge for ourselves. If we need to filter out the politics to achieve spiritual fulfillment, we should be able to do so.

My writing is directed at individuals who seek spiritual fulfillment through their religion. Interestingly, the politics of belonging within their religions often inhibit them from finding that essence because religions can preach and deny the individual’s relevance. They treat individuals like animals needing control through a carrot-and-stick philosophy. By making individuals believe they are irrelevant, they not only rob them of their self-esteem but also exert control and conformity. As individuals grow stronger, the religion’s grip or influence weakens, so they preach against individual relevance. This process of brainwashing has been ongoing for thousands of years, leading individuals to struggle with feelings of inadequacy, unimportance, and sinfulness. With low self-esteem and self-respect, individuals attach themselves to the next best thing available—namely, their group. They have been brainwashed into believing that God is so exalted that they are not worthy of a direct connection to God, when in reality, it is quite the opposite.

If the purpose of instilling fear of God is to encourage people to be good and spiritual, then the intentions are good and acceptable. However, if that fear is used to gain control and manipulate people, even using God politically, it changes everything. If we act out of fear, it does not make us spiritually good because, as soon as that fear is removed, we reveal our true selves. Being authentic and spiritually good requires faith, which comes from a love of God and personal responsibility. The most interesting aspect here is that the atom of autonomy within us is aware of why we act as we do. That is why good or bad deeds don’t happen automatically. We are individually and collectively responsible for our actions. I remember reading a poem in Pakistan, author unknown, that went: “If intoxication were in the alcohol, then the bottle should dance; it is my prerogative to perform a drunken dance.” In the end, we are all responsible for either enjoying or performing that drunken dance. We all enjoy the drink of God, but how we respond to it is still our responsibility because the atom of autonomy and related free will remains within us. We drink and choose to dance for better or worse. Remember, you stand before God as an individual, tasked with translating spirituality into physical actions. You are an equal partner in the business of reciprocation. If you are an equal partner with Almighty God, how can you lack self-esteem? How can you be irrelevant? Who are these people who tell you otherwise, and why?

Away from the politics of belonging, within our personal and mortal selves, we each possess our own atom of autonomy—what you might call the “God particle.” With this within us, we are responsible for everything we do, whether good or bad. One might ask how God allows us to do bad things. Understanding the real story of the human individual before political interventions would clarify this. Since we are blessed with autonomy, which provides us with not only free will but also a personal sense of justice, compassion, and other aspects I call our spiritual jewelry, unfortunately, the politics of belonging have the power to strip us of all that. Irrelevant self-esteem and lack of self-respect lead us to secure ourselves by fitting in, impressing, or seeking admiration, resulting in material-focused lives. We are told we cannot be directly connected to God, leading us to assume that life revolves around physicality, causing our spirituality to take a back seat. Then we are taught that it is not us but the Devil who makes us do bad things, giving us an excuse to avoid personal responsibility. If you feel inadequate, lacking self-esteem or self-respect, let’s start with understanding the real story of reciprocation with God and the politics of belonging-influenced religious beliefs.

Focusing on “me, me, me” and “I, I, I” is a clear sign of a disorder related to a lack of self-esteem and self-respect because if you truly had these qualities, you wouldn’t seek the approval of others by boasting about your importance. You don’t have to reveal the internal story of how you feel, especially if you fail to acknowledge the help you receive. Failing to recognize the fundamental aspects of spirituality reveals a spiritual flaw. Not only do you fail to acknowledge the help, but you also claim that everything is your doing, which undermines that help altogether. What are “I” and “me”? Remember, “I” and “me” only function because of real, crucial help. If you cannot live without that help, how can you claim it is all your doing? Your achievements are dependent on your inability to function independently, so “me” and “I” are not as exclusive as they may seem. Recognizing and acknowledging that help is a pathway to humility and spiritual awareness. Even God does not claim to do everything alone; God humbly accepts that spirituality needs to be translated into physical actions by humans. This is like a clap creating a physical sound through collaboration. When you place God on a high pedestal, human individuals lose their importance, which is why religious leaders have claimed human individuals are irrelevant, saying God does everything. My question to them is: How does God’s work get done? It is done with the physical help of human individuals. Before politics, the real picture of spirituality is between God and an ordinary human individual. You can believe what you want, but this reality is undeniable: human individuals are crucial. Since human individuals cannot accomplish this without help, there is nothing exclusive about it. “I” and “me” are only significant after benefiting from free oxygen and favorable conditions in both internal and external universes.

Lack of humility is one thing, taking credit is another, but discrediting everything other than “me” and “I” amounts to destroying personal spirituality. Certainly, “I” and “me” are important, but just like God, “I” and “me” should be humble and honest. Going against what lies deep within you can have consequences; falsely claiming credit for something you know is not solely your doing is an attempt to hide your inabilities. Especially if you believe that you and God are separate entities, you will naturally desire more power due to your insecurities. If you understand and create balance from within, you would not only avoid claiming credit and discrediting the help you receive but also discover that “me” and “I” are not as exclusive as they seem but rather an inseparable spiritual and physical “us.”

As a Muslim, I will start with what I have learned. To become a Muslim, you have to say, “There is only one God, and Prophet Muhammad is God’s prophet.” You then take an oath to witness God’s oneness and Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood. In Christianity, Jesus claimed, “I am the way.” Things don’t seem so bad there. Our troubles begin when we believe that we somehow become superior to others who do not share our beliefs. Is this a personal flaw, or is it a product of education? That is for you to decide after reading this. For me, if you are prejudiced and discriminatory, you are living in the wrong era. This is the era of equal human rights, so there is no room for racism, bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination. If you cannot amend your taught knowledge, regardless of its source, you are responsible for your actions. Remember, the Pope has acknowledged equal human rights, so you can do the same.

If Jesus said, “I am the way,” or if Prophet Muhammad is “the way,” you individually need to examine the reasons for our problems. If you are too passionate about the politics of your sense of belonging, you will never connect the politics of belonging as the cause of your spiritual issues. You will not question it, and thus, will not see the politics behind religious statements.

If we consider the notion that “there is only one God,” we must acknowledge the role of the human individual alongside God. Without the human individual, God, at least logically, is not a physical entity. The human individual is the central figure in this sacred context. To illustrate this, imagine God as a fabric made from threads. If you pull one, two, or even ten threads out, the fabric remains intact. However, if you continue pulling until no threads are left, the physicality of the fabric disappears. This demonstrates the importance of the human individual in this holy picture. For further examples: consider a haunted house with no people to discuss or be scared of—does it matter? Now, imagine a town with all its infrastructure, but without any people. What happens to that town? Finally, picture a lily in a forest pond with no human eyes to appreciate its beauty. These scenarios highlight the significance of the human individual in the divine context. Yet, when our spiritual systems become entangled with political ideologies, we lose sight of our spiritual standing with God.

The relationship between a spiritual God and the physical human individual is straightforward: God is spiritual, while humans perform God’s physical work. There is nothing wrong with having prophets who guide us to become decent human beings. The issue arises when religious teachings claim that only followers of a particular prophet will enter heaven while others are condemned to hell. Such claims are inherently political, fostering prejudice and discrimination. This not only affects individuals but also implies that God is prejudicial and discriminatory. If such beliefs lead to violence or conflict, it becomes necessary to challenge these misinterpretations of divine will.

When statements are made that “Prophet Mohammad is the way” or “Jesus is the way,” they are not problematic as long as they do not exclude other paths to God. For example, if someone contributes to saving lives, like the inventor of insulin, they should be considered close to God because they convert spirituality into tangible actions. Conversely, if someone practices their faith devoutly but commits violence against those who do not share their beliefs, such as in a crusade, this contradicts the essence of spirituality. Discriminating against individuals who are not part of a particular group can violate the inherent autonomy within us. Our sense of belonging can lead us astray if we ignore internal signals and adhere only to group ideology.

If God remains silent on political matters, it risks becoming a tool for groups rather than a direct connection between God and individuals. Groups might claim that individuals are unworthy of a direct relationship with God, which leads to a dangerous detachment from spiritual reality. Beliefs that one is insignificant, unworthy, or a born sinner can undermine self-esteem and prevent individuals from recognizing their significant role in the spiritual realm. The true purpose is for each person to be the CEO of their life, transforming spirituality into physical actions. The direct connection between individuals and God is crucial, and political influences should not overshadow this fundamental relationship.

The essence of spirituality is not in competing with or denigrating others but in fulfilling one’s spiritual purpose. When religious teachings are reduced to political statements or used to justify discrimination, they deviate from their spiritual intent. The real connection between spirituality and physicality involves recognizing and honoring one’s role in the divine plan. Being part of any religious or social group is acceptable as long as it does not conflict with spiritual fulfillment.

If one is continually taught to feel irrelevant or insignificant, it impairs their ability to embrace their role as the central character in the divine narrative. This teaches us that our self-worth and spiritual contribution are essential, regardless of political or social group affiliations. Spirituality and politics are distinct: spirituality is about truth, while politics often distorts truth for group interests. To truly understand the divine, one must become the CEO of their own life, navigating beyond political influences to embrace their spiritual essence. This approach ensures that spirituality remains at the forefront, even within the context of group identities.

Remember, politics and spirituality are not compatible. The latter represents the truth, while the former twists and turns it to serve group interests. Understanding your authority and role in the spiritual picture is crucial for genuine spiritual satisfaction. Although one can belong to a group, the focus should remain on the spiritual journey rather than the politics of belonging. Our primary responsibility is to translate spirituality into physical actions, honoring the divine by being true to our spiritual essence.

Regardless of the abilities that God might possess, their value or importance becomes questionable if all human beings were gone. On the other hand, if we as human beings do not understand ourselves, we end up living like ordinary creatures, displaying certain animal traits despite our civilization and evolution. As individuals, we must grasp self-regulation and discipline to truly be human. Religions have attempted to use a carrot-and-stick approach, but it has not been entirely effective, as our societies are still plagued by various crimes. Personal regulation is inherently individual, and while authority figures may enforce control, that control often collapses when the authority is absent. The fear of God falls into the same category. Remember, God does not speak directly; if God does not influence one’s behavior, people may commit crimes. Thus, understanding spirituality and the reciprocal nature of personal growth is crucial for individuals.

Our life troubles arise when we stray and allow our untamed, animalistic traits to overshadow our spiritual side. In both the animal kingdom and urban environments, domination is a common theme. From personal relationships to business dealings and even religious practices, this struggle for dominance is ongoing. While our behaviors are evolving, our animal traits still need to be addressed. If this concept confuses you, it is essential to learn how to respect and balance these urges to remain spiritually aware. Otherwise, there is a significant risk of spending a lifetime in confusion. Dominating others for personal gain has been a persistent problem, leading to not only individual issues but also wars. Our political and collective behaviors often overshadow our personal sense of justice, resulting in both personal suffering and ongoing cycles of revenge and conflict.

Understanding our animalistic side can shed light on why we have urges to dominate others. As we become more aware of our sense of injustice—especially when attacking other groups—we can begin to understand the consequences of these actions. Life can become less complicated if we choose to live as spiritually aware beings. This understanding has the potential to foster peace both within ourselves and collectively.

A personal sense of justice is not difficult to grasp if you follow two simple rules of spirituality. First, do not do to others what you would not want done to you or your loved ones. Second, walk a mile in another person’s shoes to understand how they are similar to you.

When politics infiltrates spiritual systems like religions, it leads to excuses for dominating others. From looting and degrading to committing spiritual crimes in the name of religion, these actions contradict the teachings that claim to promote spirituality. The evidence is visible in past and present conflicts, and it is crucial to hope that this trend does not continue into the future. If we remain within our chosen groups, our politics will perpetuate behaviors that have lasted for millennia. It is only when we evolve to become responsible individuals—embracing a shared humanity—that we can overcome our past, animal-like behaviors. The key difference between humans and other animals lies in our inhibitions. If you let your animal side take over due to substances or emotions, you will allow it to dominate your actions, regardless of your level of education. Education was meant to signify our evolution and civilization, but despite our progress, we still struggle to address our animalistic traits, hindering our spiritual growth and compassion.

I believe that the politics of group belonging have significantly damaged our personal spirituality. It is time to extricate politics from our sense of belonging and appreciate the true essence of being human. Spirituality connects us individually to God and humanity as a whole. Regardless of religion, if we prioritize personal spirituality, humanity can unite. Otherwise, the politics of group belonging will keep us confined to our ancestral divisions.

If we learn to treat each other as instruments of God’s work, we can overcome differences and unite. If religions remove their politics of group exclusivity, the doors of spirituality will open for them; otherwise, they risk losing credibility. Many nations and religions preach that their members are superior to others, based solely on group affiliation. This kind of teaching fosters false self-esteem, prejudice, and ignorance. Regardless of education levels, people may stand against human rights and commit injustices in the name of their group.

Humanity, equal individual rights, and justice for all are far more important than any religious rule, tradition, or ritual because they are rooted in spirituality. If you can transcend religious and national boundaries, respecting each individual as God’s working hand, you will find spirituality. If enough people adopt this perspective, humanity will collectively find spirituality. Equal human rights are the gateway to this path, while the politics of group belonging act as a barrier. Without change, politics will perpetuate old behaviors. Consider the dangers of mass destruction weapons: politics combined with religious fervor can be deadly for both humanity and the existence of God. To be truly spiritual, we must respect each other’s rights, rather than following religious traditions blindly. We need to separate politics from our religious beliefs to benefit from having a religious faith.

There is no room for injustice in spirituality. A group cannot violate even one individual’s human rights. This is why the spiritual side of religion has been compromised. To govern a mass of individuals, a successful political system is required. Therefore, keeping our belief systems free of politics helps individuals remain spiritual. In reality, governing systems cannot be foolproof; there will always be some form of selection. Thus, our justice systems should be free from political influence, with spirituality as their foundation. A justice system that allows individuals to challenge the state and win is effective because it prevents the mass from overshadowing personal rights. The purpose of a justice system is to support the weak, and if the weakest can win against the strongest, it reflects true spiritual justice. Conversely, if religion or justice systems are tainted by politics, they fail.

If you approach today’s social systems with a mindset of political domination, you are likely heading for trouble. We no longer live in primitive conditions where security was different. Today, we have entrusted power to governing systems. While individual security remains important, the nature of security systems has changed. Governments or religious authorities, often questioned, may not always work for individual benefit. Historically, politics has favored the mass over the individual, resulting in injustices where individuals suffer. As the essence of humanity, individuals deserve respect and justice. No one should be above the law, not even governing authorities or religions.

Being mortal makes it crucial to be responsible for our happiness. Relying on authoritative systems has not provided the security, happiness, and contentment we seek. Increased weaponry, wars, and related problems like death, depression, and anxiety have become more common. When expectations are unmet, personal weaknesses become more pronounced. The absence of a belief system and personal weakness relate to understanding personal value. As human beings, we work directly with God, not for Him or our groups, but as equals. This places us on an equal footing as subcontractors, not servants. If you fulfill your responsibilities honestly—as a partner, family member, community member, or in your spiritual reciprocity—you will experience less stress, greater self-respect, and self-esteem. Comfort in your mortal existence is closely linked to your personal input and sense of justice.

If you receive free oxygen and live in good health, your gratitude should not be limited to once a year. Your ability to live is not within your control, nor is it controlled by your family, community, nation, or religion. It is directly connected to the source, or God. Navigating the external chaos of the world and the internal chaos of existence is complex. While you have a say, the alignment of complexities for you personally is evident. If you still believe you are functioning solely on your own will, just look around and see how vulnerable a mortal being can be.

When you are taught or you believe that everything happening in your life is solely your own doing, you might be missing out on a crucial aspect of personal justice. Understanding this requires educating yourself to avoid situations that could lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. It undermines the importance of the most vital aspect of your life: your individual happiness. This often turns many of us into mere puppets or slaves to our groups, making us feel weak, fragile, and insignificant. We are mortal, and this reality means that our temporary lives should be lived fearlessly, cherishing every happy moment. If anything requires you to sacrifice your happiness, especially if it comes from your groups, it should be examined and judged through your personal sense of justice.

By no means am I advocating for selfishness. I am simply acknowledging the fact of mortality, which calls for spirituality more than our political religions. No one should shirk personal responsibility and hide behind the politics of group dynamics, like God and the Devil. When individuals fail to question their groups, those groups become too powerful to challenge. The story of an unfulfilled life due to personal weakness begins when you do not take charge of your own destiny. Do you really have a say? If you ask yourself this question in the dead of night, the answer will point you to your God-given free will.

There are two things common to all human beings, regardless of differences: oxygen and free will. Ask yourself, do you appreciate them? If not, do you believe you are the human being God intended you to be? Since you are not programmed to be a weak puppet or a slave to your groups or even to God, how can you allow it to happen? Go back and align yourself with spiritual principles to help translate spirituality into physical actions with the understanding that even the CEO is essentially a subcontractor. Recognize the power of group politics but also strive to be the CEO of your own mortal life. This approach will not only bring spiritual fulfillment but also enhance your self-esteem, self-respect, significance, relevance, and deep contentment in being an instrument of God’s will.

Equal human rights, civil achievements, racial and sexual justice, and national and religious freedoms all relate to humanity’s progression toward its potential. Although hurdles like religious extremism and racial superiority still exist, we are making progress step by step. Despite setbacks, there is a net gain today as people around the world advocate for equal human rights. Issues like human sacrifice, violence against homosexuals, racism, slavery, and various forms of prejudice are improving, though not fast enough. This slow progress is due to the politics of belonging to groups. While we are evolving and progressing in many areas, our religions, racism, and nationalism often remain entrenched in outdated politics of belonging. Overcoming this would enable us to advance rapidly and unite as humanity.

Unfortunately, every achievement has been accompanied by the loss of human lives, as progress often meets strong resistance from those unwilling to change. History teaches us that to achieve something, we must fight for it. Even when progress benefits humanity, we still struggle against conservative forces. Despite our ability to discuss and debate, we often ignore or fail to acknowledge our incomplete knowledge. We have experienced kingdoms, empires, communism, socialism, and now democracy, yet we still grapple with kingdoms and authoritarianism. We have not fully shed our ancestral knowledge, even when proven wrong. As human beings, we are not only taught to believe that our ancestors cannot be wrong, but we are also expected to protect their traditions, customs, rituals, and rules. This education emphasizes loyalty to our groups, which is why even in this era of equal human rights, we still face racism, prejudice, and religious conflicts. For humanity, change has never been easy; reaching our potential or evolving requires peeling away layers of personal and collective insecurities. Our politics of belonging to a particular family, gang, community, nation, or religion have been our downfall. While we are born into humanity, our politically influenced education of belonging teaches us otherwise. If we learn to belong to humanity, we will see that humanity transcends all political divisions.

Individually, we need to become evolved spiritual entities who can translate spiritual thoughts into physical actions. With our evolution and understanding of civilization, we should be able to debate and discuss changes peacefully, but we are far from achieving this. Our ongoing political and religious disputes and wars are evidence of this. Unfortunately, we cannot continue in this manner. On one hand, we have evolved with nuclear weaponry; on the other, we have not evolved spiritually. A politically influenced human with animalistic urges and access to nuclear weapons is a dangerous combination. Our evolution is imbalanced; while we continuously undermine each other’s knowledge, we carry forward ancestral disputes. Despite our civilization and evolution, we still struggle to engage in civilized discussion and debate.

Achieving balance is challenging, even on an individual level, let alone collectively. Our disputes are largely products of the politics of belonging. Social changes and everything in between have been influenced by the politics of belonging. We are accustomed to changes imposed from the top down. As those in power spend money and use influence to maintain control, individuals have historically been weaker participants. However, today belongs to an era of democracy and equal human rights. Individuals are being educated to be CEOs who understand and navigate the politics of power. These changes will shift from the bottom up, allowing for debate and discussion so that decisions are not made by a few with vested political and personal interests. How will future changes be shaped by individual awareness? Where will it lead humanity? Will we revert to old patterns or address ancestral differences and disputes? Can we evolve from our current level of civilization? Our potential remains in flux as we continue to evolve. One thing is certain: in the business of reciprocation, we all must contribute equally to achieve health, happiness, and success. Remember, if you are not healthy, you cannot be happy, and without health and happiness, meaningful success—whether individual or collective—is unattainable.

No matter how powerful, real, and influential they may feel, our hormone-driven urges cannot be left unchecked. The same applies to the politics of our sense of belonging to our groups. In reality, we are each a reflection of the spiritual world. We must create balance from within. Our sense of freedom and personal sense of justice are there to counteract the politics of belonging, which can lead us to become prejudiced and discriminatory. Since we are neither exclusively spiritual nor solely physical entities, we need to balance both aspects to truly live as human beings.

Each of us is blessed with our personal atom of autonomy and related free will to choose and decide, but we must also answer to our inner authority. Our innate compassion, sense of justice, and love help us navigate our spiritual and physical journey toward faith. Not all of us are naturally team players; we also have the ability to function independently. If we let our hormonal responses and the politics of belonging dictate our truths, we may end up at odds with our atom of autonomy. Our spiritual side, or atom of autonomy, can be just as strong as the politics of belonging. Internal conflicts have consequences for us individually. Just ask a war veteran if the politics of belonging have compelled them to commit crimes against others or innocents, leading to guilt and strong negative feelings. This internal struggle, which I consider a real form of hell within our mortal lives, must be acknowledged and understood.

How much and who is truly responsible for our actions? Some might argue that their belonging group is strong and can punish or ostracize them, so they must conform to their religion or nationalism. Regardless of the legitimacy of this claim, we join causes due to internal imbalances and are responsible for our actions. When you examine yourself with your personal sense of justice, you will see that not feeling guilt is a sign of personal weakness. Since we all have an atom of autonomy within us, we cannot simply let our physical side make all our decisions. We are unique entities because we must answer to ourselves, which is why we need to understand what really goes on within us.

If you focus solely on the physical aspects of life, you learn about our animal side—mechanical, technological, scientific, and medical facts. If you explore your spiritual side, you encounter non-physical realities such as compassion, love, sacrifice, forgiveness, guilt, ego, pride, honor, bravery, and even self-worth and self-esteem. Ask yourself: can you live without acknowledging one side or the other? At the end of the day, we are not merely mechanical bodies nor simply spiritual entities. We need to acknowledge our uniqueness and learn to merge and balance both aspects of our knowledge. When we achieve this, we first acknowledge the vastness of our knowledge and then use it to live our mortal years with quality. This personal responsibility should prompt us to question and learn what is necessary to function within ourselves and our social settings. To do justice to ourselves and others, we must become the CEOs of our lives—functioning as real human beings rather than as worker bees, warrior ants, or extensions of group ideology. We need to see our individual and personal truths behind our physical, social, political, and spiritual realities.

Interestingly, it is not the truth itself but our belief in that truth that shapes our personal reality. For millions of years, human societies have grappled with non-physical truths and evolved with imbalances. Nothing gets discovered without pursuit; if we don’t question, we remain stuck at the same level, regardless of time passing. Every culture has segments of the population that believe and disbelieve in strange and unexplained things. Despite our scientific advances, traditions, customs, rituals, and religious rules remain popular. The question is: why? Despite our scientific and technological progress, there are still many who prefer religious beliefs over scientifically repeatable facts. They struggle to see the politics of belonging as a problem. We tend to view life through our personal lenses and follow whatever feels right. Most people do not question their religious beliefs, relying on others to guide them, which is where politics-related problems arise and taint our spirituality.

Our sense of belonging to groups is so powerful that it can affect our hormonal levels. Look at our sports, political parties, nationalism, and religious extremism—these influences can shape behavior. Scientifically, we observe this but may not understand why it happens. Similarly, we struggle to understand and break down non-physical realities like love, compassion, sacrifice, forgiveness, ego, pride, honor, bravery, and even guilt. This is because science often fails to acknowledge the existence of our spiritual side and its non-physical truths. To understand something, we must first acknowledge its existence.

We often reject the existence of certain fields of knowledge and remain stuck in our ways. We view ourselves as merely physical beings and attempt to fix ourselves mechanically rather than addressing the root causes of our problems. By not acknowledging, rejecting, or underestimating the influences of our spiritual side, we may miss out on finding real solutions to problems that stem from spiritual issues.

Simplifying the complex nature of human beings through political lenses can keep us behind and cause us to underestimate the importance of spirituality. We cannot even agree on what it means to be human. If you visit a doctor, they will focus on fixing symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes. Scientifically, we have not fully explored our spiritual nature, and there are aspects within us that remain immeasurable by current scientific knowledge. Religions, on the other hand, often overlook the importance of the individual within the broader spiritual context. They undermine individual humanity for political control, with traditions, customs, rituals, and rules reflecting the politics of belonging. Those who seek to explore beyond the politics of belonging often find themselves entrenched in conflicting philosophies, believing that God favors specific groups rather than humanity as a whole. I strongly disagree with this notion.

As I mentioned, I do not believe in a God who is for some but not for all. I believe that as human beings, we are metaphorical cells of a single entity, which you could call God. Looking at God physically, you see humanity as a whole. If you perceive with spiritual eyes, you will see that God is for all divine cells, not just for some or specific body parts. Claiming God for certain people doesn’t make sense to me because, as humans, we wouldn’t prefer some cells over others within a functioning body. By examining ourselves without political influences and the sense of belonging, we can discover our own spiritual belief systems. There is no need to reject or discredit the religion we were born into to address our spiritual deficiencies.

Imagine this analogy to gain perspective: Picture a brain cell loudly proclaiming that if it were absent, all other cells would die. To someone spiritually illiterate, this might make sense, but before it happens, the heart cell interjects, saying it supplies oxygenated blood for survival. The lung cell adds that it provides oxygen. The skin cell mentions its role in protection from infections. The liver and kidneys talk about their roles in cleaning and filtering. The colon claims it provides essential nutrients. Eventually, God speaks and says that in such a chaotic and bickering environment, He cannot stay. The entire body must function in harmony for God to remain within. If the body cannot function harmoniously, none of the individual cells can contribute to turning spiritual things into physical actions. This analogy highlights the need for collaboration and understanding of both sides. A cell cannot understand the whole body’s workings unless it experiences death, which makes physical existence meaningless.

Discussing existence and being prejudiced or discriminatory is linked to the knowledge we have been given.

Understanding the human spiritual side is a monumental task, yet religions often become mired in group belief systems, living as if they are just a part of the body rather than the whole. This division isn’t necessarily due to spiritual reasons but rather the politics of belonging. Science, preoccupied with creating biological and nuclear weapons, seems more interested in proving religious predictions of doomsday rather than exploring spirituality.

Remember, it’s not the truth itself but your belief in that truth that shapes your personal reality. For many, spiritual truths—such as love, devotion, compassion, passion, guilt, and justice—are more significant than scientifically proven facts. If you don’t explore these spiritual aspects of your soul, you may struggle to trust a teacher who simplifies life to mere equations like 2+2=4.

While numbers are objective facts, they don’t necessarily address the needs of aging mortals. For us, happiness, contentment, and a spiritually fulfilled life are the ultimate truths, even if they cannot be fully understood with our current knowledge. If you live a life focused solely on scientific accuracy but miss out on spiritual fulfillment, you may find yourself unfulfilled. A life without spiritual satisfaction is like a machine—mechanical and unfulfilling.

To experience a truly meaningful life, one must understand mortality and embrace the unknown and unexplained aspects of life where 2+2 no longer equals 4. For instance, our life transitions—moving from weakness to strength and back again—are consistent truths of human existence. These transitions, though simple and widely accepted, point to deeper truths about happiness and contentment.

The challenge arises when we confront the reality of our mortality. If you have always expected life to fit neatly into the equation 2+2=4, you will be disappointed, especially as you age and lose cells you cannot replace. This loss may impact your happiness and contentment, which are the true treasures for mortals. If you rely solely on scientific facts, you risk missing out on spiritual fulfillment.

Understanding God may involve examining yourself. Consider your ten trillion cells and hundred trillion bacteria with millions of genes. The complexity of your being might require more than just scientific explanation; it demands a perspective akin to that of a CEO who comprehends mortality, not just an egotistical viewpoint.

Our quest for understanding God is akin to two cells debating the existence of the body—they lack the perspective to grasp the whole. Just as cells are part of a larger body, we need to recognize the existence of non-physical spiritual realities. Science and religion have both struggled with this, often failing to explore or acknowledge spiritual dimensions fully.

The evolution of human understanding is ongoing. As we continue to learn and discover, it’s clear that we don’t know everything. Debates about the existence of God are similar to cells debating the body’s existence—they lack the capacity to see the bigger picture. Our pursuit of knowledge must include spiritual dimensions, not just scientific facts.

We often reject spiritual exploration due to political influences and preconceived notions. Science may disprove certain religious claims, but this does not necessarily negate the importance of spirituality in our lives. True understanding requires balancing scientific and spiritual insights, recognizing that both contribute to our overall well-being.

Religions and belief systems impact us in ways science cannot always explain. Believing blindly may lead to insights that non-believers miss. Human imagination can transform a simple idea into something profound. Personally, I believe in God not out of fear of hell or desire for heaven but to avoid committing spiritual crimes against others. Belief in God can offer spiritual benefits and help us navigate our lives meaningfully.

Spirituality and politics should remain separate. I may question and disagree with various religious traditions because they often stem from political motives rather than genuine spirituality. True spirituality is about helping humanity and doing God’s work with pure intentions.

Consider how a child finds joy in simple things. While adults chase after happiness and contentment, often without finding it, children experience untainted joy. Our personal life circumstances and hormonal fluctuations can obscure our ability to find spiritual pearls. By clearing the clutter accumulated from societal, parental, and religious influences, we might rediscover pure joy and satisfaction.

Cleaning up mental and emotional clutter is essential. Can you forgive past hurts? Can you face your fears and attachments? Surrendering control and facing these issues may help you reconnect with a childlike joy. It’s not an easy process, but recognizing the temporary nature of our journey can help us let go of unnecessary fears and attachments.

Ultimately, it’s more important to focus on what we seek rather than what we avoid.                    Embrace the journey of self-discovery, acknowledging that we are not finished products. Our understanding evolves, and so must our approach to spirituality and knowledge. By recognizing the balance between physical and spiritual aspects, we can live more fully and meaningfully.

Quote: “Don’t make unhappiness the goal; avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness.”

You can choose to represent your good and bad sides, but accidents can still happen. Does this mean you are responsible for everything you do or what happens in your life? If you wholeheartedly accept that there is room for accidents and mistakes in your life, only then can you address your need for control. Otherwise, each of us will face some kind of dissatisfaction or mess we don’t like. Being mortal requires us to understand what life is all about. If you are terrified of dying, how will you even live? If you expend all your energy avoiding the inevitable, what will you have left to give? Your purpose in life is to reciprocate for the blessings you’ve received. Your oxygen is free, your body functions, and you have an atom of autonomy, which is akin to divine free will. If you think the purpose of your life is merely to pray and fast, who will do the real work for God? Turning spiritual thoughts into physical actions is the job we all have. If you’re seeking untarnished joy, deep spiritual satisfaction, and soul-satisfying happiness, take responsibility to reciprocate in practical ways. Instead of building grand mosques, churches, or temples, help the truly poor, feed the genuinely hungry, or pay your taxes so governments can assist the needy. While it’s important to know how your money is used, avoiding taxes by finding loopholes is not kosher, especially if you’re seeking a fulfilling mortal life. Remember, the politics of belonging may compel you to attend religious places and meet like-minded people. Your intentions may be good, but if your money is used for wrong purposes, you need to ensure it is spent correctly. If your mosques, churches, or temples are grandiose while poverty, hunger, and homelessness prevail, you may be on the wrong path, influenced more by politics than spirituality.

As the CEO of your life, you need to balance all areas. If helping your religious institution is sufficient for you, you might be influenced by a sense of belonging rather than a spiritual purpose. Both senses are extreme, so you must balance them. They are naturally ingrained, but you control and balance them because you are the boss of your life. If others are pulling your strings, it indicates a spiritual deficiency on your part, so put your CEO hat on.

I personally draw the line when it comes to taking risks that harm others or myself in the name of my group. Some might see this as selfish, but I believe it’s about creating balance, taking personal responsibility, and clearing clutter. A strong desire to fit in, impress, or be admired by a group is not a flaw but can lead to harm or spiritual self-destruction if unchecked.

From anorexia and bulimia to drug and alcohol addiction, unhappiness, and spiritual unfulfillment to even suicide, these issues arise when others have too much power over us or when our sense of belonging is out of control. We are fundamentally similar, so it’s not the circumstances but our response to them that matters. An imbalanced individual, unaware of their role as a CEO of their life, may spend their whole life seeking others’ approval, missing out on fulfillment. Seeking security only to find it’s elusive, intellectual disease driven by the need to please can force one to live a life of fitting in, impressing, or seeking admiration without spiritual sense. Some may lose their self-identity, becoming extensions of group ideologies, leading to prejudicial and discriminatory behavior, and committing spiritual crimes. Compassion and respect for oneself and others can help one understand the principle of “live and let live,” which is the spiritual rule of treating others as you wish to be treated.

Since both our internal and external spaces are beyond our control, we should seek our personal reasons for being alive, especially when things are not in our control. We all walk our paths and prefer not to have anyone disturb or end them. Even if things are beyond our control, we should not do to others what we don’t want done to ourselves. This is the spiritual understanding of our free will. When viewing life solely through physical or spiritual lenses, things become murky. A purely physical view reduces human life to mechanical and animalistic terms, minimizing our humanity. Although we evolved from simpler creatures, we have unique treasures, such as our spiritual side, that set us apart. Our imagination and ability to translate thoughts into actions have always been with us. Have you ever wondered where this spiritual “jewelry” came from?

The power of thoughts is evident in our physical responses, from salivation and excitement to increased heart rate from memories or nightmares, highlighting human complexity. Focusing only on physicality simplifies the picture based on our understanding. Even today, the placebo effect remains an unresolved mystery in medical science, showing we still have much to learn. Our progress comes from those who question, whether religious or secular. If a religion preaches not to question and to believe blindly, it creates doubt by keeping individuals irrelevant to maintain political control. With the rapid changes brought about by the internet, questioning is unavoidable, and humanity must adapt. Seeking truth is important, and individuals can benefit from belief systems if they understand that spiritual satisfaction comes from experiencing life as it should be, not from blindly following religious or political doctrines.

Understanding our problems begins with individual actions and concludes with an individual’s expiration. We should focus on the causes and consequences related to the individual. Solutions also lie within the individual. If we view ourselves as CEOs of our lives, we can see, understand, and act according to the politics of belonging to our groups. Recognizing how our political affiliations can reduce us to mere worker bees or warrior ants, shouldn’t we look inward to understand what is happening within ourselves?

As groups, we often fail to overcome our desire to dominate others, including our followers. As long as we have the ammunition of individual blood and the rage of revenge for lost love, things will remain unchanged. The true impact of our disputes is felt and suffered by the individual. When individuals are insecure and politically bombarded with a sense of belonging during their formative years, they have little chance to question the authority of their groups. Especially if they believe they are worthless, unimportant, and irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.

The biggest problem is that we are taught to view the world through the political lens of our belonging groups, which inhibits us from looking beyond group politics. Politics often accepts lies and deceitful illusions, making us believe that we are individually irrelevant. In contrast, our spiritual side offers nothing but the truth, affirming that the individual is the most important, meaningful, and relevant part of the grand picture. If we change individually, we can change everything.

The pain of lost love should teach us to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves, which is a spiritual principle. The need for individual growth has never been more urgent. Interestingly, we can outgrow our insecurities and address our problems. To address personal insecurities, we must balance our sense of belonging to our groups with our personal sense of freedom.

Groups strive to secure their followers by emphasizing the group’s importance. However, a group can only offer prayers and cannot prevent illness, aging, or change our mortal nature. Their claim of providing security falls short of reality. We all must come to terms with our mortality to realize that no mortal being can achieve absolute security.

Being used politically, spending a lifetime feeling unimportant, losing self-esteem, and committing spiritual crimes in the name of our groups is a grave human condition. Not accepting personal responsibility for actions and hiding behind the politics of belonging represents a low state of humanity, far below the real human status of a CEO who possesses individual autonomy.

We need to view ourselves through a broader and spiritual lens rather than a narrow political one, as billions of us need to understand our reality. From both physical and spiritual perspectives, our individual importance is crucial to the divine world. Each and every one of us is a vital part of spirituality.

I simply don’t believe in multiple gods, especially if they promote exclusivity, or even one god who is exclusive to a particular group. To me, such beliefs often reflect politically motivated faith or exclusion. Exclusivity, in my view, leads to the root of many spiritual problems and even crimes. Our politics of belonging to groups is the source of many of the crimes we commit against each other. Most of our prejudices, discriminations, disputes, and even wars—along with the suffering of innocent individuals—are politically inspired.

A sense of belonging not only gives rise to prejudice, discrimination, ego, pride, and honor but also creates fearful individuals who are overly concerned with what others in their group think. This concern limits their ability to practice or utilize their sense of freedom. In the presence of political belonging and individual weakness, our personal sense of justice gets compromised. We fail to extend to others what we receive from them, including something as fundamental as equal human rights.

On the surface, a sense of belonging might not seem like the root cause of our problems, but if every community preaches exclusivity, we cannot resolve our disputes. We would continue to harm each other regardless of our education, civilization, or progress. In an era of equal human rights, our sense of belonging to specific groups and the resulting prejudice and discrimination often conflict with our personal spirituality. If we portray God with favoritism, as the father of such exclusivity, we hinder our spiritual evolution. Our spiritual principle, which is to treat others as we would want to be treated, cannot be achieved if our politics of belonging makes even God a prejudicial entity.

Religions teach us to be good people and offer illusions of hope and optimism, but many are also guilty of instilling a sense of individual irrelevance. This undermines an individual’s self-esteem, leaving them feeling vulnerable and insecure. Such insecurity and vulnerability are central to the real and political aspects of our religions. Naturally, humans dislike feeling insecure or vulnerable, so we spend our lives trying to escape these feelings. This often leads us to cling to anything stronger than ourselves, particularly our belonging groups. In group settings, God becomes secondary because both individuals and groups feel vulnerable. Throughout history, people have exploited individual and group insecurities, and even land disputes have been framed as religious disputes, using individual passion as fuel. Political religions understand these weaknesses and exploit them, encouraging extreme behaviors rather than discouraging them. Consequently, people may follow religious teachings outwardly while hoarding, compromising their spirituality, and committing crimes to secure themselves. This is evident in the full mosques, temples, and churches that coexist with social crimes like cheating, bribery, and violence.

Why do these people fill religious buildings yet continue to commit crimes? Why don’t they take responsibility for their actions or self-regulate? What leads them to believe their wrongdoings are justified by their affiliation with a particular group?

In a world where individual and group vulnerability and insecurity are prevalent, things can’t improve in the long run, especially if survival is considered optional while prayers are viewed as a duty. If religions operate like businesses or governments, the money collected is often used for monumental architecture or even laundered, rather than fighting poverty and hunger. Collectors themselves, seeking power and political control, are also victims of insecurity and vulnerability. How can they preach against these issues?

Insecure and vulnerable individuals, raised among similar people, carry these traits like blood flowing through their veins. Addressing these issues is monumental due to resistance from those politically invested in maintaining the status quo.

Examining social crimes and the happiness and contentment levels in various societies reveals some intriguing statistics. Why might religious societies not fare better than secular or socialist societies in terms of happiness and contentment? What is the purpose of a belief system if it doesn’t contribute to our well-being? Why do religious individuals resist spiritual concepts like universal health care, welfare, and other social services? Why do they vote against democratic values and equal human rights? Why do they resist adapting to the demands of changing times? Why is there religious rigidity against accepting others’ rights to differing opinions? Why do they claim certainty in their knowledge of God while dismissing other knowledge as incorrect?

Religious beliefs are heavily influenced by the politics of belonging, making it difficult for us to develop a common-sense spiritual philosophy. Principles like “don’t do to others what you don’t want done to you” or “live and let live” are often overshadowed by political and religious agendas. Regardless of whether it’s politics with a religious twist or religion with a political twist, it all boils down to politics. God has nothing to do with it. Rules governing human society should undergo rigorous scrutiny, just like our justice systems. Rules based on the principles of equal human rights are closest to spirituality. Any belief system founded on exclusivity is inherently prejudicial and discriminatory. Therefore, organizations that reject others as equals cannot be considered a true spiritual path, as spirituality is inherently free from the politics of belonging.

Looking at the state of the world today, it’s clear that we cannot judge or punish others as we did in the past. Practices like stoning people to death for adultery or chopping off hands for theft seem incompatible with the idea of a loving God who created us with sexual desires and a fundamental right to survive. Such practices appear to stem from a political agenda aimed at controlling people through fear and force. When these political controls form the foundation of societal rules, they reflect an era when there were fewer hungry and desperate individuals. Blaming God for our politically driven rules is short-sighted. If a person goes hungry in a society, that society, spiritually and logically, shares responsibility for their criminal behavior. This is why, despite the origins of such harsh punishments, modern societies condemn them as barbaric.

The concept of the “cliff of faith” represents a line drawn for us all, individually and collectively, due to our mortal nature. This line is not determined by our beliefs or what we are taught to believe. We all face this cliff of faith individually because we are born into a faith system inherited from our parents and their communities. Naturally, we are expected to follow the beliefs of our communities, nations, and religions. Following in the footsteps of our ancestors seems normal, not necessarily due to loyalty or the correctness of the path but because of the influential politics of belonging. Given the vast number of human communities, there are countless paths to this cliff of faith. Unfortunately, no one truly knows what lies beyond, as death is the only way to find out, and no one returns to share that knowledge. Therefore, we are left to believe the teachings of our communities as truth.

I believe that God is like a fully bloomed flower or a majestic tree, producing billions of seeds, none of which resemble God. Comparing God to an individual human, intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually, is unwise. We are like those billions of seeds, having never seen God or experienced the essence of God from within. It’s akin to two cells within our body speculating about the existence of the body. As humans, our understanding is still evolving, and we cannot claim ultimate knowledge of God without making assumptions. Our understanding of ourselves is incomplete, let alone our understanding of God. Our knowledge of God will always be in flux because our potential is also evolving. Claiming to know everything beyond the cliff of faith is based on faith rather than truth, especially since we are taught that our truth is the only truth. This belief is heavily influenced by the politics of our sense of belonging. Disagreements even arise within religions, evidenced by sects, which are not purely spiritual but often political.

Our claims of knowing everything are filled with egotistic assumptions rooted in the politics of our groups. Logically, since we learn something new every day, our knowledge is never complete. Our constant quest for understanding shows that we must continue to learn. As humans, genetically and spiritually programmed to evolve, we can never be fully satisfied with our current knowledge. Despite our assumptions, our reality includes ongoing conflicts and violence driven by these assumptions, heavily influenced by the politics of belonging groups.

Every path to the cliff of faith has its passionate followers, and they can all be right if their followers find inner and external peace in their lives. Problems arise when we claim that our group alone is on the right path and that God is exclusively with us. This exclusivity breeds prejudice and discrimination against those born on different paths. By implicating God in human politics, we make God a figure of discrimination and prejudice.

Thus, none of us truly knows what lies beyond. To me, God is not exclusive to any particular group; otherwise, everyone would be born on the same path. The political influences from our groups are clear. The real question is: who or what is responsible for this? Is it the insecure, vulnerable, and passionate individuals, or is it the exclusivity-driven politics of insecure groups that make individuals feel inferior or irrelevant? If this is the case, what can we do to address these problematic behaviors? A passionate individual with nuclear and biological weapons poses a far greater threat than one with a sword or spear. We risk bringing the apocalyptic scenarios described in our holy books to life—not from a spiritual God, but from a physical one influenced by the politics of belonging.

I am not trying to find comfort in the mysteries of existence. Instead, I am attempting to make sense of problematic human behavior. I am not questioning ancestral knowledge but pointing out the flaws in our group politics of belonging.

If we believe that the carrot-and-stick philosophy comes from God, we need to examine it with an open mind. If God is almighty and knows everything before it happens, then no one would be able to do wrong. Our justice systems would be obsolete. If we were mere programmed entities like bees and ants, our autonomy and free will would be meaningless.

However, that is not the case. If the carrot-and-stick approach were from God, God would simply be a political entity. I believe God is a spiritual entity and cannot be associated with injustice. Since we are all endowed with our own autonomy and free will, it is our responsibility to use compassion and personal justice. The burden of justice falls on us, which is why we have justice systems worldwide. Injustice is a human creation. We have invented the carrot-and-stick philosophy to control our communities, but this approach is failing in the era of equal human rights.

My belief that these practices are not from God stems from their political nature. Human politics relies on lies, deceit, and distorted truths to maintain control and power. Therefore, I would prefer that God not be involved in such politics. If a belief system serves political control or benefits only a select few, it cannot be from God. If everything were predestined, we would lack free will. Everything points to individual and collective strength in addressing our responsibilities. We should strive to understand and practice the philosophy of reciprocation, enjoying our lives while engaging in actions that align with spiritual principles. Group politics often makes us feel inferior and irrelevant, allowing middlemen to assume power and control.

Consider the progress humanity has made outside the spiritual realm. While we have made strides in democracy and human rights, the need for political belonging to groups signals ongoing insecurity and vulnerability. If our politics of insecurity underpins group belonging, does that make God irrelevant? No, because every human action is influenced by both God and human will. We are all blessed with free will, and God has provided us with bodies and life-sustaining conditions beyond our control. Our actions during our lives are our responsibility. If we choose to harm others or act unjustly, we cross lines of justice and face consequences. These should be addressed by living, breathing humanity, not relegated to divine retribution in an afterlife.

Our courts handle crimes and punishments as human constructs. Despite using holy books for oaths, real justice is administered by people, not left to God to decide in the afterlife. Furthermore, without a physical body, how can we experience pain or pleasure in an afterlife? If we are to receive a new body after death, why do major religions not believe in reincarnation? The concept of hell as a burning place or heaven as a paradise is often based on our physical experiences.

So why would God employ a carrot-and-stick approach if humans are capable of self-regulation and choice? This approach seems more suited to animal behavior than to human beings capable of self-regulation. Therefore, religions treating us as animals, responding well to the carrot-and-stick method, might be overlooking our potential for self-regulation.

God is not intervening or punishing us in our lifetime, which logically should increase crime rates rather than reduce them. Crimes are not lower because of the threat of punishment; they are lower because most people self-regulate without fear or greed. We understand the difference between right and wrong, but various factors such as survival, addiction, and other circumstances can lead to criminal behavior. The root cause of many major crimes is the politics of belonging to particular groups. Therefore, it is not only the individual who affects the crime rates in our communities. If someone steals a loaf of bread to survive, that community should not exert control over them. If we invoke God in this context, I would question a deity who punishes someone merely for trying to survive. Reciprocation should be a two-way street: God should provide for individuals as well. We should act out of love for God, not from greed for heaven or fear of hell. With our free will, we should be encouraged to self-regulate rather than be frightened and treated like animals.

If reincarnation is part of the life beyond the cliff of faith, then we should all agree on it. If we can’t agree, then why does every path claim to be the right one? In reality, no one has proof of what lies beyond the cliff of faith, so various paths create philosophies based on fear and greed to keep individuals feeling weak, insecure, and insignificant, thereby ensuring adherence to their groups during their lifetimes. For those seeking political control, the afterlife is secondary, so individuals must evolve to understand political dynamics and the importance of personal spirituality.

If reincarnation is true, then we must also believe in heaven and hell and view God as a human-like figure who rewards obedience and punishes disobedience, despite granting free will amidst challenging circumstances. It doesn’t make sense to implicate God in human inhumanity. The portrayal of God by religions often leads to a horrific situation for ordinary, insecure humans. Even if one adheres to religious practices, who benefits—God or the people in control? Why demand total obedience, sometimes by force, when God has endowed each individual with free will? Why are we expected to live like worker bees or warrior ants? We are treated and disrespected like animals and threatened with eternal punishment, yet it is humans who turn spirituality into physical action. If humans are treated as irrelevant, why is God’s spiritual work dependent on human actions? If not, why do religions not acknowledge this crucial aspect? Removing politics from spirituality might reveal the true picture. The significance of human individuals is evident in every spiritual act, but one must be willing to look beyond their religious beliefs.

I aim to bring our spiritual belief systems out of fantasy and mystery akin to Harry Potter, as real damage has been done to individuals’ personal belief systems. In real life, disputes have tangible consequences. Blaming it on God’s will is unjust. If I were to blindly accept and pass on these beliefs to future generations, it would be an injustice. Thus, I will critically question these beliefs until we all take personal responsibility for our actions, even if they are motivated by religious teachings.

If we do not take responsibility, who will? God or the politicians of belonging groups? God cannot be responsible because we have our atom of autonomy, which comes with free will, compassion, and a personal sense of justice. The real culprit is the politics of belonging, a powerful human phenomenon that can turn even the most righteous individuals into extremists, stripping them of their responsibilities as spiritual leaders. If no one returns to tell us the truth about what happens after death, why do religious leaders continue to preach with such conviction? What underlies their special understanding? If every path leads to the cliff of faith, why don’t we question our religions as we do everything else?

Humanity has made tremendous progress by questioning everything. When it comes to religious beliefs, however, questioning has been discouraged. In an era of equal human rights, we still openly preach prejudice and discrimination. Had we questioned our ancestral paths as we have questioned other aspects of humanity, we might have ceased killing each other in the name of political belonging. We would have advanced in spirituality as much as we have in medicine, science, and technology. Today, if faced with a virus like Corona, we look to vaccines and antibodies rather than ancient prayers and sacrifices. If your computer malfunctions, you wouldn’t consult a religious leader but a technician. We must start questioning everything that causes us problems. It is an era of understanding, problem-solving, and taking responsibility. Global warming demands our action, not sacrifices. When faced with a problem, we seek out experts in the relevant field. Similarly, we should question our religious beliefs and understand their impact.

Leaving religious beliefs unchallenged would result in a gap of at least two thousand years. Fortunately, this problem can be addressed. By removing the politics of belonging and transforming religious beliefs into spiritual beliefs, we could overcome the divisions that lead to violence. The Pope has recently acknowledged the need for equal human rights and against prejudice—an acknowledgment that should have come two thousand years ago. Even though it is late, it is a positive step towards spiritual growth. Other religious leaders should also embrace the principles of equal human rights to fill the gap.

Regional traditions, customs, and rituals are not inherently spiritual because spirituality is universal and transcends all groups, nations, and religions. The desire to fit in and impress is often tied to group approval, leading to practices such as self-harm and human sacrifice, which have been justified in the name of God. Today, we no longer engage in such practices because we realize that God never demanded them. Humanity has advanced its understanding of natural phenomena and disease, discovering solutions that save lives, even as religious authorities have historically opposed such progress. I credit scientists who have saved lives with being closer to God than those who claim religious authority. God’s work is realized through our actions, so saving lives is as spiritual as it gets, whereas killing in the name of God is a spiritual crime. Recognizing the difference between spirituality and politically motivated religious beliefs is crucial. The best spiritual action is to assist others, embodying the duty and purpose of human life. Although it may seem optional due to free will, God’s work is manifested through physical actions performed by us. If we suffer from the consequences of our political beliefs, we must seek the true causes of our hatred and violence. Understanding our differences and addressing them with individual insight into political belonging is essential.

Here’s the revised version of your blog:

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If you analyze it logically, the driving force behind all religious practices is often the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. Rather than adhering to outdated traditions that involve sacrifice, why not modernize and amend these practices? For instance, instead of sacrificing blood to follow a religious tradition, consider donating it annually to save a life. Rather than fasting, focus on feeding those who are going without food. Instead of self-mutilation to feel pain, help those who are genuinely suffering. Rather than attending mosque or church for prayers, engage in practical acts of kindness that address real issues like poverty and suffering. This approach will provide a deeper sense of spiritual fulfillment than merely impressing others in religious settings. Remember, human gatherings are rarely free from politics. There are various types of pain people experience, so if you are in pain and seeking solutions in mosques and churches, try becoming a vessel for God’s work. See how you can transform spirituality into tangible actions that benefit others and yourself. Ultimately, practical acts of kindness are what truly matter to God, and even if you don’t hold any religious beliefs, you can still achieve spiritual fulfillment by being a helping hand.

If you are struggling spiritually despite following religious traditions, customs, rituals, and rules, consider changing your approach. Aim to please God by embodying godly qualities and bringing spiritual thoughts into action. This won’t happen by simply adhering to religious practices without genuinely fulfilling your purpose.

Consider how our cars, planes, and boats have evolved over time. Why haven’t we made similar advancements in personal behavior? Historically, we have done both good and bad things; shouldn’t our bad behaviors decrease as our civilization progresses? Why do we evolve with imbalances? On one hand, we develop nuclear weapons, while on the other, we remain mired in unjust politics and conflicts. We haven’t stopped killing each other, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Why can’t we see ourselves as CEOs of our own lives, making decisions that shape our existence?

God does not reside in political places like mosques, temples, or churches. God is present in the lives of suffering people in need. If you spend resources on building majestic religious structures but ignore the poverty surrounding them, you are addressing the wrong issue. God resides in the human heart, so if you seek inner peace, focus on alleviating human suffering to feel useful and meaningful. A sense of purpose and relevance is beneficial for self-esteem and overall well-being.

Like our physical similarities, such as having one nose, two eyes, and a mouth, we share universal desires to stand out and achieve higher status in competitive societies. We strive for progress in all areas of life, and our basic needs—oxygen, water, food, shelter, and love—are universal. Yet, some of us cannot suppress our desires to dominate others, which may be linked to inherent traits. While we are capable of great compassion, our desire for dominance and the politics of belonging often lead to violence against the weak and vulnerable.

Reflect on where you personally stand. Can you control your animalistic desires to dominate, or are you a humble, compassionate, and loving spiritual being? Being honest with yourself will place you in a balanced state. If you fail to understand the importance of this balance, you might act purely on instinct or let others manipulate you. We are often taught to choose extremes: to be either with God or the Devil, without acknowledging our human complexity. Understanding your true identity and achieving balance between your animal and spiritual sides will lead to spiritual fulfillment. If you choose to live purely as an animal or, metaphorically, as the Devil, you will miss out on spiritual growth. Conversely, if you focus solely on spiritual devotion, you might miss out on the physical joys of life.

You have been blessed with your personal atom of autonomy, allowing you to be the CEO of your life. Unlike angels, who are devoid of desires and consequences, humans have the capacity to make choices. This capability places us ahead of angels, as we act out of choice rather than necessity. We are spiritual entities experiencing a physical existence. If you choose an extreme path, it’s your choice alone, and you should not blame your religious group or God for an unfulfilled life. God and others are not responsible for your decisions. If your religion encourages living like an angel, there are likely political motives behind this philosophy. As a human, you should embrace your nature without guilt. God might say, “I gave you autonomy to be the CEO of your life, but you chose not to live fully as a human.” With your autonomy and role as CEO, you can understand yourself better and nurture both your spiritual and physical aspects to feel comfortable in your mortal existence. A well-balanced individual cannot be swayed by simplistic reward-and-punishment philosophies or the politics of belonging, as they are spiritually aware and secure within themselves.