Of God, Gods and being Humane

For far too long I have been - for want of a better word - an "atheist".

I find it impossible to believe in the existence of a "God" (or multitudes of them) that is all knowing, all seeing, omnipresent etc. I do not believe in a 'divine plan' for mankind. 

I do hasten to confess, however, that I have no problem in going to temples (usually at the behest of the wife - 'god' save me from her looks if I don't!) or other places of worship. 

Including churches. Which are, generally, a bit cleaner and a lot quieter than many temples (with a few notable exceptions - Udupi, Sringeri, almost all the temples in Kerala) 

My familiarity with churches is a throwback to my school days, from classes 1 through 10. Studying in Christ Church High School, in Madras, a school that was built around a church, one could not but get real familiar with it. A towering, elegant steeple, a pristine prayer hall that had stained glass windows, nice comfortable pews AND a superb pipe organ - AND one Mr V Abraham, a history teacher who had a divine touch on the piano as well as with this magnificent pipe organ.

Memories of "church days" are usually memories of sitting comfortably on the benches under the blades of huge, really huge ceiling fans that rotated slowly, listening to the Padre's sleep inducing sermons and then standing up now and again to sing hymns in praise of Our Lord... 

Even then around the time I got to 9th or so, the first stirrings of questioning thought had been born. The seeds of un-belief were taking root in this rebellious mind.

In the years since I've been to temples, churches, gurudwaras and mosques, often as a tourist does, looking at the marvellous structures that man has built to glorify his Gods. 

I will not get into a debate with those who believe - you have your belief, it gives you strength and more. I'm glad for you - leave me to my godless world, in peace.

But I am, today, thinking. It is Easter, after all, and as the Christian world rejoices in the Resurrection of Christ, all those years of sermons by absolutely well meaning pastors ignite a small memory. 

What was Christ's message to man?

Did He not say, during the Sermon on the Mount, that He would introduce a new standard of righteousness that expanded on the Ten Commandments, which were at the heart of  Moses' law’s of prohibitions and commandments. “Thou shalt not kill” was no longer enough; Christ required His followers to reject hatred, be forgiving, and even love their enemies. He asked the people to change their hearts as well as their actions..

Are we worthy of Him, of His sacrifice? Even within the Christian world have we not riven His teachings into so many sectarian walls that war among themselves in His name?..

And in His name, or more accurately, under the PRETENCE of His name how many wars have been waged? 

If humanity can return to the basics of Humane thought, do we need Gods? 

Humane living. Now THAT is something I will subscribe to. Vasudaiva kutumbakam.... Like Christ's teachings, an ideal.