Cookie Jars

I am starting to realize how difficult it is to change my programming. No, not the programming on the VCR. I'm talking about the accumulation of messages we receive from others during our formative years. We are told this is good, while the other is bad. If you do this, you will be liked and accepted or more holy, but if you do that you will be outcast or shunned, or in danger of hell fire. We internalize these messages. They become part of our makeup. They become part of how we view the world. It is why we feel guilty about some things. And I for one don't like to feel guilty. I'm sure I'm not the only one. In fact, that is why there are so many methods that we humans have developed to rid ourselves of these feelings. We can go down to the alter on Sunday, or say 15 Hail Marys, or pay resistution; whatever it takes. The list is probably as long as what people can imagine.

The thing is that if even if you choose to not feel guilty, the feelings will be there none the less. I know that's how it is with me. In my mind, I know that there is nothing wrong with certain things. But that's what I've been taught. Not just from my parents, but from my culture, my society, my church. Yet, because of my programming, I still must endure the pangs of guilt. This is no way to live. Why do we cripple our children by teaching them ridiculous things, that make no rational sense, but are adhered to because it is what we were taught; and the previous generation was taught, ad infinitum. Who's bright idea was it that it is a "sin" to go to the movies, or go to dances, or drink alcohol, or become intimate with the love of your life before doing the vow thing. All these things are means to control people. They are not about living. They don't make someone better or worse.

This is why religion to me is not about life. It's about control. Somebody has to be in control, and that requires someone to be controlled. If people are out of control, then there is no order. No predictability. This is what religions have done throughout the centuries. If people didn't behave a certain way, they were shunned, or labeled a heretic, excommunicated, or told they are "backslidden." By the way, you can only backslide if you go down a Slip 'N' Slide feet first.

Okay now I'm feeling guilty for writing this...what's that about?????