Why Music? Pt2

Theology/Mythology

Being born to liberal parents, I was always encouraged to ask questions. So I did.

One of the biggest questions I wanted to know was why do my Catholic neighbors believe differently from my Dutch Reformed Grandparents when they both of their religion sprouts from the same book. Even though I asked this early in my life, it wasn't until high school when I started looking into different religions.

From dating a Mormon girl and going to service with her, to watching my Wiccan perform prayers to their pantheon. I asked what and why they believed. For the most part the reason was because it was what they have always known, the religion of their parents. Some believed because they would fear the alternative, which they were told was an eternity of torture. Others believed, or didn't believe, because it just "suited them."

As I grew through college I took a few religion classes, and they fascinated me. For a month or two, unbenounced to my parents, I minored in Theology. But I stopped for two reasons; 1- the class work took time away from practicing and rehearsals and concerts. 2- I found the teaching and lessons to be very one-sided. By that I mean my lessons were more of how the teachers religion was correct when Islam or Catholic was wrong or a misinterpretation of "The Book." But when I talked to a Muslim, he was right and the Christian theology was wrong. It was at this point that I adoptied a new outlook, "if one is to understand the great mystery one must study all its aspects." -To quote a geek movie phrase-

So I looked into Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, (Buddhism is more of a philosophy than a religion) and even did some reading on the history of the Bible. And though my journey I have learned a great deal of different ideologies and beliefs, I seem to cannot get enough information. What causes people to believe something so patiently that they would disown their own children, or even kill a stranger because they have a difference in belief?

So I study on. I read cases for and against a God so I can form my own opinion. I cannot help it. It is like a drug that I need. A thirst for knowledge that cannot be quenched, like Tantilis. Or a self inflicted council of Nicaea ruffling through pages of what some people believe to be true. As I continue, I do not expect to ever learn some great truth or revelation, but as one of my greatest teachers have taught me, "It isn't the destination that is important. It is your journey."