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Raised Roman Catholic, to my family this meant I must believe in Jesus, go to confession every Saturday, attend Sunday Mass, and never, ever, miss Catechism instructions. At a very young age, an only child from a brief WWII marriage, it did not take long to realize my mother, grandmother, and other relatives never followed the Church's rules. However, all expected me to do as they said, not as they did. My father, divorced, was an atheist, and would discuss his views when I asked him – which I did not often do.
The religious contradictions within my family were similar to those I discovered while being taught Roman Catholic principles. I always remember the wonderful teachings of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, I remained haunted as I was told of vengeful suffering I would receive from God’s wrath, should I break one of his commandments by cursing, telling lies, touching myself in my private area for too long - never did learn what too long was - or consider other religions, Spiritualists, or Atheist dogma. This made my young life a little difficult, because I never discussed my father’s ideals, who I remember as a very kind and loving man - but an Atheist.
As I matured from a God fearing child to a bewildered adult, I paid little attention to my families’ lack of consistency between what they told me to do, and what I observed them and others doing. More difficult was my inability to reconcile the contradictions, possessiveness and inconsistency of my Catholic upbringing. As an 18 year old Marine in Vietnam I struggled to understand why a loving God allowed the carnage, and emotional trauma of war. Often, wondering whose side He was really on. However, battles are not a place to search for God, they are horrendous conditions where you need to believe God is on your side.
Life of course has passed too quickly. However, time has given me an opportunity to reflect on my life, and write a story that pertains to the consistent unanswered questions I have grappled with throughout my life. Similar questions my children expressed at their bewilderment of religions' contradictory teachings, and self-anointed ownership of God.
The book's theme is not to proclaim the character has found all the answers to the riddles of life. It is simply one man’s fictional journey [based on religious and secular facts] to find his individual solution regarding God, religion and secular beliefs. His journey seeks answers to questions, such as; does God truly exist? If so, whose side is He on - Jews, Christians, Muslims, or one of hundreds of other religions? How accurate are the scriptures, and which ideology should he follow? As well, why God allows disasters, death, molestation, starvation, and other inhuman atrocities to be committed in His name? Or, are Atheists correct, and religion is man’s ancient tool for controlling mankind?
“Looking for God within the Kingdom of Religious Confusion” is entertaining, educational, factual, and offers those individuals seeking God, other spirituality, or secular views some 'food for thought' about differing beliefs. Sankara Saranam, author of the acclaimed book; ‘God without Religion’ said of this story; "…this book is then both a bridge to nonfiction works that discuss religion in greater depth, as well as a map out of the confusion religions have wrought in the name of one God.”
My story is not intended, nor attempts, to change the readers beliefs. It is simply one man's journey to find his personal answers, to open his mind to determine the road(s) he will travel.