Albanians are very respectful of others’ religious beliefs. Various mosques and churches are within walking distance in the center of the city. Everyone celebrates their religious holidays openly, proudly, without fear of being judged, harassed, or murdered.
During Ramadan or Christmas, I always become hyper-aware of religious hypocrisy, the gap between what religious people preach and what they practice.
Religious Hypocrisy is nauseating.
Most religious people are walking contradictions, thinking they’re better solely because of their faith. It’s as if believing in God grants them the right to become it.
I’ve written about What God Is (To Me), but here’s what faith isn’t.
It’s not moral superiority or a free pass to be judgemental towards others.
It’s not the belief your God is better or that you are better because you believe in a (specific) God.
If we’re going to use faith as a shield, let us use it against actual evil: malice, vice, corruption, abuse, not against each other.
Festivities should remind us to focus on what’s important and on ways to help others and feel closer to them, rather than be a day of further separation from the “others”.
After all, aren’t we all equal in the eyes of God, whoever God is to you? Aren’t we all inherently worthy and deserving of love?
Start practicing what you preach today. Or tomorrow, or whenever, I’m sure God is patient and understanding.