Chapter 1: Understanding Religion

Religion can be viewed as a framework for ethical relationships, particularly in the context of marriage. I perceive Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as interconnected belief systems, all promoting similar moral values. Ultimately, marriage embodies the essence of religion. It is irrelevant whether one has studied religious texts, attends services weekly, or engages in charitable acts. The foundational idea of religion is that humanity and the divine came together to establish a code of conduct for society.

In the Hebrew Bible, the story of Abraham illustrates this concept, where he preferred Sarah, not just for her looks but for her intellect and conversational skills, over his more passionate mistress, Haggar. Sarah became the mother of Isaac, while Haggar gave birth to Ishmael. This narrative continues with Isaac's lineage leading to the Jewish people, while Haggar's descendants became the Arabs.

Currently, the relevance of religion is being questioned; many argue that it is becoming obsolete. Science can convey the same truths as religion, often more efficiently. Personally, I believe that the most effective belief system is one devoid of faith. The foundations of early Christianity were influenced by Egyptian science and Hebrew ethics, which included an understanding of marriage laws. The primary purpose of marriage is procreation, establishing a commitment to create a family. While a man may engage in sexual relations outside of marriage, the act of coitus is meant to be reserved for the marital relationship, as it plays a crucial role in bringing new life into the world.

Life presents numerous challenges. We are young for only 18 years before we must transition into education and the workforce. Many individuals cling to their high school dreams throughout adulthood, often finding themselves in careers unrelated to their passions. Recognizing the difficulties of life, we should move beyond the debate of religion versus science and instead focus on universal truths that resonate with everyone.

America is undergoing significant transformations, largely fueled by advancements in technology and the internet. I remain hopeful that this generation can address critical issues, including sexuality, gender identity, and racial identity. These topics, while seemingly distinct, share a commonality: the physical reality remains unchanged, merely existing as is.

Thus, I embrace a secular, pragmatic, and open-minded perspective. This essay aims to highlight the parallels between marriage and religion, suggesting that those who uphold the institution of marriage inherently believe in the tenets of religion.

As a fun fact, even lobsters are known to form lifelong bonds.

The first video titled "What is Religion?" explores the definition and significance of religion in human life, providing insights into its role in society.

The second video, also titled "What is Religion?", delves into various belief systems and their impact on personal and cultural identity.