I assume that such feelings extend likewise to those that would exploit the members of their flock...? Be it financially or otherwise.
[His voice is even, not seeming to pass judgement one way or another; it's not something he discusses openly, but he's had more than his share of experiences with religious institutions that did...interesting things to their congregations in the name of praise and worship.]
[ It doesn't sound like this is even worth being called a question to Mikami. ]
In many ways, abusing faith for one's own pleasure and gain is worth than having no faith at all. I don't have any problems with people who live ethical lives without consciously devoting themselves to the teachings of a deity. They are offering better worship than faulty religious figures ever could.
[He sounds neither pleased nor displeased with this notion; it's just an assessment.]
Devotion in and of itself runs a fairly broad spectrum, whether it be to a deity or to one's morals and principles alone. I've always held great respect for those who maintain that devotion, particularly when challenged; it isn't as simple as some would make it out to be. Tests of faith - whether religious or otherwise - are rarely as insurmountable as they seem, and those that grasp that have a strength that deserves recognition.
[ Now this? This is speaking Mikami's language. He always looks stern and attentive, but hearing his own thoughts stated back at him makes him also look alive, a certain passion flaring in his eyes. ]
Exactly. There is much talk of circumstance forcing one to act against their beliefs one way or another, but I have found that many times these explanations are nothing more than excuses for one's own lack of conviction.
Being tested comes with sacrifice and setbacks, that is for sure, but persevering is worth it, even outside of being its own reward.
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divinesight) wrote2020-02-21 08:46 pm
no subject
[His voice is even, not seeming to pass judgement one way or another; it's not something he discusses openly, but he's had more than his share of experiences with religious institutions that did...interesting things to their congregations in the name of praise and worship.]
no subject
[ It doesn't sound like this is even worth being called a question to Mikami. ]
In many ways, abusing faith for one's own pleasure and gain is worth than having no faith at all. I don't have any problems with people who live ethical lives without consciously devoting themselves to the teachings of a deity. They are offering better worship than faulty religious figures ever could.
no subject
[He sounds neither pleased nor displeased with this notion; it's just an assessment.]
Devotion in and of itself runs a fairly broad spectrum, whether it be to a deity or to one's morals and principles alone. I've always held great respect for those who maintain that devotion, particularly when challenged; it isn't as simple as some would make it out to be. Tests of faith - whether religious or otherwise - are rarely as insurmountable as they seem, and those that grasp that have a strength that deserves recognition.
no subject
Exactly. There is much talk of circumstance forcing one to act against their beliefs one way or another, but I have found that many times these explanations are nothing more than excuses for one's own lack of conviction.
Being tested comes with sacrifice and setbacks, that is for sure, but persevering is worth it, even outside of being its own reward.