Loveday Writing

Write a letter to God**

Dear God,

Are you out there? Do you really exist? I guess I won’t know until I die.

I’ve always held the belief that you exist, or if not you, that a higher power does. I’ve always felt that life is a combination of what I make of it and my destiny being pre-mapped. The analogy I like to use is that I can be told where I need to go but how I get there is up to me.

When you created the world in six days, did you imagine or know that it would turn out like this? Evolution of humanity, wars, natural disasters, inventions, racism, sexism, crime, technological evolution–do you like the world today? Do you hate it? Was it all part of your plan? What’s next…can you give me a hint?

I’ve always held the belief that religious beliefs come out of an individual’s interpretation of the text. The biggest two issues that devout Christians have different interpretations about from the Bible is homosexuality and abortion. I hold the belief that homosexuality and abortion are NOT sins, unfortunately not everyone feels the same way. When I see media coverage of devout Christians outside of abortion clinics, it makes my blood boil. What planet do they live on that they believe that harassing and intimidating women about a decision that is none of their business, somehow makes them a good Christian? Where in the Bible does it say that those actions make them a good Christian? What do you think of their actions? In regards to their views on homosexuality, if they think marriage is so sacred why don’t they believe in outlawing divorce again? There’s also a part of me that wonders what they’ll do if their children turn out to be gay, because it’s definitely not Christian to disown your child just for being who they are.

How do you feel about other religions? How do you feel about Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam? A lot of people cast judgement on others based on their religion, in Australia it’s judgement towards Islam. I personally don’t care what a person’s religion is as long as they are a good person.

My views on religion are mixed. I felt that as a child, my mother forced religion on me, that being said, I do have fond memories of Sunday School, being a part of the Church choir and taking part in Church activities. I can’t say that I’m not religious because I celebrate Easter and Christmas, but I don’t feel the need to go to Church and I personally think religion is oppressive. How do you feel about people like me and those who aren’t religious or atheist?

Anyway, I think that’s all I’ve got to say to you for now. If you do exist and I get to meet you, I hope I have a long wait as I want to live for as long as I can.

Kind Regards,

Rachel Loveday.

**Reference: Marsden J 1998, Everything I Know About Writing, Pan Macmillan, Australia.