Generally, it is widely accepted by religious people that religion is supposed to make you a better person. God loves everyone, God does not want people to be hurt...
Yet throughout history we have seen some of the most atrocious crimes against humanity committed ”in God’s name.” The people who commit these crimes claim to have been called upon by God. It’s easy to “other” them and say they were deceived, *my* God would never do that, *my* religion would never ask that of me, *I* am a righteous servant, *I* make the world a better place.
Isn’t that exactly what went through the minds of those evil people? Were they not saying exactly what you’re saying now?
It is always important to check your religion. Not in the “check your religion at the door” sense where you stop being who your religion wants you to be in certain settings, but check in with what YOU believe (not what your religion tells you to believe), check in with God, make sure you’re making decisions that actually make the world a better place. Consider if *this* belief or action is hurting someone, and yes, that includes specifically people who look and/or live differently than you.
“Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed. Has anyone’s burden been lighter today because I was willing to share? Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there?” (LDS Hymn # 223 “Have I Done Any Good?” By Will L. Thompson)
