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What's In a Name
North Miami Beach, FL February 10, 2001 Aaron H.
Schectman
THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then, Opinions pro or con are welcome.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
My mother used to make a distinction about "religious" people. She
observed that they were "pious." She meant that you can see by their
behavior that they practice their religion. Some go down on their knees,
and some make crosses on their bodies. Others publicly get dunked in
streams garbed in white robes and yet others wear distinctive clothing,
shave their heads or never cut their beards. These probably are the pious
among us. My mother was concerned by what was in their hearts and minds.
Another word for religion is "faith". Some have faith in a supreme
supernatural being. Some have faith in a sacrificial "son" of that supreme
supernatural being. Others have a list of do's and don'ts and follow these
religiously. "The faith of your fathers" means that you are adhering to and
following a tradition. In some ways being faithful to your ancestor's ways
is very religious. My mother had a simplistic faith about doing unto
others...
"Belief" is another way of expressing feelings about religion and other
matters. To be without belief is sometimes called "God-less". Some people
who have no belief in "God" may believe strongly about other things. It
sometimes gets confusing. My mother had many beliefs - some of which she
passed on to me.
What's in a name? Names are very important especially when dealing with a
person's religion. The first thing kids ask when the winter holiday season
comes around is whether you are "Christmas" or "Chanukah". In certain areas
the concern is if you observe "Kwanzah". It is also a bit awkward to note
that not all those who follow Muhammad believe in complete submission to
Allah. Some separate out religious belief and believe in people governing
themselves.
What's in a name? The present government of the United States endorses
"Faith-based" charities. This government is betting that most people in
America will accept it to be creed-less and harmless. Others may see this
to mean private religious control of public monies to help the needy.
People who are allowed to think have the belief that Organized Religions
should stay out of government. What do you think? Carol's Evaluation: 9 out
of 10.
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