Victim of Religion

I hope by now many of you realize I will be donating most of the proceeds from ,”Above His Shoulders” to treatment centers for children. My philosophy is to finally start giving back to society. Not only victims of abuse but all types of charities as well as others that I come upon along my path in life. The karmic thread is alive and well. Just as I begin to think I have seen it all and have crossed over the fifth decade in my life I become sadly surprised by another religious atrocity.

I wanted to donate my time at a local charity that serves the impoverished, and those that frequent the card board boxes they call home. I was presented with a form. A form I had to sign in order to donate, yes DONATE my time to help and give care to other human beings that needed help. Let me begin by stating I have donated time to Native American reservations, signed a multitude of forms to donate time in Africa, and have never,NEVER ran across a form like this.

The form begins with twelve brief quotes from the Bible. Some are interpretations, others are exact quotes. For example. ” We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman” ( Genesis 2:24;19:5; Leviticus 18:1-30 etc.

“We believe all men are sinners by nature.” and on and on and on. There were two lines at the bottom of this form that I HAD TO SIGN IN ORDER TO WORK THERE, AND DONATE MY TIME. They are as follows:

I have read the above and agree with it. or As a volunteer, I have read the above and underlined these words which I do not agree. I will not speak or act contrary to the above in my capacity.

NO, I AM NOT EMBELLISHING THIS. Questions clearly arise by the truck load. What if someone is truly caring?truly dedicated to help?  Now they have to either lie about what they do not believe in, risk being questioned or not volunteer. What about the Jewish? The Muslim that want to help? Yes there is a line to give you the out and still volunteer but they want you to disclose what you specifically disagree with. Intrusive? Invasive? Is this what God, Jesus Christ would want? I was under the notion that Our Lord, Our Savior taught us, look down on no man.

Needless to say I have lost all respect for this organization. My heart is very sad at the narrow minded views, the shallowness and at the expense of those in terrible , terrible need. My God what an atrocity. Where are we going in our society? In order to help, in order to give back we have to disclose religious preference, sign a form or we are not allowed to be altruistic. What is next, forms and documents to be signed before shaking hands, giving hugs, dispersing gifts of kindness. Have we not done enough damge in the name of God. The deaths of Native Americans as we tried to convert them to our religion. No, we will inhibit others to help others by putting addendums on forms. You must believe THIS WAY or you cannot help, or you must disclose what you do not believe in. UGGGH.  I am appalled.

I will continue, to give back, I will continue to give to charities just not this blinded,hypocritical group.

Become a fan on facebook. See the photographs of the actual oak tree and the authors home, as well as a sneak peak at the new book. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Above-His-Shoulders/274131107309?ref=nf