Perhaps the single most significant problem in western society is the lack of religious conviction. The lack of piety in America can be viewed on its face and it's no secret that our administration also treats religion as a mere sport (by in large).
Sure Christianity is the "American Way," but does Christianity have a profound impact on society? If it doesn't, it is a empirical reflection of those who practice Christianity, for man makes religion profound; religion does not make man.
What I mean by that is no matter how pious the religion or path may be, it takes someone to use the religion or path as vehicle to perfection in order for the masses to certify the legitimacy of the said faith. And though it is written in most holy books, apparently it is difficult for humans to except the notion that the ways of the world only bring pain and suffering.
When you turn on the news you see it. When you go to the club, it is on full blast, and sadly when you go to religious institutions, folly is prevalent as ever before. What is the solution to this problem? I believe that man must treat religion/spirituality as if it is a part of his inherent nature. Only God can give us the faculties to be upright and pious and it is through His mercy that we are able to use these faculties for the upliftment of ourselves and others.
However, it became clear to me at an early age that religion for most is closer to being "child's play," rather than it being on the forefront of the majority's hearts and minds. Sadly, until we as a nation begin to place emphasis on pious principles, our fate will ultimately be doomed.
Of course, for me, the revelation by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) holds all the keys to establish a nation that God would be proud of. Islam is unique because it clearly makes it known that lukewarmness is not the way to God's heart. The Quran of Mecca points this out clearly in the following Sura:
"Such as took their religion to be mere amusement and play, and were deceived by the life of the world...for We had certainly sent to them a Book based on knowledge, which We explained in detail- a guide and a mercy to all who believe (7:51)."
That means, as much as we would like to get on our death bed and ask for forgiveness of all our sins in our entire life, we know that God is much smarter than that. After all, He is the all knowing and most Beneficent one, and He is just and holds ALL our deeds on a balance scale.
My point is, in order for us to live up to the standards of God, being lukewarm is not the key. It takes courage and strength to uphold righteous pillars, to not blend in with the ways of the world, and to refute behaviors, laws and actions that are against the divine scheme of things. However, it must be done. If it is not done, you will end up with a nation that has no morals, no significant spiritual precedent, no reverence for the throne of God, and no understanding of what it truly means to walk in the path of the pious ones.
-Neo decides to investigate the feeling he has inside of himself that makes him aware of the crooked ways of the world.
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