My only qualm concerning organized religion is its systematic, immediate belittling of my self-esteem; due to the mere fact that I do not believe in something I simply cannot place my beliefs in. I still admire my supreme being, the one who lives and reigns over me; the one who granted me the power to establish my own choices; the one who granted me the sacred breath of life, the one who mandates my legitimacy and morality; but when my ecclesiastical superior orders me to repent for engaging in unscrupulous behavior, I am reluctant to apologize. My religion has equitably harmed me in addition to the assistance it has provided me, as I venture through the vicissitudes of life. It has equitably made me more of an individual, yet diminished my being.
I have come to the realization that man should be his own god, or supreme being; that man is an end in himself, and therefore establish the choices that subsequently formulate life. One should hold themselves and their accomplishments sacred; one should govern themselves. The role that an extant supreme being holds in the life of an individual is significant; however one should not make worship their main focus nor initiative. One should strive for internal gratification; but a means to accomplish this is not to worship another, but by worshipping themselves.
For how one pledge allegiance to another when they have not pledged allegiance to themselves?