This title was intentionally misleading.
I’m not here to say religion is completely useless or to bash anyone's beliefs. In fact, I think having faith in something bigger than yourself is one of the most important things you can do. Religion, at its core, provides a sense of purpose, comfort, and a set of principles to guide us through this chaotic life. But here's where I have a problem: modern-day religions often overcomplicate these principles and sometimes miss the mark on what really matters.
I only have a problem with people who don't follow any religious values.
Religion, in its purest form, should be about living a life of meaning, kindness, and growth. Unfortunately, many religious systems seem to be more concerned with rules and rituals than with the bigger picture. This brings me to my biggest debate against modern religion, and it’s a question I’ve yet to find a satisfying answer to.
The North Korea Argument: My Dispute with Mainstream Religion
When discussing religion, I always ask one critical question:
Do North Koreans go to hell?
Think about this for a second. You have millions of people in North Korea who were born into an environment where they’re taught to worship their leader as a god. They didn’t choose this life, they were born into it, with little to no chance of ever hearing about your particular religion or its teachings. So, are they doomed to eternal damnation simply because they had no way to learn about your faith?
If your answer is “Yes, they go to hell,” then I’m sorry, but that’s not a heaven I personally want to be a part of. I can’t accept a version of heaven that would punish innocent people who never had the opportunity to know any different. To me, it feels fundamentally unjust to condemn someone based on the circumstances they were born into, rather than the choices they made. I will gladly suffer with them in hell.
On the other hand, if your answer is “No, they won’t go to hell,” then this raises a different question: why do I need to follow every rule in your book to get into heaven? If simply being a good person, doing my best, and living a life of kindness can get me to the same place, then why should I have to accept all the specific rules and rituals that come with your religion? It suggests that what really matters is the core principle of being good, rather than strict adherence to any one belief system.
BELIEVE IN SOMETHING
Here’s the thing: I’m not against believing in a higher power or living by a moral code. In fact, I think everyone should have a belief system that encourages them to be better. But I don’t think you need to subscribe to a rigid set of rules to find purpose and meaning in life. What matters most is that you believe in something bigger than yourself—whether that’s a traditional religion, a personal philosophy, or just the idea of making the world a little bit better every day.
My Beliefs: Living a Life That Matters
So, what do I believe in? It’s pretty simple, really. Here are the principles I choose to live by:
Do More Good Than Bad
This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. We’re all going to mess up; that’s part of being human. But at the end of the day, aim to have a positive impact on the world around you. Help others when you can, be kind, and strive to make the world a little bit better than you found it.Create More Than You Consume
We were put here to create—whether that’s building a business, nurturing relationships, or raising the next generation. Contribute something of value that lasts beyond your lifetime. Life isn’t about taking up space; it’s about leaving something behind that matters.There Are No Clear Rules
Life isn’t black and white, and morality doesn’t come with a step-by-step guide. Just do your best to be a decent human being. Treat others with respect, be honest, and try to understand the world from perspectives other than your own.Be Ready to Die Tomorrow
Live each day as if it’s your last. Not in a reckless way, but in a way that makes you proud of the life you’ve lived. Have you helped others? Have you created something meaningful? Have you made the most of your time here? If you can answer “yes,” then you’re on the right path.Never Quit, Even When It’s Hard
Life is full of challenges, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the real test is in how you respond. Keep pushing forward, keep growing, and don’t let setbacks define you. You’re here for a reason, and every struggle is an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.Focus on the Future
God created us and gave us a path or the ability to live his path (if you believe in pre-destination). But if God didn't in giving you any free will then there's no point of playing this beautiful game of life. But if he created us to create. Then make decisions as if you were a smaller creator. Create the foundations for the next generation, for your kids.
Living a Life That Propels Humanity Forward
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to live a life that not only makes you proud but also helps others along the way. We all have a responsibility to build something that can be passed down to the next generation—whether that’s a legacy, a family, or a world that’s a little bit kinder and more compassionate than the one we inherited.
You don’t need a specific religion to do this. You just need a belief in something bigger than yourself. So, whatever you choose to believe in, make sure it drives you to be a better person, to create more than you consume, and to build a foundation that the next generation can stand on.
Because in the end, that’s what really matters. Not the rituals, not the rules, but the impact you leave behind. Believe in something that makes you want to be better—and then go out and live it
.