choices

 There is the question of religion and religious belief. It is something that appears to be on the decline here in America. And in my opinion, I have mentioned this before, the trend is toward a more convenient faith. One filled more with entertainment and proclamations rather than repentance. But beyond that it is my feeling that the purpose of religion is to establish the rules. That is to say, the determination of right and wrong. There are many, and this isn't anything new, that feel right and wrong are flexible states and change over time and circumstance. All the while those same people will tell you the word of God is infallible, inflexible, a constant in the universe. It is only in the interpretation of his word that man fails. Now that's convenient and has been utilized over the centuries many times. Perhaps the most notable use of that reasoning was with the protestant reformation. That was when Martin Luther and others decided the Pope was not the direct representative of God here on earth. It was an acknowledgment that the Pope was just a man like you and I. Being a protestant I do agree with that. But setting all of that aside what is the purpose of religious faith? Is it ultimate consequence or ultimate reward?
 My thinking is this, when I was young and receiving instruction in religious matters I was taught a simple lesson, I was taught disobedience led to ultimate consequence. In short, screw up and you go to hell. That was the lesson plan. Yes, he is a loving God and will forgive those that ask with true repentance in their hearts. Thing is, you have to mean it, asking isn't enough. Penance is due. And what is penance? Self punishment is the answer. That means holding yourself accountable for whatever wrongdoing you have committed. Forgiveness, from your God, stems from that act; performing the penance; not simply asking. But the reasoning has changed. Now we are saying if the Bible or whatever religious document you follow, doesn't explicitly say I can't, that means I can. Very convenient when you know what you are doing is wrong but want to do it anyway. It is the same reasoning being used in civil law today. It doesn't say I can't, therefore I can. There is no ultimate consequence, only reward. And that reward is simply what I want, has nothing to do with what is right. If I want it, it's right. As I said, not the way I was taught.
 The thing is we are talking about consequence beyond death. That is the basis of faith, the belief that there is something beyond this mortal earth. It is also the belief that we can control, to a degree, what that next " circumstance " will be. It all depends upon the consequences of our choices in this life. If you believe your choices do not have any consequence after your death, you most likely aren't concerned with faith, or the practicing of that. And then there is the question of ultimate consequence or ultimate reward. Christians, at least this Christian, was taught to not seek reward for the sake of reward, but rather to do right for the sake of right. Reward is given to those that earn it, not those that ask for it.
 The same should apply in society. There must be consequences, before reward. It's what we call the law. You don't get to violate the law whenever you choose to do so without paying the price for that decision. Just asking for forgiveness isn't enough. There must be consequences. The removal of consequence only encourages further wrongdoing. That is the reason for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Those documents are the law! Changing those documents is like changing the Bible. A new interpretation usually to allow a choice without consequence. And isn't that the ultimate goal in all of this? Choice without consequence? Well, depends on what you believe. Personally I believe there will be consequences.