Remembering an incident when I chose the song "Losing My Religion" from R.E.M to be enjoyed, a friend spontaneously asked, "Have you truly lost religion, huh?". In my heart, this kind of question is difficult to explain, especially for those whose minds are not open enough and their logic is not sufficient. Sorry, didn't mean to be arrogant.
Some close friends know a little about my mind, especially religious matters. Therefore, such questions are very commonplace. Because my thinking about religion is a little different from what most people understand.
There was also a friend who visited the room and said, “There are also many collections of books about religion. Usually, those who often read religious books become more religious, but you don't look religious. " In response, I just smiled faintly.
In my heart I whispered again, it would be quite long and difficult to understand to explain. This is because religion for most people is considered very sacred and untouchable. Let alone questioning, doubting it is considered a big sin. It's a bit difficult to discuss religion with someone who has this kind of frame of mind.
Meanwhile, I went a little further. Questioning religious dogmas. Doubting the authority of the scholars in religious matters. Doubting the validity of the interpretation, let alone the translation of scriptural texts. To seek the existence of God in the houses of worship of each religion. Yes, I was so restless.
All these doubts are not without reason. Dogma passed down through tradition, just fed without any testing of truth. We just believe in anything covered with the word "religious teachings". Perception is blurred because it is formed from a priori knowledge which tradition forces forcibly implanted into the unconscious. Indoctrinated without a chance to question.
I believe that truth from the human head must not be absolute. The dogma that humans acquire through the attempt to interpret God verses certainly has the potential for error. Truth, for me, requires a strict filter, not just instilled like doctrines and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
The clerical authority is also confusing. They have many different opinions. Claim each other's truth. Therefore, no authoritative institution has the right to claim that its opinion is the absolute truth. All must depend on the space-time context. So, can I find the truth myself? Without sticking to any authority?
My doubts on the authority of the clergy are not limited to the present, but especially with the authority of the past. This is because the opinions of past scholars have a greater chance of losing their relevance to the present, because of differences in challenges, culture, context and psychology.
I believe that God verses are not only written in scriptural texts. It also lies in all walks of life. One of the instruments for understanding God verses is the reason. Because there is no religion for people who have no sense. Intellect is a gift from God that makes humans occupy the noblest position in His creation. It must be used as much as possible as a form of gratitude.
I fully understand the limitations of reason. Therefore, reason, which is also used by commentators to translate the text of the scriptures is also likely to be wrong. God verses listed in the holy book need to be correlated with other God verses scattered in the universe. If they are not correlated, then the biblical text becomes lost. It is no longer a guide. It is not comprehensive.
Nature, which includes all events such as human social interactions, physical events, chemical reactions, and so on are also God verses. The verse means sign. For me, everything in this world is a sign of God existence. Therefore, all of God verses must be relevant to become a guide that leads the reader on the path of salvation.
Science is in charge of interpreting God verses scattered in the universe. The interpretation of scripture texts that contradicts science is obsolete. How could God verses contradict each other? Quoting Ibnu Rusyd, "the truth cannot be contradictory, it should reinforce each other". To me, those who reject science on the grounds of being contrary to religion are the ones who misread the instructions.
However, it should also be noted that science is not absolute. People who regard science as absolute are also mistaken in reading the instructions. Once again, science is tasked with interpreting the verses of God scattered in the universe.
It is the same as the authority of the ulama in the field of religion, which is in charge of interpreting God verses in the holy book. There is not a single attempt at interpreting that comes to absolute truth. This is because absolute truth belongs only to the master of truth, namely God.
Humans are only required to try and seek. True-false and win-lose are not judged. Using a lay analogy, will we be asked how much we have in the afterlife? Not. (he said) the question is where do we get the treasure and what is it used for? There is no reward for the rich for succeeding and the poor for failing. What is judged is merely effort.
Furthermore, I argue that religion is not an identity. Religion is not static like identity. Once you are Javanese you will forever be Javanese. Once Islam will continue to be Islam (as long as it is not apostate). Not. Religion can't be so simplistic as that. Religion is dynamic, changing depending on the individual who adheres to it.
If you are a Muslim on your Identity Card, then you are guaranteed to go to heaven, even though you will be tortured for a while in hell. Life is so easy. So, what happens to our brothers and sisters in Italy (for example) who have been indoctrinated to become Catholic from a young age? How come they go to hell because they obey their parents (just like us Muslims because we obey the words of our parents)? Who told them not to seek guidance? Loh, is the information about Islam there and here the same? Think for yourself.
I agree with Emha Ainun Najib, "today you can be Muslim, tomorrow you can be an kafir. It's an kafir, one hour to become a Muslim". When we do wrong, we immediately become kafir. Yes, when we do something that is not right then we disbelieve. Because kafir means covering up the truth. This is the religion that I understand, not rigid and frozen. It is flexible and fluid.
Religion as a way of salvation for mankind should be able to lead humans to a safe path. Indirectly, it serves to prosper humanity. I think being religious automatically makes one human. Because he must help other humans to tread the path of salvation. He must fill himself with affection for fellow human beings.
If there is a person who becomes religious without being a humanist, he may just wear a robe. If anyone becomes religious without serving humanity, for me, he is selfish. Only thinking about his safety in the hereafter, there is no love for fellow humans. Forgetting the function of religion as a guide for mankind.
