On God and other earthly matters

I am not an atheist. I am not a believer either. Call me a confused agnostic.

I have always had mixed feelings towards matters pertaining to the existence of God and other religious matters. On one hand, I don't participate in many rites and rituals, while on the other, I have no qualms in performing certain symbolic rituals if it doesn't strike me as particularly offensive.

A few years back, my family and I went on a trip down south. In one of the temples there, I saw a sign proclaiming that non-Brahmins were not allowed into the temple premises. This in a country that is supposedly secular!

A new concept of premium entry was introduced to me in these abodes of God. If you were among the hoi-polloi and did not want to stand in queues and rub shoulders with the plebians in order to get a glimpse of God, you just paid the temple authorities for VIP entry.

A really offensive notice was one preventing menstruating women from entering the temple. Such women are supposedly impure! What's so impure about that? As far as hygiene is concerned, aren't we all aware about sanitary pads and tampons? The city of Mumbai was supposedly blessed by a Goddess who was given refuge there during her period - after she was asked to leave from everywhere else.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kerala-police-to-charge-sheet-actor-jayamala/134807-3.html?from=tn

The above article is an interesting read. The last line in particular is extremely realistic. I quote 'It seems in an election year, even the Communists can't afford to offend believers and their ancient beliefs.'.

Religion or politics?

Such incidents have left a lasting impression on me and firmed my resolve of not entering any sanctum sanctorum. The commune between my God and me is my own matter and I refuse to let any human put conditions to it.