There are thousands of religions on our planet

Sounds impressive, right? So many different ways to look at the truth, to find the divine, and to feed our ego. Because yes, if there’s one thing the ego loves, it’s religion. Nothing says “I’m special” quite like your own religious interpretation that perfectly aligns with your personal beliefs.

The great religion game: Who’s right?

The ego loves competition, and religion offers a perfect arena for the ‘who’s-the-most-right contest.’ The Christian says, “Jesus is the only way to the truth!” The Muslim replies, “No, Muhammad is the last prophet!” While the Buddhist calmly sips their tea and smiles, saying, “What are you even talking about? Karma is the only truth.” And then there’s the Hindu who chimes in with, “Why choose? We have millions!”

The ego loves this. Why? Because it gives us an excuse to point fingers, judge, and feel superior to the other who clearly doesn’t *get it.* What could be more ego-boosting than knowing you’re closer to the truth than everyone else around you?

Instead of choosing one religion, the ego might decide to take a little from everything. “I meditate like a Buddhist, pray like a Christian, and go to yoga for that Hindu vibe. It’s like a spiritual buffet, and I just pick what works best for me!” The ego loves to create a personal mix, because that way it seems like we’re above the rest—we’ve *figured it all out.*

The ego also loves religion because it often offers a heavenly prospect. And who wouldn’t want to be sure they’ve got a VIP ticket to heaven, nirvana, or whatever afterlife party is on offer? “If I do this now, if I follow these exact rules, then I’ll be rewarded later.” It’s the old point system, but with souls instead of loyalty cards.

The joke? The ego forgets that, according to most religions (and definitely from an ACIM perspective), the truth is already here and now. No waiting room needed! But why be at peace now when you can just as easily wait for that ultimate moment of enlightenment… someday… later… maybe?

The illusion of holiness:
Religion is often used to give the ego a spiritual makeover. “Look at me being holy!” But beneath all the sacred rituals and meditation, there’s often an ego still craving validation. We want to be seen as the enlightened person in the room. But deep down, the ego just wants someone to look and say, “Wow, you *really* get it.”

In the end, religions are beautiful tools to help us connect with the divine. But let’s not forget that the ego is always on the lookout for ways to feel special, even in the most spiritual realms. So, if you notice that you’re using religion to win an argument or to feel superior to someone else, take a moment. Laugh about it, give your ego a little wink, and remind yourself that we’re all just trying to find our way in the illusion of this dream world.

Because, as we know: nothing real can be threatened, and nothing unreal exists… except maybe our ego sitting on a golden throne in heaven with a VIP pass in hand.