Introduction

I consider myself to be the least religious person I know. Most people would call me an atheist, but I don't think that quite captures my beliefs. I don't believe in God in any form, however, I don't think that people that do are incorrect. I believe that every single person out there is correct in their religious beliefs, whether they be Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or any other faith. There may not be a God for me, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a God for Sally the Catholic or Raj the Hindu. It's not a concept that most people I've encountered are willing to accept.

I was having this discussion with some open-minded friends, and it got me thinking about the role religion has played in my life. I was born into a non-practicing Russian Orthodox family, but from about the age of 10 on, I knew that I didn't believe in God. This doesn't sit well with many people in my life. I started thinking about a Catholic ex-boyfriend and two conversations we had over the course of the summer. After dinner with some devout Baptist friends, he asked one if she would ever marry outside of her faith. She was adamant that she would not. Later that night when we were alone, the ex expressed astonishment that someone would be that narrow-minded. Fast forward a few weeks. The ex and I were having the "where is this relationship going?" conversation. He told me that he could never marry me because I wasn't Catholic, even though he doesn't attend church and has trouble accepting some of the teachings of the church. I was naturally not impressed with this turn of events. He was rejecting me, not because he wants kids and I don't, not because our jobs have taken us to different countries, and not even because he likes softer mattresses and I like firmer ones, but because I didn't label myself in the same way as he did!

As I recounted this story to my friends, an idea was hatched. I am going to join every religion that will have me. This will require a bit of deceitfulness on my part, because a few minutes of research has shown me that quite a few religions require that you renounce all others before you're allowed to join. This will not stop me. I have two reasons for embarking on this quest. First of all, there's the superficial reason: somebody has to be right! This is just a way to hedge my bets. But there's also a second, more profound reason. My grandma, before she passed away, told me that I should always listen to what other people have to say. I don't have to accept it, and I can just turn around and do my own thing, but it's important to at least hear them out. It's irresponsible of me to reject religion without knowing exactly what I'm rejecting. I don't expect to suddenly believe in God after this experience, but it can't hurt to learn about what makes other people tick.

I know that this "experiment" will offend people. I'm not setting out to make a mockery of religion; this is an honest attempt to broaden my knowledge about one of the most sensitive subjects in society. Feel free to leave me constructive comments and suggestions, but please stay away from insults and slurs; I don't criticize your beliefs, so please show me the same courtesy!