It is a common sentiment shared by many people whose family members and friends are 'lost to religion'.

Many new converts to a religion become fascinated with its teachings, charismatic teachers and bonds of fellowship. It's as if the meaning of their lives has been discovered. They devote all their time and effort to study and practise their religion, often isolating themselves from non-believers. The isolations are sometimes deliberate because everything that happens outside their religious grounds and circles suddenly appears unholy. They do not want to be tempted into their previous state of lives. And families and friends find it difficult to dissuade them because religion is a personal choice.

Young converts should investigate and experience for themselves whether the teachings make sense morally and how the teachings can make them better people. They should take note that most religious documents were written many years ago before history was recorded properly. And many religious teachings were delivered orally during times with no modern technology to record the teachings. Many religious teachings were originally written in languages that are no longer used today. Meanings could be lost in translation since there were words available in certain languages and not in others. And finally the contexts in which the teachings were written were vastly different from today's. Cultural, ethnic, racial, social and political forces can shape the development of a religion.

It is also important for these converts to realise that moderation and not extreme zealotry is the better way to sustain them throughout their religious lives. I know people who suffer from 'religious fatigue' after a few years of extreme religious involvement. They eventually lose their faith and release their pent-up emotions on undesirable activities.

Religious extremists do not make good followers. They make terrorists. Major religions, when properly taught, extol good moral values. A good religious man should be able to live a full and integrated life with his faith as the foundation. A holy man is not simply one who walks on holy ground. He is one who can maintain his holiness on all grounds.

Felix Ang Kok Hou