There was a period in my life when I was that intolerant person Yogi Ramacharaka writes about, hating religion. I grew up Catholic, going to church every Sunday, forced by my parents. As I grew old enough to reason, I distanced myself from it. It made no sense, and I even made fun of people who were religious or went to church. I was wrong.

My mindset changed when I discovered the Yogi philosophy. It changed because I realized that religions are a necessary part of the spiritual evolution of the human race. They are good and necessary for some people; they play their part.

My parents, siblings, my grandma and some friends have benefited from the church. The vast majority of people I know are made better by being part of it. They don't always follow it perfectly, but they are reminded of universal messages of kindness, love, respect, effort, and justice.

The only issue is that religions exclude members of other religions, creating separation in the world. ‘If you believe what I believe, all is good; you can be my friend. If you don't believe what I believe, then you are not my friend’ kind of thinking.

And the intention is not to bash on religions, especially Christianity. I only mention it often because it is part of my personal experience, it is part of my history. It played a part in my formation and influenced the way I think and perceive the world.

So, as I continue experiencing life, I perceive things according to my previous religious upbringing and explain, with love and understanding, the reasons why it didn't make sense to me anymore.

“We must not forget that each form of religious teaching— each creed— each church— no matter how crude their teachings and forms may seem— fills a needed place in the religious evolution of the race.” Yogi Ramacharaka emphasizes, “each suits the requirements of those following them, and each should be respected accordingly.”

See the good in all forms of religion, perspectives, philosophies, and ways of life. Don’t make fun of others because of their beliefs. And don’t exclude other humans because they don’t believe in a ‘savior.’

Everyone is following their path, a consequence of the circumstances they have experienced. Life has molded them. I was molded by Christianity during the first 20 years of life, and so, I naturally compare it to the Yogi science.

My idea of God became larger, impersonal, that’s all. I see it everywhere, in everything and in everyone. Not just inside temples or churches. I feel that I am worshiping that, in every one of my actions. In every act of kindness. Everyday is Sunday. Every person I meet, my priest.