Faith

This is an essay that i wrote about 2 years ago. I'm not a big fan of organized religion, and at that point in my life it was very apparent.  My views have changed a bit since then, but you get the idea.

    Faith is a miraculous thing.  If it wasn't, why would people willingly starve themselves, pay thousands of hard-earned dollars, and go to the extreme to prove their beliefs.  Without faith, what would people have to believe in -- themselves?  God forbid.
     The mixed-up world we live in leaves its inhabitants struggling to find something pure and true.  The vast majority of the population turns to religion.  Although they do not konw for sure that their "God" even exists, many people devote their entire lives to following him.
     People need something to believe in.  They need rules to follow.  Without the guidelines of a religion people would have to think for themselves, make their own decisions.  We all know what happens when people do not have rules to follow.  Anarchy, the infamous lawless state, goes into effect.  This is what religious leaders and governments strive to keep from happening.  They attempt to oppress the people who give them their half-million dollar salaries, and make their outlandish lifestyles possible.  The leaders of these disreputable establishments attempt to control people's minds.  Their tyrannical demeanor leaves intellects fighting to overcome their power.
     The intellects are those who will rise above and conquer the cruel and discerning society.  They will demolish tradition and bring about a new era of enlightenment.  They can teach the followers not to follow; to think for themselves.  And most of all, believe in themselves.  People do not need something highter to believe in, they must realize that they too are a supreme being who deserves recognition.
     One of the most influential and intellectual men of all time shared this philosophy.  So ends this statement of truth with his words.  "Religion is the opiate of the masses." - Karl Marx