“Daddy, how many gods are there?”

Girl: Dad, how many Gods are there?
Dad: There is only one God, honey.
Girl: But people fight in the name of their gods, don’t they?
Dad: Sweetie, don’t let that confuse you. People fight over religion, not God.
Girl: Religion? What’s that?
Dad: These days, religion often means a set of beliefs, rules, and customs — without the essence of God.
Girl: Then what is God?
Dad: God is love, equality, joy, and unity — without hatred or division.
Girl: Do we follow God or religion in our home, Dad?
Dad: Definitely God, my dear!
Girl: But Grandpa tells me not to play with some of my friends because they follow a ‘different god.’
Dad: Hmm… Grandpa is from an older generation. He follows religion more than God.
Girl: But Dad, many people — even kids — are like Grandpa. How can I tell who follows God and who follows just religion?
Dad: What a smart question! Here’s a simple trick to find out.
Girl: Yay! Tell me, tell me!
Dad: Ask them five questions. If they say “yes” to all, they walk with God. If not, they may be trapped in religion.
Girl: What are the questions?
Dad:

1. Do they love everyone equally?
2. Do they speak kindly and appreciate others’ good qualities?
3. Will they help someone in need, even a stranger?
4. Are they happy about the differences they see in others?
5. Do they stand against hatred, division, and domination?

Girl: Got it! If they say ‘yes’ to all five, they’ll be my best friends.
Dad: And if they say ‘no’?
Girl: I won’t hate them. Because I’m a girl of God, not of religion.
Dad: You’re my little rose. Always stay that way.

Raj Kumar, Founder/Team Leader, South India Volunteers Alliance for Commons -SIVA Institute for Climate Justice Action – ICJA