1500 years ago, in the depths of the dense Central American forest, a scientifically advanced culture thrived, closely monitoring the celestial events on which their society depended. Pyramids tracking the days of the year, spring equinox and summer solstice rose high above the canopies. For 700 years, this great civilization not only thrived, they predicted the fate of the future technologically endangered world, knowing that 1999 - 2012 would be a time of much societal introspection throughout the world. How could they know this? Not only were they great astronomers and mathematicians, they had insight into a world totally unknown to them at that time. They were a unique and valuable people, which is why I was so disgusted and disappointed by Mel Gibson's recent film, "Apocalypto." In in, Gibson portrays the Mayans are savage polytheists, obsessed with violence and most notably, self-sacrifice.

We have had a tendency throughout history to create stories or explanations for those things which allude us - The Mayans are not unique in this, nor are the surviving animists and tribal communities who continue to practice their non-monotheist religions.

It has only been in the last few hundred years that our scientific knowledge has grown to the point where we're able to explain the once unexplainable. Events and phenomena that once seemed the work of an omnipotent ruler, are now easily explained in scientific terms. Some people believe this diminishes our value as humans - with every demotion, every rebuttal by the scientific community, there is a strong emotional response from the religious community.

It is perplexing to grasp the implications in Gibson's film that the Mayans were barbaric, misled people obsessed with blood-shed for the sake of their religion, when Christianity itself has its roots in this kind of gruesome blood-shedding sacrificial act - Yet Christians like Gibson will proclaim that this was a necessary act of martyrdom for the sake of all mankind. How is that so different from the Mayans? Or for that matter, how is any war fought in the name of God different than the sacrificial offerings of the Mayans?

How many different versions of God, demi-gods, or prophets exist in the minds of the inhabitants of Earth? How many different stories and traditions have been passed down through the generations over thousands of years? And how many of those religions find their roots in confusion and ultimately, ignorance? It's only natural that our ancestors would seek explanations for their existence and all that surrounds them - the grass, the trees, the flowers, the clouds, the sun, the moon and the stars... such a majestic and mysterious place... Of course it must be the work of some unknown deity - something unseen and intangible, and thus was the beginning of modern religion.

Nowadays, it has been twisted into some warped shape to fit the needs of men of power - A means of control and comfort all in one. An efficient institution that eases the suffering of both the people and the rulers. But as Carl Sagan once noted, "As soon as you say that religious belief and conventional morality are necessary to keep the society going, you raise the suspicion that these are tools by which those who control the country tend to keep everybody else in line." Accept Jesus or burn in hell for all eternity? That is not a hand outreached in love, it is the controlling finger of man, raised with a hidden agenda.

What many people don't realize is that life can be enriching without religion. Being in tune with the cosmos is the most spiritual relationship I ever hope to have. I don't feel lost, I don't lack love, nor am I a "bad person" defined by societal standards. I find it ridiculous that there are people in my life who I'm close to, and yet, will boldly say that being a "good person" isn't enough. I'm still going to burn for all eternity....thanks. I really appreciate it. I wonder - what if I was as liberal as they are stating their opinions of me: "I'm going to hell? Well, you're a gullible, cowardly sheep, and I pity you." I can imagine their reaction would be that of anger and resentment. So why is it OK for believers to be so harsh on the non-believers? Even more infuriating are the people claiming to be Christians who are destructive on a daily basis, whether it's toward another person, themselves, or the Earth, and yet are accepted by their peers so long as they believe that a man named Jesus died to save us from ourselves! I need not point out how asinine that is... It has the feeling of a gang, or clique excluding others not like them. It creates division, and has justified countless wars. In my opinion -too many cons, not enough pros.

At the end of the film, a surviving Mayan family stands on a hill to watch the Catholic Spaniards arrive at their shores waving a flag depicting a cross. Is Gibson really that arrogant and blind to imply that Christianity saved the Mayans? I couldn't help thinking of the animistic Native Americans watching the Europeans arrive on their shores, unaware of the devastation that would ensue.

It is true that some of the Mayan people of the collapsed civilization were eventually converted to Catholicism... but the reasons for this are very easily understood - Why wouldn't a people believing in self-sacrifice also believe in a man who died on a cross for all humanity?

That Gibson did not draw the parallels between our history with the Native Americans is a bit unsettling. That he assumes Christianity "saved" the Mayans is ludicrous. IT IS NOT THE ANSWER TO ALL PROBLEMS. Gibson needs to open his mind, and maybe a textbook as well.

Written 6.6.07