“What if God was one of us?”

Read disclaimer at the bottom before you continue*

Do you think he’d wear denims? Think he'd buy them from your local Lee store at 50% discount? Do you think maybe he'd wear a plain coloured tshirt that stuck to his slightly protruding belly? And let birds rest on his head for a funny picture? Do you think he’d marvel at politics and dislike Pasta Bolognaise because it’s too bland? Do you think he’d have silver hair and listen to Eminem in his free time (because damn do Eminem speak da truth, ya hear?). Do you think he’s riding in the bus with you right now? Sitting next to you as your iPod plays out Joan Osborne’s song? Do you think he’s the guy standing in the corner with his finger in his nose? Or the woman in your office whose PMS is perpetually apparent? Do you ever think he might be reading this, just as you are? Right now? At this very moment?

The questions that got me thinking:

When I was a child, I was asked if I believe in a religion and a higher force. 

I clearly remember saying, “but they’re not the same”.  I believe that today as well. Religion feels like rules. Believing in a higher force feels like a way of living. I like rules, they're necessary but they ought to be malleable to what the occasion demands. So I like option two better. That makes it feel more like an adventure. 

“So this higher force.. Think it could manifest into a person?” 

“Yes. Yes, that is possible. Mythology tells us it can and I don’t believe anyone on Earth can be THAT creative with stories so there must be an element of truth to it.”

“Alright. Do you think that person could be here, right now, at this very instant, maybe talking to you?"
“Yes, that’s possible.” 

“Good. So, you’re okay with your God wearing jeans and a tshirt?” 

“HAHAHAH. Ofcourse I am! If he dressed like the people from the Mahabharath show we watch, I don’t think I’ll be able to take him seriously. I’d respect someone if they dressed simply but still looked elegant in what they wore. I’d listen to them if they had a smile on and playfully said, “dude” – just to come down to my level. My God has to be someone I can relate to.”

Think about it. What if this higher being in its splendid ways did decide to grace our presence dressed as one of us? Maybe wear a lungi on college ethnic day? Or a really smart journalist style kurti? Would you respect the word of someone who didn't look like the portraits carved on the walls of religious places? Would you recognize that being? And if you did? If you had just one thing you could say, what would you say?

But, what if God was really one of us, ya?

*Disclaimer: I don't usually write such articles and I do not wish, in any way, to impose my beliefs on anyone. I am not exactly religious but I enjoy having my beliefs. I am not making an effort to insult anybody’s idea or portrayal of God. To each his own, this is my opinion. Kindly disregard this blog if you are not fond of such discussions. And yes, God could be a woman too. I have a friend who says, “Naaa, God’s definitely a woman. Nobody does the kinda PMS that a super powerful woman can except one who’s exactly that.” The only reason I use “he” is because it’s convenient. Read it at your own risk. Now, if you still decide to read it despite what I have just said and your sentiments get hurt in any way, I do apologise. But I did warn you.