The Life of PI

While reading the Life of Pi, I was struck by the author’s intro, and how he was brought to this story by the comment "I have a story that would make you believe in God." That really struck me and I began to look for God in what I had already read. I really could not find anything until the part about the zoo and how people in religions are like zoo animals. Are religions zoos for people? Do they usher us in, feed us, seem to take care of us, but really just hold us captive? The story goes on to discuss how most animals in a zoo do not feel that they are captives. It mentions a few cases where with the gates left open the animals still choose to go back to the zoo. The book contributes this to the fact that they liked it there, but I am more inclined to believe that by that point the animals really did not know anything else of life. An animal in the wild may not have anyone looking after it, but that has never stopped them before. They have survived a lot longer than we have without help, so what makes people think they need it. Granted when an animal gets hurt it may need the help of a practiced vet, but not before. Most animals in the wild are free to do what they wish, and are perfectly happy and successful doing just that. Some may argue that it is the lack of higher intelligence that makes them happy without religion or social help, but is it really? Do we really need to be bogged down by religions? Religions do make things more organized and uniform but isn't just the word and message all that is needed. The message should be spread to those that are willing and desire to hear it, but should it be forced? I believe in a personal relationship no matter what, what ever works for the individual person. Beyond that I am not opposed to what others choose, but for me I am like the animal that prefers the wild.