I watched Zeitgeist recently — that Internet sensation proclaiming our helplessness as human sheeple. We’re all controlled by an elite few using religion, fear of our own government and money like chess pieces to keep us in check and subordination, according to the film.  And while I don’t want to believe it, this may be an inherent truth in life.But wait — it may not have to be this way.We may always be in bondage — slaves to sin, debt and all other forms of infliction. The cliché remedy for these: Submit to a higher power — they’ll fix everything.  For some, the higher power is government. For others, it’s a god.  But I’ve learned something upon reviewing the mass of comments on my columns this semester: Marx may have been right. Religion is the opiate of the masses.  The resounding answer to many of my arguments is “God will judge them/it.” I’m reminded of Master P’s infamous line, “Only God can judge me.” The whole concept would be fine as long as no one sought justice or progression in a society.  For a polemicist such as myself, justice is an eminent and necessary solution to the plaguing problems our society often shuns in hopes of a future righteous judgment.I say now — not then.  There may indeed be a white-throne judgment brought about from the heavens above. And I’m all for that — a dictator riding in on a white horse, tattooed on the thigh and ready to dish out divine retribution to the wicked. It sounds great on the surface, but if we open our Bibles we learn the apocalypse is indeed a bad thing.  To those eagerly awaiting the end of days: The biblical prophets don’t preach a happy sermon on the “day of the Lord.” None are safe from the wrath — none can escape the impending destruction. To the eager masses awaiting a righteous reward: You’re screwed — according to Amos and myself.  So what are we to do if not await the immanent coming of our sky-clad deity to dish out divine retribution? For starters, we could pursue our own justice.  I know it sounds crazy — trying to take responsibility and fix the world ourselves.  But the sad truth is many have fallen prey to the concept that all of the world’s problems can be solved through penance, complacent prayer and a hope that one day soon God will show up to right all things wrong.  Now, I’m all for divine retribution — but how responsible or dignified is it for humanity? If a divine figure were to descend upon us — great. All the worlds’ problems would vanish. But I don’t want to believe in that God.  A God that rewards laziness and complacency is not a dignified deity in any respect. Equally, a God that would punish proactive action to right the worlds’ wrongs is no better.  You only get one life to live — unless you’re Buddhist or Hindu.  And whether one life or many, you’re still accountable for your actions.  How long can we sit back as spoiled American benefactors and let travesties slip past us on their way to becoming forgotten nothingness?  Arrest the pope for his heinous crimes. Leave Tibet the hell alone. Stop budget cutting my education. Stop demonizing all Muslims as ignorant, lesser human beings. Let people be themselves, gay or straight — and love them for it. Stop looting my shallow pockets for welfare dollars — let’s not “spread the wealth around,” Mr. Obama. And for God’s sake, don’t make me buy a brick this May to commemorate anything.  These are just a few of my own personal qualms, but what are your own?  If they, in any way, conclude with “God will fix this,” you’re in serious need of a reformation of thought and action.  It’s all of our duty to “cancel the apocalypse” in our own way.  Sober up from the opiate hangover — and bring justice to those smaller than you. Pretty please — with a Marxist cherry on top.Andrew Robertson is a 23-year-old religious studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_arobertson.– – – -Contact Andrew Robertson at [email protected]