Insightful Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 This morning, after 3+ years of sifting evidence, reading book after book, and critically examining my life-long Christian faith, I wrote the following journal entry: Journal Entry 4/9/15 I am a secular humanist. I just am. I didn’t set out to be. I was taught as a child and young adult to believe the doctrines of Christianity – and I did with all of my heart. Despite the confusing teachings and seeming contradictions, I pressed on, rationalizing them away and giving the benefit of the doubt to my childhood faith. Ultimately, I reached a point at which Christianity no longer made sense as an interpretive grid for the reality I was experiencing. I am no longer a Christian in the evangelical sense of the word. Though I still hold to many values of the Christian faith (compassion, justice, honesty, forgiveness), I see those values as representing the best of humanity rather than the product of divine revelation. I see the Bible as a sometimes beautiful but often flawed document representing the hopes and fears and superstitious beliefs of the men who wrote it. I do not believe that it is “The Word of God.” I believe that Jesus was a true historical figure who inspired many with his teachings of a pure, genuine faith and radical compassion for the poor and oppressed. As the years passed, I believe supernatural elements were added to the growing lore about his life: the miracles, the virgin birth, the resurrection. I do not believe in miracles, angels, demons, sin, heaven, or hell. I believe that diseases come from biological problems treatable with scientific knowledge via medicine, not by exorcising demons. I don’t believe that praying for a sick person makes a difference beyond the benefit of knowing someone loves them and is supporting them. I believe that secular psychology has done a much better job of explaining human behavior than the doctrines of original sin and the depravity of man. I look to science and reason to find answers to life’s questions – and I’m OK not knowing all of the answers. I believe that heaven is an empty promise and hell is an idle threat – both used to manipulate people into religious belief and keep them there. I think that this life is probably the only one we will have; therefore I intend to live each day to the fullest. I believe in loving my wife, children, family and friends sacrificially and passionately. I believe in serving the poor and caring for the orphan, the widow, and the oppressed. I aspire to use my talents, skills, and possessions to make this world a better place. If indeed this life is all that I have, then this life becomes infinitely precious. This day. This moment. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offtheromanroad Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Insightful, thank you so much for sharing this. ...this: " I believe that heaven is an empty promise and hell is an idle threat – both used to manipulate people into religious belief and keep them there. I think that this life is probably the only one we will have; therefore I intend to live each day to the fullest." Thank you. offtheroad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StJeffTheIncomprehensible Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Hi Insightful, how nice to meet you! You believe a lot of the same things I believe. And you don't believe a lot of the same things I don't believe in. Excellent! Welcome, and I hope you can find something here to help you along the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellinas Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Welcome. You appear to be comfortable with what you are. Good. You now have the freedom to be yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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