Yet again, I watched a great documentary which got me thinking and thus inspired me to write. This is a new writing subject for me, despite being one that I never particularly avoid discussing: Religion. Many people would assume that I am atheist because I never talk about spirituality, don’t actively practice religion, am a junkie for evolutionary science, and am never offended by (and may even agree with) criticisms of religion. These people would be wrong. First, the documentary that inspired me to share my spiritual beliefs (which even my family is left confused to understand where I stand).

The Nature of Existence (2010)

I plan on writing details on the specifics in a couple more posts (my original outline would yield a small book), but I found the questions he asked his interviewees.

Here are my answers (you will find plenty of clues as to the basis of my belief structure):

EXISTENCE

Why do we exist? I take the scientific stance of we are a lucky accident. If there is a higher power, I doubt it cares (or notices) us. This is not to say that life is not a miracle to be grateful for.
What is the best thing about existing? Recognizing the beauty inherent in the world around you, regardless of where you are.
What is our purpose? To move forward. Individually, Hereditarily, and as a Society.
Is the world a better place for having had humans in it? Absolutely.
How can we improve humanity? The sooner we come to terms with humanity (human nature) and the differences necessary to make it work. The differences will generally only cause problems when we try to control/influence each other.
What is the best advice or philosophy for living? Find what works for you at the moment you need it, and use it.

RELIGION

What is religion? A structure of beliefs intended to guide one’s life and help explain the unexplainable.
Why are there multiple religions? Why are there multiple languages, cultures, etc? One size never fits all.
Should religions be challenged? Absolutely. Challenge brings out the best in all of humanity.
Is skepticism a good thing? Skeptics make the world a better place, the most dangerous quality in a person will be blind faith. He or she who surrenders their right to free thought has surrendered the gift of humanity.
Why do people get angry when their beliefs are challenged? People’s belief structures are the grounding that helps them deal with the burden of sentient life. I think anger is common because disrespect is common in those that challenge.
Which religion is right? The one that doesn’t feel a need to affect the unwilling.
Can all religions be correct? See above.
What does fear have to do with belief? The fears inherent in our intelligence make faith a necessity for a happy life.
Do we have a need to believe in something? Everyone does, even atheists.
What is spirituality? An intangible energy, universal across belief structures. A peacefulness that calms and empowers the person harnessing it.

SCIENCE

Can religion and science coexist? Religions must be able to be flexible to adapt to our current understanding of science. Many religions have foundations as the sum of primitive scientific knowledge. Because of many traditional religions reluctance to adapt, many people today have accepted science as their religion.
What’s the difference between religion and science? Science tries to find answers and harness new powers. Religion tries to find answers and harness the power inherent in humanity.
Can a religion change with society? It always has (and will).
Was man created or did he evolve? The evolution of man has overwhelming evidence to any alternate theories currently.

GOD

Is there a God? Yes.
What is the definition of God? The being who set everything in motion, either by design or by accident.
What gives you certainty in your belief? Uncertainty cements my belief.
How do you deal with doubt? The only thing one can be certain of is a lack of ultimate understanding. I focus on what is feasibly within the scope of my capabilities.
Who created God? Douglas Adams

Is God male or female? Why would a god need gender?
What does God need from us? Very little, I would imagine.
Who is/are the Messiah(s)? Those that inspire.
Who is the Devil? Those that control.

FAITH

What is faith? That which is believed but cannot be proven
What is a fact? That which is believed to be proven
How can we tell which is which? Perception based the information available. There are fine lines between faith and fact.

TRUTH

What is truth? An accurate transcription of events
How do we determine truth? By placing trust in our senses and selected sources of information
Which truth is right? All of them, none of them.

SCRIPTURE

Is the holy-book(s) literally true? nothing should be followed literally.
What is the origin of the holy book(s)? When a person or people decided that the gathered wisdom and teachings of their sect required or deserved preservation. Written traditions offered greater stability and continuity to Oral ones (while still being at the mercy of translation and interpretation)
How do we accept a holy book that positively portrays unacceptable behaviors like slavery, incest, murder, etc.? We should not forget our origins or the fundamental behaviors of mankind. Norms and Values are fluid.
Can we take what we like about a religion/belief system and make our own version and throw out the rest? Find what works for you, make it if needed.

MORALITY

What is morality? a set of norms and values; guidelines for conduct.
Is there a moral yardstick that applies to all cultures? Socially destructive behaviors such as incest and murder tend to ubiquitous across human culture. Mankind also tends to be inherently benevolent.
Where does morality, or our “conscience,” comes from? Refer above.
Is altruism or morality possible without belief in a deity? Humans are the most social creature to have ever lived. Altruism existed before we could understand it as a concept.

SIN

What is sin? In my eyes, sin is not reaching your potential and keeping yourself constantly challenged.
What is the punishment for sin? A life of regrets, and dependence upon the brilliance of others
Is thought the same as deed? Only to those who aren’t skilled with either.
Does God want to test us? Why? I think a higher being would have better, and more entertaining, things to do. Humans are fairly predictable (would you enjoy millennia of reruns?)

SEX

Should a person have sex before marriage? Only if they wish to enjoy it.
Is masturbation a sin? Not masturbating is a sin.
What determines sexual orientation? Who cares?
Why is God interested in our sexual behavior? I doubt he is.
Should women be treated differently than men? Only in terms of child bearing and other biological differences.

FREE WILL

Do we have free will? Yes.
Is everything predetermined? Doubtful.
What entity predetermines fate or destiny? Not applicable in my opinion.

SUFFERING

Why is there suffering? Life is suffering.
What is best path to happiness? Understanding the above without submitting to it.
Does God intercede in human tragedies? I don’t think he is an interventionist

PRAYER

Does prayer work? It has been scientifically proven.
If so, why does God allow holocausts, and disasters? Prayer and meditation is for the comfort of the individual practicing it, not for divine super powers
If not, why pray? Why exercise or eat right if you will die regardless?
Does meditation work? yes.
How does meditation work? By helping sync and calm the various layers of a turbulent mind.

SOUL

What is a soul? Qi.
Do animals have souls? Yes.
Does a soul have the same thoughts and feelings when outside the body? no.
If a soul does not carry our memories, then what is a soul since it is our memories that make us up? Loaded question, but qi is energy unique to life.
What purpose does a brain serve if a soul can exist and feel without it? It refines the energy into a stable and usable form, not unlike the AC adapter on your laptop

AFTERLIFE

Is there an afterlife? I don’t think so.
Where is it?
Where do we go after death? The carbon cycle.
Why do we need an afterlife? Mortality is tough for sentient beings to cope with.

LIFE

When does life begin? If we are regarding human life, then I believe that life begins when the person can think independently.
When should abortion be allowed? When prudent or necessary.
Is it ever appropriate to kill another person? In defense from an aggressor.

SUPERNATURAL

What are supernatural beliefs? Faith without the support of a religious foundation
Are there extraterrestrials? Probably.
Who are they? Unacquainted with me.
Do psychics work, and if you are religious, are they allowed? Not in my experience.
Where do the voices in our heads come from? Layers of consciousness.

DOOMSDAY

Will there be a doomsday? I doubt it.
What is the greatest danger facing man’s existence? Blind faith and misplaced trust.
How do we stop conflict? Understanding.
Should different cultures be preserved, or are our cultural differences the source of strife? Cultures should be left to develop and exchange naturally
Should political leaders invoke a deity in decisions or policy? No.

Expect a couple posts on my personal spiritual grounding to follow. Watch the documentary, it’s a “feel good” one, and you are bound to hear things you agree with regardless of your belief structure.

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