I’d say I am still interested in the philosophy that underpins some religions, I simply reject all mythological supernaturalism. Having been raised by classic Stephen King religious villains, I absolutely reject the entire concept of organized, centralized religion, appeal to authority or deity, and mystical thinking of any kind.
That said, I am a big fan of Jesus’ teaching. I don’t buy the “magical faith healer” nonsense, but I absolutely agree with his teaching, which is deeply humanist. Most religions have a kernel of profound humanism at their center, but all of them have been co-opted by the rich and powerful and metastasized into weapons of oppression, control, and abuse.
That’s absolutely fair! And I totally get it, in all honesty. I have had lots of doubts throughout my life. I just ended up wanting to believe in a little magic 😊
I agree with your sentiment about the co-opting by the rich and powerful. It’s a shame how so many good teachings from all religious texts, get twisted into these gaudy things. They become unrecognizable to me. I try to see love and joy in everything I see, and that is just a bummer. Jesus was definitely a cool dude. He’s definitely on a list of religious figures I’d like to meet, along with Krishna.
I’d say I am still interested in the philosophy that underpins some religions, I simply reject all mythological supernaturalism. Having been raised by classic Stephen King religious villains, I absolutely reject the entire concept of organized, centralized religion, appeal to authority or deity, and mystical thinking of any kind.
That said, I am a big fan of Jesus’ teaching. I don’t buy the “magical faith healer” nonsense, but I absolutely agree with his teaching, which is deeply humanist. Most religions have a kernel of profound humanism at their center, but all of them have been co-opted by the rich and powerful and metastasized into weapons of oppression, control, and abuse.
That’s absolutely fair! And I totally get it, in all honesty. I have had lots of doubts throughout my life. I just ended up wanting to believe in a little magic 😊
I agree with your sentiment about the co-opting by the rich and powerful. It’s a shame how so many good teachings from all religious texts, get twisted into these gaudy things. They become unrecognizable to me. I try to see love and joy in everything I see, and that is just a bummer. Jesus was definitely a cool dude. He’s definitely on a list of religious figures I’d like to meet, along with Krishna.