tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333049664970851446.post8650214426315071079..comments2016-02-06T07:07:33.484-08:00Comments on Idea MechaniX: Believingmmclaurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13773326678608285792noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333049664970851446.post-28042493438773174362010-12-28T19:19:22.503-08:002010-12-28T19:19:22.503-08:00Oh, and your comment reminds me of the Seinfeld ep...Oh, and your comment reminds me of the Seinfeld episode when Jerry suspects his dentist of converting to Judaism just so he can tell Jewish jokes. "A schtickle of fluoride". My husbands father converted from Judaism to Catholicism on Gum in WWII, (no rabbi in the Seabees), and I am now fairly conversant in Bklyn Yiddishisms.WetPainthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12368276186706341245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333049664970851446.post-10341066754891460502010-12-27T23:44:39.969-08:002010-12-27T23:44:39.969-08:00As per your last paragraph, I do not believe that ...As per your last paragraph, I do not believe that it is "wrong not to believe in something". I have at times been a believer, and at times not. My fluctuation from atheism to spirituality has never in any way affected my willingness to give back- thought like most- I know I could and should do more.<br /><br />In fact, during atheist times, I feel a stronger compulsion to take on the responsibility of taking care of my fellow man, precisely because I cannot shrug even one thing off and say "It's in God's hands, or was God's will." It can become a huge emotional burden when you have to weigh every decision against the greater good not only locally, but also globally, and you have only your conscience to consult when facing moral dilemmas. And the self-examination of contribution always comes up short. It's kind of exhausting.<br /><br />After a period of burnout, I tend to go back to believing, because the notion that a supreme being can shoulder the load for a while is a comfort and a relief. It is a peaceful way to recognize our relative helplessness and vulnerability in the vast universe, and to find it less scary. Not to mention it is a return to my childhood state of mind, when faith came freely and naturally. There is purity to it.<br /><br />I am in no way saying that believing is the easy way out, or that believers do not also have the same internal turmoil at the suffering of man as atheists. I am just saying that my own experience with faith, and non-faith, goodness and charity have been independent of belief. As a parent however, I wish I had taken my kids to church, if only to have a dedicated timeslot every week to focus on elevating moral aspirations, strengthening connections to community, and how best to honor those connections. <br /><br />There are unhealthy extremes for both sets- I find the gospel of wealth subset particularly troubling as they self-label as Christian, but violate everything I ever learned about the teachings of Christ, in some kind of perverse Ayn Rand-ian version of the New Testament "chosen people". And the atheist extreme you speak of, that religion bashes, is just bad, and as hypocritically intolerant.<br /><br />As you know- I am far-left leaning socialist with an odd pairing of religious skepticism and belief in life as enchanted, and full of destiny beyond our grasp. I find socialism to be more "Christian", in that society as a whole builds in a structure for sharing and caring for the less advantage, rather than relying on the fickle winds of economic trends. It makes fairness and charity a part of the system. (I recommend the documentary "The Corporation" as an example of the dysfunction of capitalism in the last 20 years.)<br /><br />Socialism can work in small groups- the Amish manage as a semi-socialist group quite well, and they are completely independent of the stock market roller coaster. Were it not for the rigid gender codes of conduct and socialization, I would join them! Ethical humanists- notorious do-gooders- also lean left.<br /><br />As much as I share your condemnation of this fellow's religion bashing, it helps to understand that in this country, "atheist" is still considered a dirty word, and is often used as a synonym for moral bankruptcy. I can only imagine this person had some very souring experiences that lead to his diatribes. But it is sad that he cannot get past them.<br /><br />It would be much more understandable if he was obnoxiously critical of ALL religions, then at least it could be assigned to a Nietzschian mindset. But what you describe sounds more like a disillusioned Christian who needs to work out some personal issues, better left out of an otherwise insightful political commentary.<br /><br />Anyway, back to my original point- it is OK to not believe, just as it is OK to believe. Whatever works.<br />And sorry for the length of this comment!WetPainthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12368276186706341245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333049664970851446.post-50531574143369156862010-12-03T18:54:28.912-08:002010-12-03T18:54:28.912-08:00There's a part of the comment above that is un...There's a part of the comment above that is unclear. I don't hold that Christianity is the only religion that makes "giving back" a basic tenet. I know that Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism as well as many others have this as an important element. I also know many agnostics and atheists who give back as a part of a basic humanist philosophy, and I don;t mean this as an attack on them. I guess it just offends me that there are those who, more often than not, are FORMER Christians who are angry with their religion, and therefore tear it down in public like they have some special right to, even as they revere and respect Judaism, Islam, and other systems of belief. My point is, I still believe, and that while we say that not all Muslims are terrorists, and should not be painted with the same brush, so should Christians not be viewed as pedophiles and hypocrites. Belief is belief, and all should be afforded the same respect. Just because you were Jewish does not give you a special priviledge to tear down Judaism as an new atheist. Ditto for new atheists who were Christians. Don't tear down my house. That's all.mmclaurinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13773326678608285792noreply@blogger.com