Jeff I recently traveled to Lourdes, Fatima, and Montserrat. It was a very eye opening experience and definitely gave me a deeper sense of faith. When you have time research the many apparitions and the individuals associated with them. Some of the most interesting people to study are Lucia, Francisco, Jacinta, and Bernadette. There is a Fathom Event movie being released in December called "I Am the Immaculate Conception" it's about St Bernadette and her strong connection to Mary, the Mother of God. It's a very interesting and thought provoking story
Hey Jeff. I understand your doubt, but I urge you--if you really want answers to these mysteries--to get to know these religions. I'll use Christianity for an example since I am Christian: even though I always thought some sort of higher power existed, I endured a period of time in which I doubted God. The reason for my doubt, however, was not based in some sort of logical breakdown but in a lack of understanding . . . I had no relationship with Christianity since I had made no attempt (in my adult life) to understand it. Once I actually attempted to understand Christianity (by reading the Bible), I clarified what I once doubted and better understood my relationship with the divine. In other words, once I had true, substantive ideas with which to work out and resolve what didn't make sense, I was far more able to come to my own conclusions. Now, I'm not saying that by "getting to know" a religion, you'll inevitably subscribe to it. But if you fail to attempt to understand these things, your relationship with the divine and, indeed, your very understanding of yourself, will be forever left unresolved. And even if you choose, after working to understand these religions, to remain an atheist (or agnostic), not only will you have a more grounded reason for walking the path you walk, but you'll have an intricate understanding of these religions that have shaped society. In other words, even if you don't believe in God, reading the Bible can help you understand why Western civilization is the way it is.
Hey Ryan, thank you for the comment. I grew up going to Church. I went to a Catholic high school. I’ve been immersed in the Christian canon for years, particularly the Gospels. I even joined a Bible study group recently. I own a Bible too, as well as a Quran, Bhagavad Gita, and Tao Te Ching. I do actively make an effort to understand the world religions. I enjoy doing so, because they contain much practical wisdom. However, doing this does not provide me with faith, for reasons I explained in this essay.
Hey Jeff, makes sense, my apologies if I came across as offensive. Wasn't trying to imply you were ignorant. Also, if you're interested, I'd check out the Christopher Langan and Michael Knowles interview. Super interesting stuff. And they dive deeply into the concept of God.
Don’t worry! I am rereading my reply and realize it sounded defensive. And I am ignorant, about infinite things. I just wanted to add that context as some of it was not explicit in the essay.
Jeff I recently traveled to Lourdes, Fatima, and Montserrat. It was a very eye opening experience and definitely gave me a deeper sense of faith. When you have time research the many apparitions and the individuals associated with them. Some of the most interesting people to study are Lucia, Francisco, Jacinta, and Bernadette. There is a Fathom Event movie being released in December called "I Am the Immaculate Conception" it's about St Bernadette and her strong connection to Mary, the Mother of God. It's a very interesting and thought provoking story
Wishing you luck on your search for answers
I am glad you enjoyed your travels! Thank you for sharing this.
Well written my friend. I agree with a lot of this and as you know struggle with these same questions.
Do you think this idea of living with an open minded and “optimistic attitude” as you mentioned, can be looked at as a sort of faith in God in itself?
Thank you sir. That is a good question.
Hey Jeff. I understand your doubt, but I urge you--if you really want answers to these mysteries--to get to know these religions. I'll use Christianity for an example since I am Christian: even though I always thought some sort of higher power existed, I endured a period of time in which I doubted God. The reason for my doubt, however, was not based in some sort of logical breakdown but in a lack of understanding . . . I had no relationship with Christianity since I had made no attempt (in my adult life) to understand it. Once I actually attempted to understand Christianity (by reading the Bible), I clarified what I once doubted and better understood my relationship with the divine. In other words, once I had true, substantive ideas with which to work out and resolve what didn't make sense, I was far more able to come to my own conclusions. Now, I'm not saying that by "getting to know" a religion, you'll inevitably subscribe to it. But if you fail to attempt to understand these things, your relationship with the divine and, indeed, your very understanding of yourself, will be forever left unresolved. And even if you choose, after working to understand these religions, to remain an atheist (or agnostic), not only will you have a more grounded reason for walking the path you walk, but you'll have an intricate understanding of these religions that have shaped society. In other words, even if you don't believe in God, reading the Bible can help you understand why Western civilization is the way it is.
Hey Ryan, thank you for the comment. I grew up going to Church. I went to a Catholic high school. I’ve been immersed in the Christian canon for years, particularly the Gospels. I even joined a Bible study group recently. I own a Bible too, as well as a Quran, Bhagavad Gita, and Tao Te Ching. I do actively make an effort to understand the world religions. I enjoy doing so, because they contain much practical wisdom. However, doing this does not provide me with faith, for reasons I explained in this essay.
Hey Jeff, makes sense, my apologies if I came across as offensive. Wasn't trying to imply you were ignorant. Also, if you're interested, I'd check out the Christopher Langan and Michael Knowles interview. Super interesting stuff. And they dive deeply into the concept of God.
Don’t worry! I am rereading my reply and realize it sounded defensive. And I am ignorant, about infinite things. I just wanted to add that context as some of it was not explicit in the essay.
No worries. Thanks for clarifying!