Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because if there be one he must approve of the homage of reason more than that of blindfolded fear.
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, August 10, 1787
Just to be clear; I'm not an atheist. I'm just not sure what comes next.
Oh, people have tried to tell me what that is. They are certain beyond a doubt and are puzzled that I don't think the same way. I've listened to many of the same things but have drawn a different conclusion. In so many words, I have been told that I am going to Hell.
My reply?
Matthew 7: 1-5
Words to that I try live by. Yet largely ignored in this "Christian" nation of ours.
I get the feeling America has become more about Man creating God, than God creating Man... When it crosses the line and people use it to get elected to govern over me, well color me not only skeptical, but downright angry considering this country guarantees your religious beliefs without putting one above any other. Until we can agree on one for all, please worship as you please come Sunday, & come Monday, save it for the next Sunday...or at least your place of worship.
Given recent events it has been proven that those who claim the religious high ground to get elected are nothing short of liars and wreckers of Democracies. Using the Lords name in vain, to attempt to speak for him, is galling to me.
I don't want to claim the moral high ground. I've found it's a long way down if you stumble off the edge. I have a tough enough time living up to my own expectations without climbing up on the religious pillar to point fingers. I wouldn't dare to speak for the Lord. Blashpeme certainly....but to knowingly mislead with a Bible in hand raises my ire because history offers so many horrendous examples when that happens. If ever was a reason to be cast into the firey lake and swim eternal laps, that would be it. My bet is that there are plenty of priests already freestyling there.
What I do know is that when I get closer to nature, I get closer to our Creator. A book cannot even come close to explaining what I see; standing alone in my thoughts on a forested mountain top. How can one not feel that something, someone is responsible for the incredible beauty that lies before me as the fresh air rejuvenates my lungs? There, you find me doing some sort of thankful worship. Am I about to give up all my reasoning in pursuit of that being? Not in the least. I have to admit, it's getting harder to enjoy that creation without seeing the hand of man all over it. When my day comes, I will return to the earth and become a part of it again. That I know.
Do you have anything to fear in regards to my beliefs? No, not really. I'm not going to verbally smite someone for not thinking as I do. I don't expect anyone to believe like me. Just be ready if you bring it to my doorstep.
Take it away TJ!;
They [the clergy] believe that any portion of power confided to me, will be exerted in opposition to their schemes. And they believe rightly; for I have sworn upon the altar of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. But this is all they have to fear from me: and enough, too, in their opinion.
Thomas Jefferson to Dr. Benjamin Rush, Sept. 23, 1800
As long as I don't feel the pressure of another's belief upon me. Tom sums it up very well....
But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.
-Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia, 1782
Don't fear me, there's no reason.
I usually try to be humble regarding my spiritual feelings. I prefer to keep that relationship strictly between God and me. But when push comes to shoving religious ideals upon me, well....get ready for a spirited debate while I pull off my shorts and cannon ball into the Lake of Fire.
Take me home, Tom;
Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions. Ideas must be distinct before reason can act upon them; and no man ever had a distinct idea of the trinity. It is the mere Abracadabra of the mountebanks calling themselves the priests of Jesus."
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 30 July, 1816
So, here I wield my sword of ridicule!
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