Total Pageviews

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

My daughter says she's an atheist!

   So, I'm talking to my daughter this morning and she gets on my case about not posting on my blog more often.  I tell her I don't have too much on my mind lately and she says, "Why don't you post something about your crushing disappointment that I'm an athiest?"  Without feeling the least bit compelled to discuss the theological or philosophical ramifications of her beliefs, I laugh because I'm perfectly ok with her being an athiest, for a few reasons.   
   First, I know that between the time I was her age and the age I am now, (and trust me, I have reached old fart status), I changed my mind on my beliefs at least a dozen times. 
   Then, I think it doesn't really matter what you believe or don't believe because what's going to happen is going to happen regardless.  Jen and I have talked dozens of times on our disdain for those who profess to KNOW the answers when really, the only honest answer is "I DON'T KNOW".  And we're ok with that answer because it's truth. 
   And then finally, I know that Jen is one of the best people I've ever known and is making the universe a better place every day.  I can only believe that powerful energy will continue through the universe forever and I often enjoy meditating on who will be touched by that positive energy and how it will impact the universe.
   So, Jen and I disagree on the subject of God or no God.  I am convinced in my heart that a creator of some type was responsible for creating all this and creation continues today.  That's what my intuition (gut) tells me based on my years of study and experience but scientifically, the truth is I don't know.  And the other truth is, I either will or won't know eventually.  Not something to lose sleep over in my opinion.  What matters to me and what makes me call myself a Christian is not the life-after-death part or the guilt and judgement stuff.  I call myself a Christian because I try to follow the teachings of Jesus each and every day.  Everything he taught was about how we should treat each other.  He was all about love and kindness and acceptance and the world is sorely lacking in those areas.  It's even more important now to be an example of peace.  I've decided to bring back the peace symbol of the 60's.  I loved it then and I love it now and that little gesture speaks volumes.  Instead of giving the finger, try  giving the peace sign instead.  I promise you'll feel better doing the later.  Here's something to keep in mind for every day life.  This is kind of my mission statement. 
Go forth into the world and be of good courage;
Hold fast to that which is good;
Render to no person evil for evil;
Strengthen the faint-hearted;
Support the weak;
Help the afflicted;
Honor all people. 
    (and here's the rest of it for us Christians)
Love and serve God rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 comments:

  1. I'm glad your daughter persuaded you to write. She should do that more,you write well.(I like your daughter's blog too!)Like you I am a Christian(albeit Catholic, which is always good for a conservation stopper!!) and also like you I have a wonderful daughter who is an atheist.Totally agree that its how we live that counts and yep for me Jesus is a pretty good example to follow.But I have some beautiful friends who are kind and loving and considerate and follow no one but their own value system and that works for them too!Just about the only thing I'm definite about is avoiding people who are overly fundamentalist in their views on faith, belief systems.Having been there/done that I'm not keen to repeat the experience! I'm reading a wonderful book by a hindu writer to my two youngest at present and its spirituality is so beautifully depicted. I can learn so much from it.Not sure what else to say but please keep on writing and thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Believe it or not, I just now saw your comment. Thanks for posting it and now you've given me a new motivation to start writing again.

      Delete