Life does have its learning curve. Hang in there because it will take you through some twists and turns. One can only be judged by the light which they have received and their response to it. You're still young. Be prepared for some eyeopening experiences. At 55 yrs old, I'm stil astonished at what I've seen and learned since I was your age. Nonetheless, I believe it's good not to persume upon the Creator.

You know, we get mistaken for a Christian family all the time.  Some people seem to think that Christianity has the market on morality, and that's just not true.  People can have good morals, be of good character and raise their kids in an honest environment and still reject christianity and it's dogma.

 

I only wish that more people could understand that different lives lead to different paths filled with different experiences which lead to different conclusions about life, the universe and the unexplained.  That understanding would lead to true tolerance rather than the usual empty sentiment of PC "tolerance".

This really stuck a chord with me.  True tolerance comes from understanding, or at least trying to understand.  Anything less is just a case of 'I don't like it, and I don't agree with it, but they say I have to put up with it...so for now I will.  But I still don't like it' (who 'they' are I've never quite managed to figure out).

Wonderful article, Jill.  I gave it an 'insightful'.

Namaste to you too, my friend.

good point. 

Trinitie

THanks for sharing the viewpoint of a lot of folks here.

You're still young. Be prepared for some eyeopening experiences.

I love being called young!    Thanks Sab.  Like I said, I often have experiences that cause me to look back and chuckle at how I used to think.  I have no reason to believe I won't continue to have such life changing experiences.

Wonderful article, Jill. I gave it an 'insightful'. Namaste to you too, my friend.

Thanks so much dharma!  My 30s have been the age of self awareness and self acceptance.  I like who I am.  I know what truly makes me happy.  I find happiness in the happiness of others also.  Just trying to encourage the "treat others as you would have them treat you" philosophy.

THanks for sharing the viewpoint of a lot of folks here.

I'm not sure how many share my viewpoint but it is certainly a pleasure to share my own thoughts.  Thanks for the kind words Geezer.

 

Excellent article! Have an "insightful" and my own personal thumbs up (I wish I had a thumbs up smiley!)

The faith just isn't there for me.

nor for me.  i was educated in catholic schools for 12 years; my parents and one set of grandparents were practicing catholics.  i can still recite most of the mass in latin by memory. i've read the extent gospel translations completely several times each and a great deal of the old testament as well.  ive a natural affinity for both gospel music and secular music rooted in the christian church.

life is very likely less daunting to those who able to accept the promise of salvation. i appreciate faith in others but cannot claim it for myself.   

thanks for expressing the concept so elegantly...and have a great thanksgiving.  add one more insightful to the pile this article deserves to generate.

Excellent article! Have an "insightful" and my own personal thumbs up (I wish I had a thumbs up smiley!)

Thanks very much latour and welcome to my blog.

thanks for expressing the concept so elegantly...and have a great thanksgiving. add one more insightful to the pile this article deserves to generate.

Wow!  Thanks kingbee!  Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.  We just got back from our family gathering and had a wonderful time.

life is very likely less daunting to those who able to accept the promise of salvation. i appreciate faith in others but cannot claim it for myself.

I think the same thing. That's pretty much exactly how I feel, really..!

live every day trying to do what my heart and mind tell me is the good and right things to do. I love, respect, empathize and am thankful for the joys I have been afforded. I believe that a loving God couldn't possibly punish me for living such a life.

I believe this, too.

I, too, get a bit tired of people equating "good Christian" with morality.  I have never taken illegal drugs (though some of the prescribed ones that I've taken should have been), I've never been arrested, never cheated on my husband, never stolen anything (except an accidental pack of gum when I was like 5 or something), I give to charity which includes family when they need it...you get the point.  Though, I do know a few that were raised "Catholic" that have not done the same, or even close.  Religion does not equal morality, and religion isn't needed to be moral.

If I were to be classified as anything, it would be agnostic.  I feel that I am still on a path to figure out what I believe.  I'm not sure that I'll figure it out by the time I die, but I simply can't have blind faith.  The more I learn about world religions, the more I think it's all the same just the names are changed.  The only difference is that Christians are stead fast on "Jesus" whereas other religions simply have a "Creator" and other sub deities (that's my own phrase for them) that back "him" up. 

I guess we would have a lot more tolerance if we would realize that the main point is all the same.  But, that won't happen.  Too many people have blind faith and they will not question why they do the things we do.  I'm working on an article about "Christmas" traditions, which I'm sure will provoke hate mail from some Christians.  I'm always fascinated with the history of things, so I can help but question why we do the things at Christmas that we do.

Religion does not equal morality, and religion isn't needed to be moral.

I agree.  I am also, like you, fascinated by the history of things.  My lack of faith is not due to lack of education.  I know the history of most religions.  I am certain that we would not have the moral society we have today if it weren't for the teachings of Jesus.  I believe Jesus was extremely important.  I just can't make the leap that concludes that he is the son of God.

Karma, I look forward to your blog about Christmas traditions.  I have been asked why I celebrate Christmas if I don't believe in the story that Jesus was born on Christmas day (from an historical aspect you have to conclude that he was not born in December).  I tell my kids that it is a tradition to celebrate Jesus' birthday at Christmas just like it is our tradition to celebrate their birthdays on whatever Saturday falls closest to their actual birthday.  You can be thankful for the birth of Jesus whether or not you accept him as the son of God and whether or not he was actually born on the day that we celebrate his birth.

I love Christmas!  I love the spirit of good will.  I love the beauty of the music and the decorations.  I love the food and the chance to spend time with friends and relatives.