Maybe this is wrong, but I like to think there is meaning to life. That maybe the world is a far grander and greater place then I realize. I often ponder that. Sometimes being an Atheist ain't easy. Then I found this Buddhist quote and was like, I can buy into that 24/7.
May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses.
May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free.
May the powerless find power, and may people think of befriending one another.
May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wilderness—the children, the aged, the unprotected—be guarded by beneficent celestial, and may they swiftly attain Buddhahood.
I mean how can you argue with that .....
I think I was 15, going to confirmation classes as a Methodist. This falls into my Republican parents rock BTW. It was the first time I had read the Bible. I mean I was told to for the class, so heck, why not read the darn thing.
I asked the minister if he felt the Bible was the word of god and it was true? He said of course. I then asked how, and I think there are like 30,000 different species of bugs, Noah got them all on the boat.
Stunned silence .....
That night a phone call was made to my parents, saying I was "difficult." That would not be the first time they heard that BTW.
As the story goes in my family my dad laughed at the minister. How could a 15 year old kid best a minister of 20+ years. I was told to shut my trap and endure.
I got confirmed. We never went to church again. I've asked my parents about this, and they are clear. They say we wanted you to figure stuff out for yourself. I have always thought that was about as cool as cool gets!