Seemed like a good Christmas question, and it is a question I have wanted to ask this community for a long time. I am not expecting any huge political news today so maybe today is a good day for this type of question. Here is what I would love to hear from you:
Do you believe in God?
If so, what is your conception of that God?
Why do you believe in the existence of God?
If you do not believe in God, why not?
How does your faith (or lack therof) affect your politics? Or do your political beliefs affect your belief/nonbelief?
What role, if any, does organized religion play in your thinking about God?
Do your beliefs impact how you think about science?
Some ground rules here: I want this diary to be a safe space for people to share their thoughts and feelings. I do NOT want to see anyone mocked, derided or belittled for what they share. Respectful questions can be asked of those who share but this is not a place to argue or attack. If you cannot adhere to these rules, you are not welcome here.
I will go first below.
UPDATE: Thank you very much for the civil and respectful discussion. I am learning new things and thinking about other things in a new way. You people are great.
One of the places that I always feel the presence of the Divine: Rocky Mountain National Park
Yes, I believe in a Divinity. My conception of God is of a Mother Goddess, but I know this is just a metaphor that I can mentally grasp for something much greater and harder to describe. The Goddess, as I conceive her is neither omnipotent nor omniscient; She changes and learns and grows as do we.
My belief comes from a personal experience. When I hit my alcoholic bottom and was actively suicidal I prayed and asked if there was a god for that god to help me. She answered that prayer and relieved me of the desire to drink which was a profound and life changing experience for me. Since then, in very rare, unpredictable moments, I have strong experiences of being in direct contact with the Divine and of Her love.
Politically, I have always been a progressive, so that has not changed although the urgency of my progressive feelings has increased. I am also much more environmentally aware as a result of my beliefs - I think She loves all life and I am convinced She is not very happy with us at the moment. I am also unconvinced that we are Her favorite life-form.
I call myself a Wiccan or a Witch, which is not really an organized religion, per-se. Truthfully, while basic Wiccan philosophy (nature is sacred, we are all connected to the Divine) matches my beliefs, there is a lot of Wiccan mythology and beliefs that I reject.
Generally speaking, I think organized religion is an impediment rather than an aid to faith. I find organized religions, in general, to be much more concerned with defining social/cultural rules and controls rather than helping their members develop their faith. I think that in the future, the world itself and our relationships with God (however we conceive that God) will be better off if organized religion ceased to exist.
I accept science and scientific laws and the scientific method. I personally do not see a conflict between science and the existence of God. However, my beliefs are not tethered to a book that was written before science developed and matured as a method to view the world. So, I might have an easier time than others reconciling the two.
Please, if you have time this lovely Christmas, share a little of yourself with us. I would very much appreciate it. And for those of you who are Christian, have a very blessed and sacred holiday!
Peace.