Leaving Christianity – Oh What A Relief It Is!

Oh What A Relief It Is!Although I left Christianity over 20 years ago, it took a long while for me to erase the doctrines that had been embedded within my consciousness for 15+ years. It was not an easy road.

As Stephen Van Eck wrote on the Deism.com website: “Once sucked into the parallel universe of Christianity, [a person] is too intimidated by threats and rationalizations to attempt escape. Even thinking along alternative lines will induce severe feelings of guilt.”
Writing my book helped tremendously because of all the research and reading I did. Learning how and why certain doctrines of the Christian faith (e.g., final judgment, burning fires of hell, Satan and his demons, the end-times) were introduced into the faith was extremely liberating … and removed a ton of guilt and fear.

I also found out some things about the Bible. As many others, I had been taught the Bible was “God’s Word” (even though the interpretation of what “He” said varies considerably among denominations). Through my studies, I discovered that much of what is in the bible is the result of stories, epics, myths, legends, proverbs, etc. that were passed by word of mouth from one generation to another. This is particularly true of the Hebrew Bible, but intrinsically typical of the New Testament scriptures as well. Can you imagine the burden that was lifted when I found out I wasn’t genetically inclined to sin and thus in need of someone to save me from being human??!?

Contrary to what one might think, the many discoveries I made did not turn me into an atheist. However, I definitely do not believe in a supernatural being who lives somewhere “up there,” who can be manipulated by prayer, or who has a “will.” Rather, my image of “God” is far more encompassing and has nothing to do with religious belief. In fact, I’m extremely reluctant to even use the word “god” because of all its connotations.

In any case, I find my life so much more fulfilling now. Truly, what a relief it has been!

The Dismantling of American Democracy

In my opinion, Thom Hartmann pretty much lays things out in no uncertain terms …

Democracy Is Eroding Faster Than Experts Predicted

An excerpt that especially stood out to me …

“Trump saw an opportunity to cash in on his presidency and bring his kids and a lot of his morbidly rich friends along, but first he’d have to cripple the checks-and-balances of Congress and the judiciary and be able to ignore the law with impunity.”

Along with Thom’s final remarks …

“Which leaves it to us, average Americans like you and me, to reclaim American democracy and encourage our allied politicians to grow a damn spine and begin to seriously take on Trump’s and Heritage’s neofascism project before it’s gone too far to stop.”‘

I urge you to read the entire posting.

How Goes Your Day?

Over the years, it has become apparent to me that many of my blog readers/visitors are retired and/or are unable to work due to disability. Others may be young and healthy but seem to enjoy stopping by and adding their thoughts to the various topics I write about.

I myself just reached my 88th year on this planet. Fortunately, I remain in good health with the occasional “misfortunes” that seem to accompany life among the aged.

Anyway, the reason behind writing this post is to ask those of you who are retired and/or disabled how you spend your time. After the daily grind of working for a living has come and gone, what are the activities/hobbies that keep you centered and fill your waking hours?

I think most of my regular blog readers can tell that a considerable amount of my time is spent writing these blog posts. ☺️ I also spend part of my day playing computer games via Big Fish Games — which are mostly time-fillers with minimal challenges. (I have tried “battle games,” but they are definitely not my “cup o’ tea.”)

I used to be an avid reader (a great time-passer!) –and will occasionally spend a few hours with my Kindle books– but my attention level has dwindled over the years.

I feel certain many of you spend time with family and friends … and possibly you are involved in charity work. Regrettably, my family is scattered and my energy level doesn’t allow for many benevolent activities.

Anyway, just for fun (and perhaps to fill your day? 😉), why not share some of the ways you spend your waking hours?