If the leave me be, I'll leave them be.
Some excerpts from the referenced article,
Yet my concept of God had transmuted over the years to something amorphous and unarticulated. I believed in God because I wanted to believe in God, but I didn't know who my God was.
I’ve seen this said in a number of ways by many. The beginnings of questioning the fundamental basis of organized theocracy. An awakening of those who learn to think for themselves. Some will take that comment as an insult, which it is not intended to be. In my experience even questioning the most minor tenants can lead to some extreme vitriolic dialogue from the “Faithful”.
Which is almost guaranteed to end up in a shouting match that results in no more than bitter feelings.
Dowd compares his own spiritual journey to St. Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus: falling blind, then seeing a new vision. For years, in his pre-UU days as a conservative Christian pastor, he had proclaimed evolution was “of the devil” and the root of most social problems.
While he may have come to another conclusion, many who have taken his place in the Conservative Fundamentalist Churches still cling to such beliefs. And fully intend to do whatever they can to eradicate the teaching of Science, as it should be taught from all education systems. Not only Evolution, but a number of other Sciences that contradict Doctrine.
I do not expect rational dialogue from most hard core Religious folk. Bitter experience has taught me that commodity is scarce among those of that mind-set.
Over the weekend I spent some time with extended family, many of whom are the very self-same Fundamentalists I decry. Three of whom are Pastors of their churches. As such they will, and do, intrude on every gathering to loudly attempt to convert the sinners among us.
Myself first and foremost among that small group. We’ve had some rather ..... lively .... debates, which inevitably spoil what would otherwise be a fine day with family. I refuse to be bullied, or Preached at, by anyone when it comes to my personal beliefs.
Do I believe in a Deity who takes an intimately personal interest in my every moment.
No.
Do I believe there is that which is greater than myself, of course. As explained by my comment in another conversation similar to this one.
Go outside on a clear night and look up, there in the night sky is that which is greater than I. There is no need for an Omnipotent Shepherd in my life, the goal is plain enough to see, if you care to look.
It is your basic right to believe as you see fit.
It is my basic right to be left alone with my own thoughts on the subject.
Get it?
Got it?
Good!