At 47,000+ Christian denominations it is obvious that we have many differing opinions of how we are supposed to believe, behave, or just be. This doesn't even count the other 4,000 to 10,000 distinct religions in the world. While it might be obvious that they all can't be right, it is possible that they are all wrong.
I can understand how we have so many different ideas about just what following Jesus looks like. In talking to others about their religious (Christian) deconstruction, I am finding that their journeys and mine are also very different from one another.
Many hold fast to some core beliefs while dismissing behaviors and traditional practices, while others completely abandon what they have been taught.
Sometimes there is a type of reconstruction or new faith that is obtained. Oftentimes there is not.
Personally, I struggle more with the reconstruction part.
Having dismissed the controlling bullshit part of religion -- What am I left with? and What do I do now?
I don't know if -- Be a good person and do the right thing -- is a religion, but I think it should be.
I am no longer burdened by the threat of hell, nor enticed by the hope of heaven. I will let God and eternity deal with those things. I am just going to work on what I can do ... today.
I'm going to meet someone for a quick lunch, run some errands (buy coffee), and do a few things around the house. It isn't much.
Maybe I will find a way to be an encouragement to somebody.
I don't know.
I often say that I am a non-productive member of society. It goes with the territory of staying the f**k away from people. But I am also a non-destructive member of society. At least I try to be.
Recycle, reduce, reuse -- right?
Do no harm.
Plant flowers for the birds, bees, and butterflies.
Mind my own business.
Making the world a better place by staying away from people.
It's not very religious.
I might make it my new religion anyway.
Just some thoughts in my head this morning.
John
Posts to Out of My Hat are just my thoughts on varied subjects from politics, religion, parenting, magic and life in general. Please feel free to comment on or share any of the material found here. Just note the source and, when possible, provide a link to Out of My Hat.
The further into my deconstruction from the faith, the more I can see that it has mens' hands all over it, and not the inspiration of a Devine creator. There may be a Devine creator but I have serious doubts about there being an actual connection between the god of Christianity and the god of the universe. I wonder how many ministers are out there going through the motions, no longer invested in the faith but there for a paycheck until they retire? I don't fault them for the predicament they find themselves in. If one's faith journey is a straight line and not a meandering one, I have to wonder how seriously they ever look at their chosen religion. Perhaps it's just the way I'm wired, but I've been questioning mine since I was a boy. You?
ReplyDelete