Quick Summary of my Beliefs

Ask around in America and the general consensus seems to define religion as a belief in divinity coupled with theories regarding the world’s origins and an afterlife. Unfortunately, many American’s narrow this definition further to exclude all but their own specific God and their own theories on origin and afterlife. Often, all other religions are dismissed as misguided, deemed as “Satan driven” cults, or simply disregarded all together.

As an atheist, I do not believe in the god of Abraham, the gods of Ancient Greece, or in the Brahmic deities of Hinduism. I acknowledge that I am a rapidly fading speck in the infinite span of time and space and there is no way myself, or any of my fellow “specks”, can absolutely know our origins. Further, I understand that our bodies are complex, biological machines and that our consciousness is merely a series of electrical pulses or neuro-chemicals received and interpreted by the meaty matter of our brains. No souls are involved, no cognizant existence following our deaths. I, comparable to most Christians, Muslims, etc., accept my beliefs as undeniable fact and am confused by other’s lack of understanding.

My version of the universe’s truths hold no place for the three main criteria that the general public uses to validate a belief system. However, religion is still an important aspect of my life. My morality and convictions, often quite different from the conventional, is vital to my identity and my pride.

At the heart of my beliefs is the need for individuality. Since the time span of our existence is so brief, I feel the most important thing we must all do is to take many introspective looks throughout our lives and decide upon the things that fulfill us and leave us feeling satisfied. This means of satisfaction, of course, differs for each of us, but, once discovered, should be the focus of our lives. This pursuit gives my life meaning and to me seems much more rewarding than obsessing over ancient strictures that lack a true personal element.

My beliefs, both the primary tenet and other smaller moral decisions I have made based on experience and introspection, are my religion. It has no name, no divinity, no afterlife, and no mythology. My religion has adherents numbering exactly one. It is deeply personal and highly rewarding. It is everything that I know, everything I believe and, in fact, everything that I am.