The British Humanist Association and funny-man Stephen Fry join forces to explore how people without faith can find happiness.
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Though I was raised Catholic, I don’t identify as one in my adulthood. I was one of the elementary voices raising questions about evolution to my teacher—who handled my curiosities with the utmost grace.
My biggest hangup was thinking about all of those lost souls out there in the world. You know… the ones who faced eternal damnation because they weren’t lucky (or smart) enough to choose the “right” religion. People who worshiped rats or cows or gods with more than two arms, they were all screwed because they didn’t follow our God.
Even as a third grade child, this seemed unfair. And completely illogical.
As I grew up, I became more and more distant from this religion I had been indoctrinated into; with this, came guilt. I have a large family, most of whom are quite committed to the church. This wasn’t meant to be a judgement cast on them, just me honoring my own beliefs.
Now in adulthood, I often look at the sense of community and ceremony that organized religion provides. And a part of me wishes for it; until I step back a bit further to see that community, love and happiness are still part of my story if I wish it so:
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It’s like asking a kid how they can have any meaning or joy in life now that they know santa doesn’t exsist. The only reason kids are good is to get presents on christmas, right!? lol (Being raised a Jehovah’s Witness, I can attest that 1000’s of kids around the world aren’t lied to about santa or christmas. They aren’t told about getting presents if they are good and none if they are bad. 1000’s of kids know santa (and therefore the reason to be “good”) doesn’t exsist and yet find a way to behave and be “good”). Did your… Read more »
Denis Leary said he wanted to start a Lapsed Catholic church where, “As long as you don’t kill anyone or molest kids you can do whatever the HELL you want! There will be no THOU SHALT NOTS in my church!”