Comments on: What I Believe

By: Josh Woodlander

Josh Woodlander — Sat, 07 May 2016 17:24:56 +0000

Thank you fellow Atheist! I could not have articulated my own “spiritual” beliefs more accuratley than you have written about yours. I especially appreciate this thought of yours, “For me, that is spirituality. It is gardening, being with my family and friends and animals, enjoying the beauty of nature, marveling at life in all its forms, and thinking deeply about the big questions.” Precisely the truth.

By: Donna Schaffer

Donna Schaffer — Wed, 04 May 2016 14:02:29 +0000

This essay epitomizes why I have always admired your intellect. I may adopt it a personal religious philosophy but will give you credit whenever possbile. Embracing diversity might be my first foundational belief. But I really want to experience the list of beliefs and see if over the years there’s additions or subtractions. Thank you Michael.

By: Michael Heumann

Michael Heumann — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 15:16:52 +0000

Michael I want to thank you for your help with the WisdomPedia.org project (the KnowledgeFilter and Open SourceBook tools for combining and filtering collective wisdom). It all started with an attempt to integrate science and spirituality- both updated to incorporate the other is what I believe we need now as a species. I too like the term ” the Great Mystery”. In a Native American language what we call God is called ” grandfather (ultimate source) of the great mystery.”. One of the first Open SourceBooks is called ” formulas for Living” exploring the biological basis of spiritual truth. I’ll send you the pre Open SourceBooks manuscript. I agree with Joseph Campbell who says religion and myth is true in the way that poetry is true. Religion just needs to be update in the light of modern science. Formulas Echoes many of the thoughts in this great essay. Interesting that religion is one of the very few absolutely universal traits found in every culture ( per EO Wilson “The Meaning of Human Existence” ) Thank you for opening the topic in such a meaningful way.
Thank you for the light you continue to bring to the world!

By: Kent J.

Kent J. — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 00:36:29 +0000

I’ve noticed that most people, later in life, circle back the religions they were exposed to as a child, even if there had been an extended period of estrangement. So it is significant that, far from investigating the spiritual vestiges of a Jewish childhood, you are even more fervent in your pronunciation of having no religion. I believe this shows a strength of character — rejecting the widely available balm of spiritual rituals that guide the end of many people’s life journey. Not that these rituals are without value for believers, but I applaud your consistency in maintaining the rigorous thinking that defines who you are.