How Did You Replace God?

[Buttercup]

In my 20's I woke up as an agnostic without specific beliefs - a free bird like many of you. There was a strong drive for understanding much as Stephen expressed and I too read intensively - read, contemplate, and meditate. Understanding how statements like - the Kingdom of God is within you (Jesus), those who know themselves know their Lord (Mohammad), subject and object merge to one (Plotinus), and the being realizes identity with the Source of all being (a description of Enlightenment) and many more including writings from Meister Eckhart, the Over-Soul of Emerson, and Spinoza - could be made by humans was the quest. A breakthrough experience of Oneness came at 28 and offered understanding from a new state of being with a whole new ecstatic perspective on life and God at the center. There is more after that but that is the most important key to where I am at now.

The experience of Oneness does not come with words but I believe that the writings of Paul Tillich are consistent with what I experienced and give me words sometimes.

Yep, I can see what happened, Robert. Like so many others before you, attending college brought out the evil heathen in you....as predicted. Actually, I read a study recently that claimed most colleges graduates end their academic careers retaining belief in God.

What does your family think of your choices? Do you attend church any longer?

 

[robtex]

When I first started talking to Rick about my growing disbelief in God, it made him nervous and we actually fought over the subject a couple of times. He isn't very spiritually minded or inclined to discuss such subjects so the idea of me giving God the edge of my boot, shook him up I think. After discussing the subject further we finally got to the bottom of his anger/hostility and realized his reaction was part insecurity wondering if I was going to change (and perhaps chuck him too) and I think he wondered if I expected him to follow suit. Now that some time has passed, he's fine with my beliefs as he sees not much has changed between us.

I am glad this part went well.

 

[logician]

What need is there to replace a myth, coming to the realization that there is no god frees oneself from the bondage of same.

 

[autonomous1one1]

Yep, I can see what happened, Robert. Like so many others before you, attending college brought out the evil heathen in you....as predicted. ,,,

ha, ha. I can see that you need a new paradigm reference for judgments.

.....What does your family think of your choices? Do you attend church any longer?

What's not to like? Besides, it wasn't totally within my control. I go to church now and then for others.