Leaving Christianity – Oh What A Relief It Is!

Nan Religion , , , , , , , , , ,

Oh What A Relief It Is!Although I left Christianity over 20 years ago, it took a long while for me to erase the doctrines that had been embedded within my consciousness for 15+ years. It was not an easy road.

As Stephen Van Eck wrote on the Deism.com website: “Once sucked into the parallel universe of Christianity, [a person] is too intimidated by threats and rationalizations to attempt escape. Even thinking along alternative lines will induce severe feelings of guilt.”
Writing my book helped tremendously because of all the research and reading I did. Learning how and why certain doctrines of the Christian faith (e.g., final judgment, burning fires of hell, Satan and his demons, the end-times) were introduced into the faith was extremely liberating … and removed a ton of guilt and fear.

I also found out some things about the Bible. As many others, I had been taught the Bible was “God’s Word” (even though the interpretation of what “He” said varies considerably among denominations). Through my studies, I discovered that much of what is in the bible is the result of stories, epics, myths, legends, proverbs, etc. that were passed by word of mouth from one generation to another. This is particularly true of the Hebrew Bible, but intrinsically typical of the New Testament scriptures as well. Can you imagine the burden that was lifted when I found out I wasn’t genetically inclined to sin and thus in need of someone to save me from being human??!?

Contrary to what one might think, the many discoveries I made did not turn me into an atheist. However, I definitely do not believe in a supernatural being who lives somewhere “up there,” who can be manipulated by prayer, or who has a “will.” Rather, my image of “God” is far more encompassing and has nothing to do with religious belief. In fact, I’m extremely reluctant to even use the word “god” because of all its connotations.

In any case, I find my life so much more fulfilling now. Truly, what a relief it has been!

“Fly Me To The Moon”

Nan Opinion, Outer Space, Space Travel

An excerpt from an email newsletter I receive related to the current excursion to the moon:

While the 10-day test flight will not land on the moon, it will photograph, from a height of 4,000 to 6,000 miles, areas of the moon’s south pole, where the next human landing and an eventual lunar base are planned.

As many of my regular readers already know, I’m not a fan of “space travel.” IMO, human bodies are designed to live on EARTH … not Mars or any other planet in our solar system. And the beaucoup bucks being spent on learning more about “survival” in space is little more than the folly of dreamers.

This includes the recent efforts to reach –and set up living quarters– on the MOON. Here is what AI has to say:

Astronauts on the Moon will face extreme temperatures ranging from -248 to 123 degrees Celsius (-414 to 253 degrees Fahrenheit), exposure to radiation due to the lack of atmosphere, and challenges from lunar dust, which can irritate the eyes and lungs. Additionally, the Moon’s low gravity can lead to muscle and bone loss over time.

Not exactly the conditions for a casual afternoon stroll, is it? Rather, the astronauts will be required to wear special clothing every time they set foot on the moon’s surface. Moreover, their intended living quarters will be far different from any found on earth.

Now some will say our exploratory nature demands these excursions to parts unknown. They will cite history and offer reminders of what has taken place to be where we are today. I cannot deny any of this. However, none of it required leaving this planet.

And yes, I’m well aware of the military aspects behind this particular venture. I just find it extremely sad and disappointing that human beings feel they must overcome/rule other humans in order to simply enjoy life. But thus it has been … and thus it will (undoubtedly) ever be.

A Theory About Trump

Nan Donald Trump, History, Opinion , , , ,

The following essay is a bit “much” for me, but I did an overall scan and think some of my blog regulars (and visitors) may enjoy it. It’s definitely a “different” look at Trump, his actions, and his influence on the future.

Trump as Alexander the Great
A Theory That Explains Iran
(And Everything Else)

Naturally, your comments and feedback are welcomed … and encouraged.

I’m So Confused!

Nan Bible, Christianity, Donald Trump, God, War , ,

Following is a comment I left on a post by “lobotero” on his blog: In Saner Thought. The post is entitled, “Donny Is At It Again.”

If I believed the Christian god actually existed, I would be forced to question how “he” has allowed Trump to take this nation in the total opposite direction of the “do unto others” that is promoted in the “book” that supposedly contains “his” words and desires. IMO, something is greatly amiss.

I personally find it difficult to understand how thousands and thousands of those who profess belief in the Christian god are in full support of Trump’s actions. Not only what he is doing in Iran, but all the many actions he has taken (and allowed his staff to take) in this country that are against biblical principles.

What am I missing?

Absolutely!

Nan Donald Trump, Opinion

French Senator Claude Malhuret TORCHES Trump and his alcoholic, drug-addicted administration on the floor of the Luxembourg Palace: “Every time the Epstein affair resurfaces, bombs explode somewhere in the world and cause a distraction!”

Every mainstream outlet in the U.S. should be running this speech to show Americans what the world thinks of our leaders.

The Frenchman Nails It!

Thank you, Pete, for posting this. It’s a Must-Read!