Conversations -
Questions, Answers, Observations, and a few Kudos
One of the prime reasons for creating this site was to provide an opportunity to communicate for those of us who have been or are currently going through the difficult and often emotionally wrenching transition from traditional religion to rational thought. Originally, I created a forum connected to this site, but it seemed that no one could find it and I have abandoned it for the present. I have, however, continued to receive many wonderful emails from readers of the site. People from all walks of life - all over the globe - have made comments and critiques and they have connected to at least one person who has been through what they are going through now. I have been privileged to be in the position to respond to these letters.
In fact, when I began to review these emails for their inclusion here, I was amazed at how much material had been received since January, 2002, when I established the site. For the purpose of sharing our stories, our problems, and our different approaches to the transition out of religion, I present these messages here. I have and reserve the right to edit the content to protect privacy and to extract only that material that is related to our purpose here.
IMPORTANT
NOTE ABOUT PRIVACY
Although from the first it seemed proper to share some of these thoughts and
comments within the site itself, I have hesitated to do so in the past for
fear of your concerns about privacy. The last thing I desire is for readers
to shy away from writing to me for fear of being published. With that in mind,
I have decided to go ahead and share some of your correspondence, but without
names - only initials. I will NEVER publish your email address
or your name without your express directive and for some exceptional
reason. Your trust and confidence is of prime importance to me, and I am very
interested in continuing to hear from you.
Should you find your letter posted here and you do not want it published, email me and I will remove it. If you send me an email, but do not wish it to be published in this way, just say so and I promise I won't.
Correspondence from 2002 - Page: 1(begins below) 2 3
Correspondence from 2003 - Page: 1 2 3 4
Correspondence from 2004 - Page: 1
Correspondence from 2002
Page: 1
NOTE: Since this first email is from the public Ringmaster of one of the Webrings this site is a member of, I have included it with indentifiers.
Date:
Sat, 26 Jan 2002
Subject: Welcome to the Recovering from Religion Web Ring
It's wonderful to have your site as part of our ring. I enjoyed
my visit, often nodding in agreement with the feelings you expressed so well.
Your site is a great resource, and I'm sure a helpful, healing place for many.
-K
David's Response:
Hi, and thank you for your supportive words about "The Joy of Disillusionment". All positive feedback at this point is very helpful as I and my wife have been operating in a vacuum so far and have already been attacked harshly by one former Christian correspondent.
Best
Regards,
David
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2002
Dear David,
Thank you so much for telling me about your site. I read it all through yesterday evening and despite 15 years of "ex-Christianity" I was riveted, experiencing all the old visceral thoughts and feelings vividly bought back with your well written descriptions.
Although currently a short site (no bad thing ;-) ) I was very impressed with the way you have identified and discussed some of the most poignant issues that confront a new ex-Christian, or those in the process of this awakening. I found your writings not only warm, humane and even "spiritual" but also purveying the real heat of the thoughts and emotions that so many of us have gone through. This is something I would have liked to have done more of on my own site, but I think you have done it far better than I had sketched out!.... Like you say, it really can hit you in the gut and I have found from discussion lists that many new ex-Christians are desperate to talk about this magnitude of feeling and discovery. As you probably know, after Blaise Pascal died a friend found sewn into Pascal's jacket a note entitled "FIRE!" describing the enormity of the spiritual feeling he once experienced. I wonder what Christians would think if they could catch a glimmer of what it is really like to experience the fire of coming out the other side. Like you I was astonished at the raw power that waking up out of Christianity brought - even though I perceived my Christian time as a deep and spiritual thing whilst a Christian.
Although some leave Christianity without much fuss, for many deconversion is a tough call indeed. I was interested in your description of deconversion as a "divorce." I have heard others talk about it as a bereavement and having to go through a mourning process. As you discuss, there is an extra poignancy though, to realise that the beloved not only does not and never did love you, but is, always was, and always will be, a fantasy. Nothing compares to that! But once the dust settles frequently people describe deconversion very positively. Many "oceanic" moments wondering at nature, the raw moment and the magnitude and poignancy of life indeed! Hardly the nihilism churches lead the flock to expect for an apostate.
In a perverse way it made me glad I had been a Christian, in that the shock of discovery is presumably lost on those who have not had to have their whole world rewritten. However, before I felt too smug I was discussing this with a friend, only to learn that he too, without having been religious, had gone through an awakening and transforming stage in life when the magnitude of reality struck him. Maybe once again Christianity had led me astray and I came late to realise that being hit in the face by the world, our finitude, the glory, shock (or even Nausea a la Sartre) of naked existence and the
astonishment of consciousness (I read Jung shortly after my deconversion) is all part of gaining an adult appreciation of life.
Thanks again for your writings, and for the obvious care you've taken in giving us something of quality....
I look forward to future musings you may upload to your site!
Best regards,
S
David's Response:
Your letter made my day! Thanks so much for what you said. With the publication of my site, I have put myself out on the line in a way I have not done since exiting my Christian belief structure, and I was a bit apprehensive about it. About ten years ago, I wrote a book (that took me about ten years to write) presenting the "Preterist" interpretation of Christianity and the New Testament. I finally published it in 1994 and, although a small print run, it has been sold and distributed around the world. It was from that kind of deep committment to the Bible that I emerged into freethought and rationalism. The phrase "paradigm shift" is overused, but this qualifies as a true paradigm shift if there ever was one, as I am sure you know from your own experience.
I like your phrase, "oceanic moments" -- that's very true. Who would have thought that such feelings could happen in a universe with no Jehovah God in it! But, it is when the floor is pulled out from under one that things get really interesting!....
I once believed that anyone "losing their faith" would lead wretched and angry lives or else would drift into "make up your own religion" New Age ideas that I assumed were totally meaningless. Now I know that both ideas are false. I live an exuberant and invigorating life, and I have even found that, aside from the obvious fluff, many of the so-called New Age ideas have much truth and depth to them. I am continually having my mind prodded by the terrific array of published thought - things I had no clue about before my big shift. Now I'm paying attention and it is very enlightening. For instance, if you really want to challenge your understandings of the origins of religion, you might entertain some of the ideas about "entheogens" or psychoactive plants and their relationship to the earliest of religions that we know of in Vedic India and Siberia. Very interesting, as it leads to discussions of whether "spiritual" realms and mystical experiences are real or just in our brain chemistry. I am very much undecided and am having some interesting discussions with my wife and friends about these things....
David
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2002
Subject: YES!
I have tears of joy, as I sit here reading your words. There are others like me, who have had virtually the same feelings and experiences that I have had, I am not alone! I too have mourned the death of my god. My life was my religion, being born and raised in a Morman household, (fifth generation). I have gone from complete submission to the teachings of my church to outright hearesy opening a "new age" shop.... Going back to school was the biggy though, taking Philosophy and coming to the conclustion that I will never know if a god exists. I have come to accept my agnosticism as well as to realize that this is my only life, my only chance to "be" and life is short, so I try to make the best of every moment. It does not take fear or religion to make some people want to be "good," those who live a ethical life because they choose, are more honorable than those who are motivated by the fear of punishment. It is lonely here, in this space of mine. I do not know many who share my thoughts and feelings. I will enjoy reading the rest of your site and the recommended sites.
Thanks,
V
David's Response:
Hi V!
I am so happy to have received your email. It is for people such as yourself (and myself, too) that I created the site.
You are correct in that it can be very lonely to pursue truth when it takes us beyond our accepted culture. One of the most wonderful things about our modern world is this ability to connect with people of like mind instantly, no matter where they are in the world. There is quite a large community of folks who have trod this particular path, and the internet is where to find them. I hope you will continue to look around and discover the many resources that are available....
I very much agree with your point about the relative value of ethics in a person who has chosen an ethical lifestyle on purpose and for its own sake, as opposed to one who has been forced into a semblance of one through fear, coersion, or desire of a fantasy life after death. I see that rational person who decides to be ethical as far more noble and deserving of our respect and admiration. We humans have a lot to be proud of, and I hope we can begin to acknowledge our strengths in the name of Humanity instead of in the name of a non-present god.
I was conversing with someone earlier about how we were both surprised at the powerful and positive emotional rewards we experienced after "de-converting" from our religious structures, and how unexpected that was. I hope you have also been able to perceive the exuberance and power of freethought in pursuit of Truth! There is much for us to learn out there - more than ever was apparent before. Check out my book list when you have a chance. There is much there that will open new doors. I am sure you learned much in your Philosophy courses, too....
Best Regards,
David
V's Response:
Thank you so much for returning my e-mail. I enjoyed your site, and am impressed at your articulate manner of communicating and your talent in writing. You have passion.
My analytical nature has often tormented me, as I seem to never stop thinking about my life, the human condition, and those so frequent questions concerning our origins, purpose and future destiny. I was taking my morning walk today, the sun was out, and the first signs of spring were all around me. I often wonder how all this could have come to be, and yes my mind always wanders into the contemplation of a god. It is a comforting thought and I can see how it has given many the security they need to go on with their lives. But, I am not such a person. I have always wanted answers, answers that make sense, answers that do not leave more questions unanswered. I know that there are certain questions that cannot be answered, but the anwers that I accept must be logical. I cannot function on faith. Yes, I can have hope, but faith, that is another matter. I cannot blindly follow a belief without some sort of confirmation of it's truth. I hope that some part of me will survive death, that maybe my consciousness will remain in some form, this innate desire I cannot squealch, but to undeniably know that it is so, I cannot. Those that live with the comfort of faith I think are lucky in a way that they are not tormented with the constant questioning that I have lived with. They are content to believe. That is fine, for them. But there are others of us who, even though we live in a sea of uncertainty, we thrive on our desire to discover and learn all that we can about our existence and take nothing for granted, not even our hopeful infinite natures. I dare to ask how, why, what, where, and I dare to live with the answers that I find, and the ones I do not.
"A philosopher--is a human being who constantly experiences, sees, hears, suspects, hopes, and dreams extraordinary things; who is struck by his own thoughts as from outside, as from above and below, as by his type of experiences and lightning bolts; who is perhaps himself a storm pregnant with new lightnings; a fatal human being around whom there are constant rumblings and growlings, crevices, and uncanny doings. A philosopher--alas, a being that often runs away from itself, often is afraid of itself--but too inquisitive not to "come to" again--always back to himself."
--Nietzche
Date: Wed,
06 Mar 2002
Subject: Thoughts on your Website
Hi David,
My name is B..., and I stumbled onto your site recently while surfing the
"Losing My Religion" website. I have read many of the articles on
your site, and found your insights and experiences very interesting. I have
been a Christian for almost 30 years, and just after New Year's this year
I began to shed my beliefs and come to terms with who I am, and what I really
am capable of understanding. I was especially surprised by your reading list,
for many of the books you list are books that I have (almost voraciously!)
read in the past two months. I guess you could call my recent experiences
something of a "spiritual mid-life crisis", although I don't feel
it's a negative experience, rather one of self-discovery.
It really started on Sept. 11, when everyone watched in horror as the towers
came down. I was in awe and shock from the destruction that man could do in
the name of their "God" and, although it took getting through the
Christmas season to do it, I began to start thinking about what I truly believed
vs. what I've been taught, and kept asking myself if Christians could ever
be capable of the same arguments, pressure, and destruction as the Al-Queda
forces, claiming superiority via association with a Diety. The answer that
came back to me was a sad, really horrifying "yes". And I wondered
why. And how. And I felt there had to be more to understand in this life than
believing in a system of religion that is capable of that type of serious
tragedy.
I also spent the last six years not thinking much about religion at all, due
to being a member of a destructive Bible-based cult for a year and then getting
out of that. Again, it almost tore my wife and I apart, and I was left wondering
how the Bible and God really could have this kind of an effect on people!
Because of the very personal nature of that series of events, I just couldn't
deal with religion any more. I didn't give up my Christian beliefs during
the past six years, but I did stop going to ANY church, as my wife and I have
slowly healed.
Anyway, to put this all in-perspective, I'm now a firm believer - in myself.
And I do hold the belief that there is a much greater natural power in the
universe - although I don't believe it is capable of being known or understood.
I don't have to feel pressure to perform for it, I don't feel I even need
to justify it, because I came to my beliefs now only through a very long incubation
period and a very deep personal search for knowledge, as I see you have travelled
also. I also realize that I could not have come to these realizations if it
had not been for the lifelong experience of Christianity, so in that respect
I can look upon my old beliefs as a "training ground". As the Bible
says... I have put away childish things.
One thing I never expected tho, is how thirsty I became for knowledge after
coming to my realizations about traditional Christianity. It is almost like
my soul has been starved for the past 30+ years, and only now am I able to
start filling it with history, philosophy, and studies of other cultures and
religions that I would have just ignored previously. There were two reasons
I would have ignored this information before - one was because I felt that
I had the right answer before (self-righteous creature that I was!) and two,
that "butterflies in the stomach" feeling when I would go to bookstores
or libraries with large occult/religion/philosophy sections. I was told that
books like that were "bad" or "spiritual pornography".
Anyway, since the beginning of this year I have totally reversed my position
on that - it's hard to get me OUT of those sections in the store now! But
- I am just taking in all this new information, not trying to find salvation.
I believe we create our own salvation - put more bluntly, no man or god will
salvage my life for me, that is MY job. I feel a renewed responsibility to
my life, family, and community, because I realize that I'll never know if
there truly is more "out there" in the afterlife while I'm a part
of humanity as a human. So, in light of that truth, I want to live THIS life
as if it is my only walk on the stage. If there IS another existance after
this one, then all I can say is I gave this life my all.
David, thank you for a very beautiful and informative site, and thanks for
your bits of wisdom you've elected to pass along to the world. Hopefully more
people will choose to ignore the advice by the Great OZ - "pay no attention
to that man behind the curtain!!" and start to pull back that curtain
and examine their beliefs in a clear light.
Best wishes to you and your family....
Regards,
B
David's Response:
Hi
B,
I was very happy to receive your email today. Your response and sharing of
your history and thoughts about these things is just what I had in mind in
creating the site. I came to all this from a life time of dedicated Christianity,
even to the point of writing a book on the New Testament that many are still
using.... I was especially pleased that you resonated with my book list. I
wasn't sure if anyone would really examine the list, and yet those books really
are the source of energy beneath one's thoughts on these things.
I totally agree that this becomes a process of self-discovery that is quite
surprising to those of us who owned such a pre-packaged definition of who
and what we were under the Christian system. Once we shed the idea of a known
supreme being, we look around in wonder at ourselves without the false guilt
and shame that such "selfish" examination would have once engendered
from those in charge. Someone recently made the point that the human brain
is the most complex, densely information-packed object known in the universe
at this time. I agree that there is some indication that there exists some
over-mind or complex entity beyond our direct knowledge, but also agree that
it is unknowable at this time and it is most likely something quite alien
to our Earthly selves. There are some very intriguing insights into some of
this in the very "outre" area of entheogen research - the use over
thousands of years of psychoactive plants by the shamans of various primary
cultures, most prominently in the Amazon. These folks have seen and interacted
with some very strange things that may not all be brain chemical delusions.
If you are intrigued by this, check out some of the books on that subject,
especially those of McKenna. I totally agree that such a posited being is
not to be performed to or justified by us - only scientifically discovered
by us if we can!
Isn't it amazing how the removal of the Christian grid just opens us up to
all sorts of new information and ideas! I, too, ignored much that I now find
crucial, and for the same reasons you gave. I just watched the first part
of Joseph Campbell's Power of Myth the other night. I had never watched it
before, because when it aired originally, I assumed he was just one of those
guys who talks in circles, and not Christian circles either! Wow, what a great
teacher he was. I found myself in rapt attention throughout!
I am fortunate that my wife and I have followed a parallel philosophical course
and now you can't pry either of us out of the bookstores! I hope you and your
wife can find that kind of synergy growth, too, as you "detox" from
your earlier experiences.
I think that the idea of the importance of the present moment is still just
breathtaking to me. I agree that it is essential for us to give this life
our all, and live each moment for it's tremendous value. I still struggle
with being wasteful with my time, but I have to remember that rest and reflection
are important along with creativity and action.
Thanks so much for writing, B, and please feel free to write again, anytime.
Best regards,
David
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002
Subject: You took the words right out of my life
Hi David,
Thank you for the time you spend creating and maintaining this website. I would say god bless you, but....
I am currently experiencing this situation as you described below. After 4 years of pondering what just happened to me. I have decided that my
devotion to the religion of christianity was misguided. I have just now started NOT to FEAR any longer! and am SLOWLY starting to rebuild
Thanks for listening,
B.A.
46 years old (42 as a christian)
David's
Response:
Hi B.A.!
Thanks so much for taking the time to email me about my site. I was hoping
that it would in some way serve those who are travelling that path out of
Christianity. It can be quite a jolt, especially if you have spent much of
your life inside the belief structure, as you did and as I did (44 years for
me), but it does get better - much better! That happens, I think, when we
realize that what we have left behind us - as big as that once seemed - is
actually insignificant compared to the scope and bounty of what we have arrived
at!
I'm encouraged to hear you say you are conquering fear. The way I did that
was to realize for the first time my own real value in relationship to the
universe. Christianity insists that we "humble" ourselves. Once
we leave the religion, that becomes truly senseless self-deprecation and leads
us to unreasonable fear! Life is certainly more mysterious outside of the
Christian structure, and to me that is not so much fearful as exciting and
intriguing.
One thing I have found in common with other "travellers" is that
now that we are out from under the censorship ethic of Christian culture,
we are devouring information that we never knew existed - information about
the true history of humankind, the true origins of religions, and the immense
bounty of philosophical thought that we once ignored, denied, or avoided out
of fear. I wonder if that has been true for you, as well? Whether you have
begun that journey or not, I invite you to check out my book list for some
powerful suggestions. If nothing else, don't miss Ishmael and The Story of
B, by Daniel Quinn, if you haven't read them already. Those are a great place
to begin, and there is much beyond those ideas to explore, as well. That is
what is so joyful about the intellectual life I've gained since leaving the
small box called Christianity.
Quite frankly, it's joyous, exciting, and fun being the master of our own
fate and the craftsman of our own life, thoughts, and heart. That's what it's
all about, here in this perfect moment called RIGHT NOW!
Thanks so much for writing, ...and please feel free to write again, anytime.
I won't wish you "God Bless" either, but I'll give you this blessing
from one traveller to another: I wish you peace and real joy in your continuing
real-life journey!
Best regards,
David
Date: Thu,
28 Mar 2002
Subject: Prophecy Fulfilled
Just last week I read Prophecy Fulfilled....more about this later in this
letter.
I was raised in a denomination which believes they are the only ones who believe
correctly, everyone else is lost. About five years ago I started visiting
with a Jehovah's witness and learned a great deal, all along the way I kept
talking to various friends who also had their theories about religion and
I concluded that I did not agree with any of them fully on some issues. I
started digging into history and was extremely surprised at the history of
the making of the Bible, no one seems to be able to even know for sure when
they were written. You have most religions contending that Revelations was
written after AD 70 so this gives them all the end time predictions and calls
to salvation before the END!!!
It became apparent to me that the New Testament was focused on the impending
demolition of Jerusalem which was about the happen. Am I right?
Because of the Jehovah Witness study I wanted to know why they refused to
celebrate the holidays. I was told because of the pagan origins, and sure
enough, you certainly can see how mythologies throughout known civilizations
seemed to have similar beliefs about God and his SUN/SON. I backed away from
celebrating the holidays because of the implication of SUN worship on the
grounds of it really did fall on the changing of the seasons, as if that was
a real big no-no. BUT, with further study, I read the Bible more and wondered
why there were places in the Bible that corollate with the cosmos, or zodiac,
Jesus's life with the trajectory of the SUN, the 12 tribes and 12 apostles
maybe relating to the 12 signs of the zodiac and such like. Bulls, Lambs,
Fish,Lions, and serpents and such that all relate to the Zodiac. Why Jesus
had a Greek name since he was Jewish.
I have found a place on the website called Hiddenmeanings which seems to shed
light on a lot of areas. It helps to be able to see perhaps what the actual
meanings are instead of literal interpretations.
Anyway, I was surprised to see your name and the title Joy of Disillusionment
as I was exploring the Internet, since I had just read Prophecy Fulfilled,
what are your thoughts on that writing now?
C
David's Response:
Dear C,
....I want to thank you so much for taking the time and interest to write to me.
If you have read my book, Prophecy Fulfilled, then you know quite a bit about the preterist interpretation of the Bible, which you allude to in describing what you have been studying and thinking about recently. That interpretation is the only one that made any sense to me when trying to understand the Bible and Christian religion, and I spent many years of my life piecing that view together and consolidating it into a book form. But, as you have found, I have undergone a revolution in thinking about and understanding religion and the true history of mankind.
You said you found the title "Joy of Disillusionment" on the net, and I was curious if you were able to visit my site by that name and read some of what is there? It contains many essays and other resources that present my current point of view and also, I have just added a somewhat detailed account of my own journey from Christian thought to a Rationalist viewpoint. If you are interested, I would encourage you to read my essay, "My Journey", but briefly, I feel that I have "opened up" out of a small box that I now think of as Christian religion. That box is too small to hold me any longer and I have learned far too much to ever go back into it.
The kinds of things I have learned are similar to what you have written about in your letter. The correlations of the holidays with solar and astronomical events, for instance, are important clues to understanding where religious ideas came from and how Christianity has obliterated much of what once was the true religions of mankind. I would encourage you to continue reading and studying new things, and please check out my book list on the Joy of Disillusionment site for some very solid books that will really challenge your thinking in a healthy way. Don't miss Ishmael and The Story of B, by Daniel Quinn.
I took a peek at the site you mentioned, and it seemed to me to be very uncritical of new ideas. Those of us who have come out of one box should be reticent about jumping into another one without some really solid proofs and cross-discipline connections to assure us that the new ideas we are considering have merit and are not just more human fiction!
I, for instance, am currently examining the history and current practices of shamanism (the oldest "religion" of humanity) to see if it is more than superstition. I have reason to believe it is more, and I'm researching it now, but I won't allow myself to fall into the "New Age" fluff trap, if you understand what I mean.
You asked what I think about my book now. That is a good question, and I would have to answer it by saying that I am very proud of that book and all the work that went into it. It represents much of what and who I am now, and set the stage for the kind of positive critical analysis of new ideas I've been speaking of, even if I no longer believe that the content of my book is rational and "real". I have told others who have asserted that I have "lost my faith" that I have not lost it - I have simply put it away in a box in my attic. I know right where it is, and should real, empirical proof come to me that the God of the Jewish/Christian Bible is real, I will open that box and reclaim that faith. I invite that proof. I would very much like for God to show up.
Until that time, I shall remain an "opened up" person who maintains a rationalist view of things as a default position. This is not a negative place - my life is more full of joy, exuberance, rich information, peace, and wonderful creativity than it has ever been before!
Please check out the Joy of Disillusionment site sometime soon, and email me again to let me know what you think, ok? The URL is: http://www.newrational.com/joy
It sounds like from your first statement that you might have been raised in the Church of Christ. If so, we have much in common, as that was my upbringing also. It seems that you have begun to exit that old box for yourself, and that is a wonderful thing. I wish you a good journey and many jarring and exciting discoveries. Just keep your wits about you and don't take anyone's word without a good dose of skepticism!
Best regards,
David
Date:
Tue, 28 May 2002
Subject: Your web site
Been browsing you site. I agree it is difficult to break with old beliefs.
I read "what this site is and isn't", and don't think I will be
breaking your codes by including an URL to a site that explains the "fear
factor" involved in infusing false beliefs. It helped me and I humbly
hope you may extract some kernel of insight to help in your work.
If you interpret this action in any fashion other than trying to be helpful,
I apologize now.
Keep
up the good work, K.
[URL for personal essay site given]
David's
Response:
Hello K,
....I was happy to read your essay, and I find myself in agreement with much
of what you have to say. I think you are quite right to indicate how externally
imposed and self-employed authorities or "authority" are equivalent
to gods to us. I have come to believe that the highest form of humanity is
the person who is healthily self-centered and demands proofs and justifications
for any bow he or she is asked to make to any authority, and only agrees when
that authority squares up with one's own values. For instance, I accept the
citizenship of the U.S. because it matches up (at least well enough for me
to work with it) with my own ethical beliefs and expectations and with my
practical needs as a human being. I do not accept it just because I was born
here.
I think we must take a similar approach with religious ideas, scientific ideas,
and anything else.
It sounds like you have a rather abstract definition for "God" -
> Since the force (read authority) that establishes the laws of nature,
such as
> gravity, magnetism, electricity, biology and so forth definitely exist,
then
> God exists by definition. Therefore, night follows day, and stars adorn
the
> midnight skies.
which I might not completely disagree with, and which seems to fit a broader,
older, pagan view of the ultimate authority. My quibble with the established
religions, of course, is with the specific Gods presented in the various "holy
scriptures" that have lured so many into accepting the "protection
racket" of their choice. If any of these particular, personally knowable,
gods are real, then I simply ask for any one of them to SHOW UP. Then, as
a thinking, healthily skeptical human being, I can make up my mind to follow
them or not. However, I will never again take any human's word for the reality
of any such being. I've simply read too much and know too much about the history
of religions to blindly join anyone's army again.
There are two authors I would recommend to you if you haven't read them. The
idea of the Christian/Jewish scriptures being just another of these protection
rackets is very well stated in: Power, Politics, and the Making of the Bible
- Robert B. Coote & Mary P. Coote. Also, for excellent insights into the
tribalism aspects of our cultural nature, be sure to read Daniel Quinn's amazing
works, Ishmael, and The Story of B.
Thanks again for writing. I appreciate other people's views and comments on
these things.
Regards,
David
Date: Mon,
24 Jun 2002
Subject: Poetry
Dear David,
I really appreciated your poetry. I had been an active member of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) for many years until I read
information about the true history of the church.
R
David's
Response:
Dear R,
Thank you so much for your kind comments about my poems. I wasn't quite sure
if anyone was actually reading them, but I am honored that you have and that
you found them meaningful in some way.
It is amazing, isn't it, that if we simply study the history of religion,
we so naturally come to the understanding that it is all human creation.
Best wishes in your journey.
David
Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2002
Subject: hi
I like your web site, I have been researching sites like yours for years. My hsusband is a christian and addicted to it. It makes me ill, I am stuck in this marriage because of business and preteens. anyway all I can do is carry on and it is not fun
V
David's Response:
Hi
V,
Thank you so much for your email.... I am sympathetic to your situation, and
I can only say that we are each our own masters in this life. I hope that
you will eventually find a way to express your worldview within your life.
It is hard to contain such things inside. Best wishes for you.
Regards,
David
Correspondence from 2002 - Page: 1 2 3
Correspondence from 2003 - Page: 1 2 3 4
Correspondence from 2004 - Page: 1
joy@newrational.com
