Hey,
It was nice meeting you as well. Your question posed in such a forward way (which I am normally OK with) through me off a little. The reason being, that like a lot of folks in and around the Harding community with differing opinions, I have to be careful to whom I talk about that stuff. I have been graduated since December and therefore don't need to fear official reprisal, but a lot of the general populace can be un-understanding and somewhat abusive, so please pardon the cryptic answer.
But here goes:
Answering your question with a yes or no does not do the multi-faceted being God justice. A better question may have been, which God don't you believe in. I would ask a "theist" which God they believe in. I am not suggesting multiple Gods, just multiple opinions and descriptions and character traits applied to what is possibly the same entity. So I will tell you of the God I don't believe in.
I don't believe in a God who promotes nationalism and blind patriotism. I don't believe in a God who supports discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or sexual identity. I don't believe in a God who supports those who would rape the earth for the progress of man. I do not believe in a God who condones a continual exploitation of the poor for the benefit of the richest. That God is alive and strong in the minds of many rich, hopelessly well employed, white men. That is the God with whom, I do not want to be associated.
I do believe in a God who prefers the least of these. I do believe in a God who hates and despises religious services which exacerbate the position of the poor. I do believe in a God who wants peace and justice to roll like a river. I do believe in a God who proclaims release to the captives. I do believe in a God who loves unconditionally regardless of race, religion, gender and sexual identity. In short, a God who does not exist but in the lives and writings of the prophets, of Jesus, of Martin Luther King Junior and others.
I am inspired and informed by those men and women through the centuries who have given their lives for the poor and fought for justice in their own neighborhoods.
Yes I am an atheist. No I am not an atheist. Maybe I am an a/theist?
Which God do you (not) believe in?
Hello my friend. You have surprised me. I like the term "a/theist." Very good term. I believe this is something I can strongly agree with. Of course not blindly. I accept nothing blindly anymore, but this is a good thing I think.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the clearest I've ever heard [seen] you describe your beliefs.
ReplyDeleteA/theist doesn't originate with my Grant, I will bring you a book from which I found that term on tuesday... though, after a glance at the book shelf I may not have it anymore; don't give up hope though. It's a good turn of phrase though and it helps me a lot.
ReplyDelete@ Steph:
While this may be clear, don't put too much stock in this in hardly represents my life.