Hmmm. Howard gives me something to build on:

1) to explain how the world and mankind came into existence, and to explain natural phenomena. Unfortunately none of the religions seem to be able to agree on this, which makes their explanations suspect. However there is now a scientific explanation, and although admittedly our knowledge is still far from complete, for most people this provides a more plausible answer.

2) to provide a moral code by which to live. However the general principles which most religions espouse are mainly the ones necessary for everyone in society to get on in peace and harmony. Many non-religious people follow these principles, and equally many religious people fail to live up to them.

3) to offer comfort to those people who always get the shitty end of the stick in life that things will be better next time, although usually with the threat that things could be even worse if they don't toe the line. The cynical might see this as a means of social control.

Well, Howard, if that's what religion is about, I wouldn't bother. I suppose it's nice to speculate on how the world and mankind came into existence, but it's really not all that important to me. And you're right about moral codes - they're a natural thing, what's necessary for people to get along and survive in society. And I get far more comfort from people who love me, rather than from religious authorities - and if they threatened me, I wouldn't believe them, because I think things have natural consequences that don't have a hell of a lot to do with authority.

So, religion isn't any of those things - at least to me, it isn't. But what it is, is very difficult to explain in terms that convey its impact and value. It's an exploration into the depths of our existence - seeking a deeper meaning in humanity, in life, love, and death, and whatever else there is that mystifies us. It's seeking the best end of humanity, holding onto ideals like peace and altruism - even when they don't seem practical. It's looking at a tree or a baby or a lover, and seeing something deeper than an organism that can be deconstructed and analyzed and known completely by scientific processes. It's exploring the mystery and meaning of traditions that have been held by humans for millennia, speculating that somehow I have a tie to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - and therefore to all humankind.

This "religion" that I have expresses itself in myth, like the creation myths and all the other wonderful stories treasured by believers (and not necessarily understood literally); in ritual and in sacred traditions such as following dietary laws; in legendary heroes like patriarchs and saints and saviors; and in a mutually-supporting community of believers.

For me, all of this is a big part of the essence of who I am. It's not an authority system at all. I have no use for authority, other than the fact that it serves a function in making things work - sometimes.

Now, I could do all of this and be non-theistic. But part of me tells me that there is a divine essence to all that I encounter, so I therefore do believe in God.

There are several Mudcatters, like the late Rick Fielding and a number of others, that I have had the deepest respect and admiration for. And maybe I admire them because they are so much like I am - they keep exploring the depths of the wonders that surround us; and they are wonderful, altruistic, compassionate, intelligent people. But, for the most part, there is one thing that separates me from these people I admire so much - I see a divine essence in what I see, and they do not. I wouldn't dream of arguing with them and attempting to prove the existence of that divine essence. I can't prove it - but I see it, and they don't. They see something different, and I have learned remarkable things from the difference of our perspectives.

-Joe-