The Stiletto Philosopher

So here’s the thing, y’all…

My whole goal in life isn’t to upset anyone, convert anyone or piss off anyone. Unfortunately, when “God” is mentioned all three of those things seem to happen or suddenly become an underlying motive.  I think it would be best to lay the cards on the table right at the beginning to avoid unnecessary conflict.

What do I believe?

I believe there is a higher power out there who looks over us all.  I call Him God even though I personally don’t believe God is either male or female; just assigned the gender by the leaders of the patriarchal society in charge of writing and editing the Holy texts.  I choose to go along with the gender thing because it’s so much easier than constantly writing “he/she/it” all the time. 

I believe in Heaven and I believe in Hell, though I question whether or not we aren’t already in hell on earth, awaiting a return to the peaceful bliss from which we came.  While my faith teaches that those who do not believe the way we do will suffer in the burning fires of Hell for all eternity, I find myself unable to reconcile the loving God I know with the sadistic torturer who would allow unending suffering for those He loves.    It doesn’t jive in my mind; never has.  When I ask about all those who believe in the peaceful and loving ideals of other faiths and why they should spend eternity in torment for belief in goodness, I’m told that’s how it is.  When I bring up all those who perhaps live in the distant and yet un-evangelized reaches of the world who have no knowledge or understanding of Jesus, I’m told to have faith.  Faith that the “ignorant” will suffer when they had not the opportunity to save themselves?  Really?

Like I said, some things I’m unable to reconcile in my mind.

But I believe the fundamentals are sound.  I don’t think we’re all here by some cosmic accident and the stirring of dust in the nothingness of space.  I believe there is someone - something - out there who knows us down to the depths of our being and loves us anyway.  I believe in the inherent goodness of all people, despite the evil all around us, pulling us to lose our humanity to our baser impulses.

I also believe not everyone believes what I do.

What Do I Want?

I want for us to agree to something right up front.  I won’t disrespect or make fun of your beliefs if you’ll extend the same courtesy to me.  I would like for it be accepted and expected from the beginning that from time to time I’m going to mention God.  While I might (for me) be referring to the God I know as my personal higher power, you might be looking at it as the God or Goddess or spiritual higher power in which you believe.  Or maybe you see it as nature.  Perhaps you even see it as nothing at all.

I understand that.  I accept that.  I respect that.

Can you?

Will you?

One More Deal

While I won’t attempt to minister to anyone or change the beliefs of another, I have no intention of hiding who I am.  If y’all have questions about my faith or what I believe then I’ll answer what I can.  And everyone should probably know that I’m more than a little curious about what others believe so I will be asking questions. 

Here’s hoping a few of you will stick around. 

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