Day 19: "It's a Dog's life"

I am nineteen days in to Authentic Lent... nineteen out of forty five.  I am wondering if I will have enough material to go that long.  I might have to dedicate one week to dead influences.  I don't think it will take away from the amazing living voices that I have discovered along the way.  So that is still an option.  I would love to bring Bertrand Russell back.  

Today, I don't feel that inspired.  Sundays are supposed to be a catch up day with my thoughts and feelings.  Today, it's cold outside and my head is tired.  I just want to get back on my puzzle and keep working on assembling pieces that don't seem like a contradiction to my life.  I think it is why I puzzle.  It is a lot easier to put together puzzle pieces than the try to figure out how to piece together the puzzle of my life.   I also adore the pictures.  There is a peace experienced when I am perusing puzzle pictures.  I don't have to buy them or put them together.  Part of the joy is just admiring the pictures. 

This week I finished a 2000 pc Cobble Hill puzzle called "It's a Dog's life".  I have found myself envying critters this week.  They don't have to ask the big questions.  No one is asking them to process life by a certain narrative.  They can just exist, do life, pass along some love and then cease to exist.  Somehow, they evolved faster than humans.  Humans still need work to get past the requirements they place on other humans to be like them.  

I want to imagine being loved just for being me.  Isn't that was a dog is... loved just for being a dog.  Some dogs work for a living, but some dogs are just there to love and be loved and that is all of their purpose.  Maybe I am loved for me, but the picture still wafts around in my brain that I have to be somebody beyond myself to really be valued.  Maybe I am loved.  But is it not also loving to embrace people for who they want to be.  Can we ever get to a place with people like we do with dogs?  Can we just love and be loved?  

Day 19: 2022 - "Too many amazing minds and not enough years to read them all". 

Day 19: 2023 - "Just give me Bob Ross" 

Day 18: An Atheist looks to Religion for Life Lessons

The School of Life

Yesterday, I highlighted Richard Dawkins.  Today we get to meet Alain de Botton who takes a very different approach to religion than Dawkins does.  Dawkins has made no apology that he wishes that religion could end.   Alain de Botton finds that maybe wishing religion away is not even worth his energy.  He wants others to learn that religion and religious organizations have something to teach the secular world.  

“I never wavered in my certainty that God did not exist. I was simply liberated by the thought that there might be a way to engage with religion without having to subscribe to its supernatural content." Alain De Botton -  Religion for Atheists: A Non-Believer's Guide to the Uses of Religion

I found two Youtube videos where Alain shares his vision of a different kind of Atheism.  One is a twenty minute Ted Talk that is a summary of his vision, and the other is a talk he gave at the Sydney Opera house, which is more in depth and includes a question and answer session as well.  Sorry Richard Dawkins... this makes more sense.  

Atheism 2.0 (Ted Talk) 

Alain de Boton: Religion for Atheists  (Ideas at the House) 

Day 18: 2022 "God is not a god"

Day 18: 2023 - "I really don't know life at all" 

Day 17: Richard Dawkins in Conversation.

 

"The chances of each of us coming into existence are infinitesimally small, and even though we shall all die some day, we should count ourselves fantastically lucky to get our decades in the sun." RD

I will admit up front that I haven't read any books of Richard Dawkins.  I will also admit that I haven't read any books of any other of the "Four Horseman" (Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchins).  I have only exposed myself to their oral contributions on Youtube and found that when they get into conversation with each other or with others... I find that fascinating.  To immerse myself in only their own thoughts for the duration of a book read... well, somehow that hasn't been as inviting for me.  That may change in the future... but right now, that is all I can offer as an explanation.  

“If you are religious at all it is overwhelmingly probable that your religion is that of your parents.”  RD

I went on the hunt for some less than abrasive quotes from Dawkins this morning.  When a lot of people think of Richard Dawkins, abrasive comes to mind, but maybe he's not all that abrasive when you dig a little deeper.  Maybe he just comes across that way because he is passionate about the harms that religion has caused this planet.  

“Religion is not the root of all evil, for no one thing is the root of all anything.” RD

I enjoy listening to his conversations, but I have to dig deep to find common ground with him.  I don't wish an end to religion, like he has mentioned on occasion.  I wish for common ground with those that still need religion to navigate this world, and I wish that those needing religion would understand that their view point is one of many and not everyone's answer to their existence.  

“I cannot know for certain but I think God is very improbable, and I live my life on the assumption that he is not there.” RD

This makes sense. "God" doesn't have to be the default just because I can't understand the world without a supernatural narrative.  I may not understand all the things Dawkins understands, but I don't have to default to "God" just because I need to fill in a hole.  

“Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.” RD

It's the last one that just sticks out in my brain.  Rulers find religion useful because religion teaches and models subservience.  What government would shy away from that?  

“Fundamentalist religion is hell-bent on ruining the scientific education of countless thousands of innocent, well-meaning, eager young minds. Non-fundamentalist, ‘sensible’ religion may not be doing that. But it is making the world safe for fundamentalism by teaching children, from their earliest years, that unquestioning faith is a virtue.” RD

I wonder what it would have been like had I been invited to ask more questions when I was younger.  

“I have found it an amusing strategy, when asked whether I am an atheist, to point out that the questioner is also an atheist when considering Zeus, Apollo, Amon Ra, Mithras, Baal, Thor, Wotan, the Golden Calf and the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I just go one god further.” RD

One god further... a big picture approach that is seldom experienced when one is immersed in one's own religious expression.  I will leave you with some great conversations with Richard Dawkins.  

Stephen Fry and Richard Dawkins in Conversation

Ricky Gervais and Richard Dawkins in Conversation

The Four Horseman: Hour 1 of 2: Discussions with Richard Dawkins 

The Four Horseman : Hour 2 of 2: Discussions with Richard Dawkins 

Day 17: 2022 - "Katie and Eilish: Beautiful Because of Chance"

(I read this one this morning... and didn't feel like I agreed with my thoughts of two years ago.  I may have to revisit this one.) 

Day 17: 2023 - "ONE Can't Create"

Day 16: Aren't we all Agnostic?

I once told my mother, "We are a planet of Agnostics."  I wanted to convey that at the heart of the matter, knowledge evades us.  We can feel certain about something and sell our selves to the cause, but do we really KNOW?  

I came across Leslie Hazleton about three years ago when her book popped up on my radar.  I was looking for Agnostic stories and I found her book, Agnostic, A Spirited  Manifesto.  

The Journey of the AGNOSTIC: A SPIRITED MANIFESTO by Lesley Hazleton. Leslie Hazleton - The Doubt Essential to Faith 

Lesley originally hails from England but became a U.S. Citizen.  I figured that still gives her credence to be a part of my "across the pond" week of Authentic Lent.   

I like Lesley's approach to life.  She values words and their meanings which excites me.  I am always frustrated that I am fluent in the only language that butchers the story of the inner human existence.  Her Ted talks have been invigorating and I will add a couple at the end of my post.  

It's encouragement from voices like Lesley's that give me hope that I don't have to have my "Atheist" label tattooed on me or embroidered on a hoodie for everyone to see.  She is comfortable with the Agnostic label and then goes further to uncover her story beyond the labels.  She still understands people's need for faith and has spent a lot of energy and time to understand the world of faith and the people who embrace it.   

I am not personally convinced that being Agnostic is a just stop on the way to being Atheist.  I am in good company with a lot of Atheists who still add Agnostic in to their identity.  It's somewhat humbling and freeing at the same time to let go of the need to know everything and even know anything.  To leave room for doubt in any moment, choice or feeling is wisdom in action.  At least that is what makes sense to me.  But what do I know?  

Lesley Hazleton: The doubt essential to faith

The Real Meaning of Soul - Lesley Hazleton

Day 16: 2022 -  "God Hates us ALL ... A message worth risky graffiti?

Day 16: 2023  -  "The Show must go on"  (This post contains the story of "The Emperor's New Clothes".   How brave of me would it be for us to put myself in the shoes of that child again.) 

Day 15: Not all atheists are scientists... some are artists

My husband I and were first introduced to Stephen Fry during the years we were engrossed in the TV drama "Bones".  I was unaware of the magnitude of this man's resume when he showed up on American television as a psychiatrist.  His British wit that I would eventually come to appreciate so much was evident even in his character. 

Bones Booth and Gordon Gordon S2E13 Clowns

His compassion for humanity also shined through his character Dr. Gordon Gordon Wyatt.   It makes me wonder just how much Booth's "shrink" was fashioned after the actor that played him.  

Bones S04EP21 Sweets and Gordon talking 

The spectrum of atheist voices can appear to be filled with university professors, astrophysicists, and Post-Christian activists.  Stephen Fry is none of these.  His awareness of his non-belief in a super being happened at a young age.  He was enamoured by the beauty and pageantry that the Anglican church had to offer, but couldn't embrace the "God" that the rituals were wrapped around.  

The Best of Stephen Fry on Religion

His love for literature is his energy and what gives him such a unique, well rounded and informed voice in so many discussions with academics.  His love for story has seeped into so many of his ventures:  acting, writing, directing... from theatre to television and film.  

His love for mythology brought me back to my grade five interest in his book Mythos.  He captured the stories with such passion and wove them all into a tale that has the reader engrossed in the journey. 

Last night, I found myself deep in a conversation with Stephen Fry and Jordan Peterson.  I am not the biggest fan of Jordan Peterson, but when he gets into conversations with atheists, I find those interchanges engaging.  

An Atheist in the Realm of Myth : Stephen Fry Ep 169

Stephen Fry doesn't hold back his convictions and discoveries.  It is a skill I hope to learn one day.  I am tired of my closet.  

Day 15: 2022 - "Marguerite Porete and a Love worth burning for" 

Day 15: 2023 - "Travelling with my words: Maybe a "holy" experience." 

Day 14: Seeing the world through the eyes of Sir David Attenborough

"There isn’t a more distinguishable voice for our planet than Sir David Attenborough. Over the years, he’s taken us on countless journeys to some of Earth’s wildest places and inspired entire generations to take care of the place we all call home. " WWF Australia

"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." DA

I haven't followed this British broadcaster and biologist much over the years, but I did watch the conversation he had with the late great Queen Elizabeth 2 in her garden and I found them both down to earth as they walked around looking at trees and laughing at the shady location of a sundial.

The Queen's Green Planet

The Queen laughs with Sir David Attenborough about a sundial

"An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment." DA

I found their interchange very light hearted and casual. It wasn't the standard visit laced with royal protocol. It was like they were friends going for a walk like friends do. It gave me a sense that she was indeed human, and he had access to that humanity in that moment.

"It's surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth." DA

Sir David Attenborough's love for the planet and everything on it that draws breath and exudes life is inspiring. He has spent over nine decades loving this earth and doing what he can to see that it stays beautiful.

The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.” DA

How does a man like Attenborough process the world around him? What does he accredit the beauty? Who is responsible for this planet and all it's life and wonders? After decades of life roaming the globe... what does Sir David Attenborough see?

“The whole of life is coming to terms with yourself and the natural world. Why are you here? How do you fit in? What’s it all about?” DA

Sir David Attenborough on God

Nature doesn't need one answer.  There are many stories that try answer the ultimate question.  Why are we here?  But like Attenborough say in the video... "Which one do you choose?"  I appreciate his agnostic approach to the question.  Maybe it doesn't need an explanation or a conclusion.  It is and may be the ultimate answer isn't available to humans and doesn't need to be.  

“People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.” DA

Day 14: 2022 - "Revisiting Robert Ingersoll and the Agnostic Message"

Day 14: 2023 - "Haunted by the music of Hildegarde" 

Day 13: Today I need to laugh... so here's Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais on Noah's Ark

I've seen this Ricky Gervais video where he tells the story of Noah and the Ark quite a few times now, and he still can make me laugh so hard I end up crying.  

Ricky Gervais is kind of a Court Jester to Christianity.  Court Jester's of their time were the ones who had the freedom to speak truth to the King.  Maybe the King was laughing so hard that the truth tasted better and he didn't kill the court jester for being honest.   

For most of us that have deconverted, we understand more than most how silly some of the stories were that we believed so heartily in.  It's voices like Ricky's that give us the freedom to laugh at those stories. 

Ricky Gervais: The Unbeliever's Interview

What I like about Ricky is that he exposes the foolishness of the Christian belief system.  Not all of Christianity is foolishness, but there is a good amount of it that is, and Ricky has no qualms about casting some humour and honest reflection to a system that can use some humility.  

Ricky's comedy is only surpassed by his wisdom... here is a bit of that.  

“It’s a strange myth that atheists have nothing to live for. It’s the opposite. We have nothing to die for. We have everything to live for.”

“As an atheist, I see nothing “wrong” in believing in a God. I don’t think there is a God, but belief in him does no harm. If it helps you in any way, then that’s fine with me. It’s when belief starts infringing on other people’s rights when it worries me. I would never deny your right to believe in a God. I would just rather you didn’t kill people who believe in a different God, say. Or stone someone to death because your rulebook says their sexuality is immoral. It’s strange that anyone who believes that an all-powerful all-knowing, omniscient power responsible for everything that happens, would also want to judge and punish people for what they are.”

“The existence of God is not subjective. He either exists or he doesn’t. It’s not a matter of opinion. You can have your own opinions. But you can’t have your own facts.”

“Do unto others…’ is a good rule of thumb. I live by that. Forgiveness is probably the greatest virtue there is. But that’s exactly what it is - a virtue. Not just a Christian virtue. No one owns being good. I’m good. I just don’t believe I’ll be rewarded for it in heaven. My reward is here and now. It’s knowing that I try to do the right thing. That I lived a good life. And that’s where spirituality really lost its way. When it became a stick to beat people with. ‘Do this or you’ll burn in hell.’ You won’t burn in hell. But be nice anyway.”

― Ricky Gervais

Day 13: 2022 - "The Great 'I don't know'"

Day 13: 2023 - Confusing the Actor for the Character