Because I agree to pursue truth – if God creates all truth – I accept similarities between Christian narratives and other religious traditions, and realize that how I approach the world is influenced by similar reasons which cause others to approach the world differently.
Because I agree to seek what’s right, I accept the existence of common moral demands between all great religions, pointing to moral demands higher than any creed.
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However, I understand how religious people can encounter these same observations and reach different conclusions than I have. I also understand how extensive parts of religious tradition don’t require a black-and-white, literalist idea of truth.
This is another belief I share with my religious brothers and sisters. I understand why someone believes the message of Jesus or the Buddha, not because they know the factual accounts as literally true, but because they carry hope of spiritual truth within them. I also take a leap of faith, and I also carry hope of unseen truth within me.
I carry hope that people of different traditions will peacefully practice their faith, or lack of faith.
I carry hope that all people will recognize the fragile nature of life on this earth, and work together to protect it.
I carry hope that people of faith, or none at all, will pursue social justice – that there’s a moral calling to protect the needy and vulnerable, whether it’s because there’s only one, incomparably meaningful life — or because each person’s immensely valuable in God’s eyes.
I carry hope within me, that people who live after I do … will inherit a better world.
Although none of these hopes may become truths, I understand how I also believe and live through occasional acts of faith. As I live every day to help this faith come alive, I’ve found extraordinary meaning and purpose. While others go, but for the grace of God–I go, but for the grace of hope.
I’m a Religious Atheist | Unreasonable Faith
Posted by Jason
on 1 Oct 2011