Seeing Blind Faith
11/6/2002
I was proposed the question, “Are there any areas of your life that you allow a little ‘Blind Faith’?” After thinking about it for a while I cannot think of an example in which I believe something without any need for hard facts.
Too many people classify me as an Atheist without really understanding what I believe. I consider myself to be agnostic, which is defined as someone who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism (Dictionary.com). Scientifically I do not believe there is any way to prove or disprove the existence of a God. Truth be told I do not really think I care whether there is or not.
I do not denounce the existence of any god, but I do not live my life based on the “rules” of any specific religion. I live my life in accordance to the moral standards I have adopted and believe make me a good person. If there is a Heaven and my standards are not enough for me to gain entrance then that is something I am prepared to deal with if the time comes. When Thomas the disciple doubted the resurrection of Jesus and asked for proof, Jesus showed him his wounds and said, “You are blessed because you have seen me and believe” (John 20: 24-29). I too shall wait for proof.
Obviously it is pleasant to think that a lost loved one is still watching over you, but I believe that this inherent pleasantry is the very reason organized religions were created.Based on Christianity, I have a hard time accepting that people who have committed serious crimes will be granted access to Heaven provided they profess their sins and find God. What kind of Heaven would that be for a victim of a murder when their killer walks in because they have found religion? According to the same beliefs, if I do not outwardly accept the existence of God I will not be allowed to live into Heaven no matter how good of a person I was in my life.
Too many religions use fear of damnation to guide people to do what the religion sees as the best lifestyles. In government these systems are called Dictatorships. I do not believe religions are a bad influence to anyone, but combined with the use of an analytical mind I person can develop their own moral and ethical beliefs.
I would love to find out that there is indeed a wonderful place called Heaven and that lost loved ones live on, but my skeptical mind will not allow me to accept this without proof. I believe there is a scientific explanation for every event and that the world as we know it works on a cause and effect basis. Some people may find my beliefs depressing, but that is what makes religious freedom in America so great. Hopefully I’ll see you in Heaven!
Why? Just Because!