I never had a religious experience. Never heard anything like the voice of God. Never wanted to.
I've had transcendent experiences in nature, that were completely and wholly human experiences- no invisible friend needed. And for me a powerful factor in my life is that I am responsible. What I do matters, and what I don't do matters. When I assist someone, I know that if I didn't, it's possible no one would, and that divine providence certainly wouldn't. And when I choose not to, I know that it's possible I might be the only hope- which makes me do more than I might otherwise do. And when I do wrong, I know it's all on me, and I will never forgive myself. I don't forgive other people, and I don't forgive myself- though occasionally I forget, which is nice. Living without the hope of forgiveness (imo) makes people better. Christians are often able to sin and forgive themselves, and imo there should be none of that. The chains you forge in life should stay with you- and if you are smart, you will quit forging them, rather than pray to some silly imaginary friend to take them away, so you can go out and do more evil, and feel good about yourself for asking for pity. There's a demeaning infantilism to that. There are some religions that don't allow you to walk off from your sins- I respect those religions more. Still think they're a bunch of clap trap, but at least they're more responsible. |
