<One of the principle reasons I've devoted so much energy to
this thread is to examine the veracity of self-described
atheists' claims of not believing in a god/essence/great
one/tao/spirit . . . .>
Well, I don't believe in a 'god', I do believe in 'essences' (http://work.ucsd.edu:5141/cgi-bin/http_webster?isindex=essence&method=exact), I don't believe in a 'great one' (though my hubby is way up there), I don't know what a 'tao' is, and as to whether I believe in 'spirit', or spirits, it of course depends on how that item is defined. I do believe that when we die, we exist as memories, briefly, then not at all, except in so far as we have indirectly affected those who still have consciousness.
I think you should continue worrying.
My whole life my religious acquaintances have taken the position that I am, by some definition they manage to devise, in fact religious in my own way. I don't argue too much, since it seems to make them feel better. And I figure, whatever gets them through the night. |
