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I am not sure how many of you remember me. I still recognize a number of you. I left at a time when my worldview was thrown upside down around a year ago. As things have settled down now, I remembered you guys, and how much I appreciate your wisdom and often well-thought out posts. Hopefully, remembering me doesn't leave a bad taste in any of your mouths. If it does, I am sorry.
King of Men and maybe Tom Davidson will be glad to know that I am still an atheist. I am very grateful that my wife is right here with me as far as beliefs go (we both left Mormonism at the same time). We are very active in online post-Mormon communities (not anti-Mormon). I don't have an ax to grind nor a mission to share my "untestimony".
My wife and I (and 10-month-old son which I believe we had after I left Hatrack) attend a Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in which the majority of the members are atheist/agnostic. In a lot of ways it is like atheist church. We have all of what I consider to be the benefits of church: community, identity, mentors, service opportunities, weekly reminders of our shared values, pooling efforts for social change, opportunities to feel transcendence, awe, elevation, peace, joy, and opportunities to work on developing attributes like patience, forgiveness, wisdom, hope, compassion, altruism, global awareness, etc. But, without what I consider to be the (common but not necessarily universal) downsides of religion: dogma, obedience, inequity, superstitious beliefs, uncritical thinking, etc.
I am currently working through a UU workbook that is entitled, “Building Your Own Theology”. I find it useful in helping me think through and articulate what I do believe and what I value and what gives me purpose, etc. I currently classify my beliefs as spiritual naturalism with some humanistic traits.
Feel free to ask me for further clarification. I love you guys and gals.
Posts: 264 | Registered: Nov 2005
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Hey, enoch! It's good to hear from you again -- and even better to hear that you're happy. Congratulations on the son, by the way. *grin*
Posts: 37449 | Registered: May 1999
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I remember you, but not much about you, I'm afraid. I'd be interested to hear about your reasons for leaving, if you're willing to discuss them.
Welcome back to the rack. Posts: 2907 | Registered: Nov 2005
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Juxtapose, thanks for asking, but I think it best for me not to go there. In the spirit of the other atheist post that is currently active, I will say that it was doctrinal concerns and concerns with practices and policies.
Posts: 264 | Registered: Nov 2005
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quote:Originally posted by enochville: Hey, thanks for the welcoming!
Juxtapose, thanks for asking, but I think it best for me not to go there. In the spirit of the other atheist post that is currently active, I will say that it was doctrinal concerns and concerns with practices and policies.
Not sure, but I think he was asking about your reasons for leaving Hatrack. EDIT: I guess not. And hi. Nice to meet you.
[ April 15, 2007, 02:43 AM: Message edited by: Flaming Toad on a Stick ]
Posts: 1594 | Registered: Apr 2006
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Congratulations on the son, by the way. *grin*
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