I received my ULC certificate today. Day off today too, so good day all around. I was reading about faith, and not having faith, recently.
In 1 Timothy 1:4-5 NLT:
Don't let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments; they don't help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.
Reading Thomas Paine's “The Age of Reason” he says that it is his opinion on religion. But he needs 100% proof. Proof by touching and seeing, only, to me, means no faith. The idea of having no faith in anything, makes me sad. I know there are many who believe in 'nothing', but I am not able to agree. Whether it is nature spirits, kami, ancestors spirits, or whatever, there is a belief and faith there. I wasn't alive 2000 years ago. I have to rely on what others have written.
Acts 1:3 NLT: ...he appeared to the apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive....
Paine was not saying he was an atheist, just that he did not like the tyranny in religion. “Spiritual” seems to be the term used now. I am hoping my time here will let me learn more about how others learn, their faith and beliefs. I love to learn and , I believe, have an open mind. But I will not discourage faith, or lose mine.
I hope this is not a ramble. Thoughts on science and reason were coming to me. And thoughts about faith and my beliefs. I like themonastery.org's test under Shinto, titled “Syncretism”. “Japanese tend to view religion in a pragmatic way, and typically see no conflict in exploiting only the best parts of various religions.” I like that pragmatism. Seems to relate to this site.
