A Major burden of the term Christianity is the contract embodied in John 3:16. If you can’t buy its premises, however sonorously expressed, you are out.
A major burden of the term atheism is its expression of negativity, which may be why Spinoza vehemently rejected attaching it to his view of things. Yet his adoption of the anthropomorphically loaded term God creates confusion.
Somewhere there is an essay by Einstein that describes his “cosmic religion.” I don’t mind the term religion in this context because of the -lig- in its heart — the “ligament” of universal connection.
Thanks for this stimulating and thorough overview of a fascinating topic.
We need to try to quit twisting and turning to make things in the Bible fit our 21st century. The Trinity is a good place to start. We have no need for a Trinity. Yes Jesus was a real person and he was a real good person and he said a lot of things that we should bring into the 21st-century and use. So did the Buddha. So did others in ancient times. So do people in our times. But none of these people are divine meaning a son of some fictitious God. There is no God in our universe think about it. We have no need for one. As for spirit, I don’t consider spirit to be some kind of separate entity, but I do suggest that all of us contain the “life, force energy of the universe” which moves us and everything else in the universe forward in a positive direction through the process of evolution, the world evolves, people evolve, and most of all our thoughts should evolve.
This makes so much sense of things I have felt myself but been unable to formulate into a coherent narrative. I seem to have spent much of my life being against things that I feel don't fit with me without finding the things that do. Feels like things are changing.
This is a fascinating idea and very well explained. As a former Christian now atheist (who will soon be starting a PhD in Christian Origins), I've often wondered if some synthesis between the two worlds is possible. Thank you for sharing!
In this poem, the exploration of atheism, particularly in the context of Christian Atheism, is depicted as a journey of unraveling beliefs and seeking deeper truths. The poem touches upon historical figures like Spinoza, Blake, Nietzsche, and Russell who navigated the realms of faith and doubt in their quest for understanding.
The verses delve into the essence of atheism being misunderstood as a rejection of spirituality, emphasizing that atheists are not devoid of morality or spirituality. The evolution of Christian Atheism is portrayed as a quest to strip away oppressive religious elements and embrace a more inclusive, humanitarian approach.
The interplay of philosophy, theology, and psychology in Christian Atheism is highlighted, showcasing a holistic view that transcends traditional boundaries. The poem underscores the importance of dialogue, diversity, and responsibility in shaping a more accessible and inclusive space for Christian Atheism.
Ultimately, the poem invites reflection on the intersections of atheism and Christianity, prompting readers to consider a paradigm where love and unity transcend theological divides, offering a new lens to perceive the divine within the human experience.
One of the most ignored New Testament verses is John 12:44. “Jesus cried and said, he that believes in me, believes not in me, but in Him that sent me.”
A Major burden of the term Christianity is the contract embodied in John 3:16. If you can’t buy its premises, however sonorously expressed, you are out.
A major burden of the term atheism is its expression of negativity, which may be why Spinoza vehemently rejected attaching it to his view of things. Yet his adoption of the anthropomorphically loaded term God creates confusion.
Somewhere there is an essay by Einstein that describes his “cosmic religion.” I don’t mind the term religion in this context because of the -lig- in its heart — the “ligament” of universal connection.
Thanks for this stimulating and thorough overview of a fascinating topic.
We need to try to quit twisting and turning to make things in the Bible fit our 21st century. The Trinity is a good place to start. We have no need for a Trinity. Yes Jesus was a real person and he was a real good person and he said a lot of things that we should bring into the 21st-century and use. So did the Buddha. So did others in ancient times. So do people in our times. But none of these people are divine meaning a son of some fictitious God. There is no God in our universe think about it. We have no need for one. As for spirit, I don’t consider spirit to be some kind of separate entity, but I do suggest that all of us contain the “life, force energy of the universe” which moves us and everything else in the universe forward in a positive direction through the process of evolution, the world evolves, people evolve, and most of all our thoughts should evolve.
Very well-done article I, too, see a lot of hope for the future in radical theology (but I may be a bit biased).
This makes so much sense of things I have felt myself but been unable to formulate into a coherent narrative. I seem to have spent much of my life being against things that I feel don't fit with me without finding the things that do. Feels like things are changing.
This is a fascinating idea and very well explained. As a former Christian now atheist (who will soon be starting a PhD in Christian Origins), I've often wondered if some synthesis between the two worlds is possible. Thank you for sharing!
Title: Unpacking Atheism
Yvon Roustan ©
In the threads of disbelief, we find
An unraveling of doctrines divine,
Atheism unveils, truth entwined,
In the realms where the gods intertwine.
Contrary to the tales that some believe,
Atheists are not on a path to deceive,
Nor are they adrift in a faithless reprieve,
But seekers of truth, in shadows they cleave.
Christian Atheism, an age-old quest,
To strip religion of its wrongful vest,
Spinoza, Blake, minds put to the test,
Searching for God in the hearts they invest.
Nietzsche proclaimed the death of the divine,
Russell denounced religion’s confine,
On the wings of philosophy, they align,
Atheistic thoughts intertwined.
Within the halls where the godless roam,
Radical theology finds a new home,
Faith without God, an unseen tome,
Challenging tradition, reshaping the dome.
A synthesis blooms where faiths collide,
A dance of opposites, side by side,
Christian Atheism, a place to bide,
In unity and love, shadows subside.
***********^***********************
Explanation:
In this poem, the exploration of atheism, particularly in the context of Christian Atheism, is depicted as a journey of unraveling beliefs and seeking deeper truths. The poem touches upon historical figures like Spinoza, Blake, Nietzsche, and Russell who navigated the realms of faith and doubt in their quest for understanding.
The verses delve into the essence of atheism being misunderstood as a rejection of spirituality, emphasizing that atheists are not devoid of morality or spirituality. The evolution of Christian Atheism is portrayed as a quest to strip away oppressive religious elements and embrace a more inclusive, humanitarian approach.
The interplay of philosophy, theology, and psychology in Christian Atheism is highlighted, showcasing a holistic view that transcends traditional boundaries. The poem underscores the importance of dialogue, diversity, and responsibility in shaping a more accessible and inclusive space for Christian Atheism.
Ultimately, the poem invites reflection on the intersections of atheism and Christianity, prompting readers to consider a paradigm where love and unity transcend theological divides, offering a new lens to perceive the divine within the human experience.
Fantastic piece. As a former fundamental Baptist, this idea isn't appealing to me personally, but I can absolutely see its value for some people.
One of the most ignored New Testament verses is John 12:44. “Jesus cried and said, he that believes in me, believes not in me, but in Him that sent me.”