From: MarshaV (marshalz@i-2000.com)
Date: Tue Aug 24 2004 - 20:48:18 BST
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On Aug 23, 2004, at 9:28 PM, <hampday@earthlink.net> wrote:
With belief comes a meaning to existence to which the non-believer
is oblivious.
As a non-believer whose existence is loaded with meaning, I respond:
I love my kids and my wife and my dogs with a million times the intensity I could ever muster for any mythical absentee creator of this muddled blue marble. Playing the guitar and writing, I feel happy and alive, a state I never visited via any priest's homily, religious sacrament, biblical parable or glimpse of the pope-mobile. I can catch glimpses of it, however, during a walk in the park, or swim in the ocean. The odd splif, or occasional piece of abstract art will do it for me, as will great literature and music, my morning coffee and reading these threads from thoughtful individuals like you–these things lend meaning to my existence.
With non-belief comes a realization why some believers raise my ire as often as they do. Is it possible to be a believer and not judge the non-believer's existence?
The non-believer conducts himself in a civil manner out of true selflessness. The same argument can't be made for one with posthumous expectations of wings and harps or 78 virgins or streets paved with gold, in exchange for adhering to the Ten Commandments.
Non-belief allows one to be here now, which is as meaningful as it gets.
Respectfully,
Chuck
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