Religion is for normies we know it, you know it, we all know it, few say it. I wonder why.
In the journey of life, I've ventured through various landscapes of thought, explored the realms of spirituality, and dared to question the fundamental beliefs that shape our world. One such belief system is Christianity, and today, I'll shed light on why I've chosen not to embrace it. It's not a decision made lightly; it's a result of deep introspection and a quest for a more profound understanding of our existence.
I grew up in the heart of the Midwest, where Christianity's presence is ubiquitous. In those small towns, life often seemed to revolve around church steeples and Bible verses. But as a young and curious mind, I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to the story. It was apparent that the fear of the unknown and the desire for reassurance played a significant role in the prevalence of religious belief.
Christianity, like many religions, is often a response to the human fear of death and the need for structure in the face of life's mysteries. It provides a sense of security by offering answers to complex questions, but as I delved deeper into its teachings, I couldn't escape the nagging feeling that something didn't quite add up.
One of the core tenets of Christianity is the belief in Jesus as the savior, sent by God to cleanse us of our sins. But as I examined this belief, I found myself perplexed by its logical inconsistencies. If God knows us from beginning to end and everything in between, why would He need to send His son to save us from our own sins? It seemed like an unnecessary convolution of an already mysterious narrative.
Moreover, the prescribed method of connecting with God in Christianity often left me wanting. The idea of asking Jesus to come into my heart and then simply having faith didn't resonate with me. I found myself asking, "Where's the mechanism? Where's the tangible connection?" Despite repeated attempts, I never felt that profound connection others spoke of.
As I continued my quest for understanding, I realized that my own curiosity and fearlessness in the face of the unknown were driving me towards a different spiritual path. I had always been drawn to the mysteries of existence, the questions that didn't have easy answers. Christianity, with its neatly packaged beliefs, couldn't contain the depth of my inquiries.
My explorations eventually led me to experiences with psychedelics, which opened doors to a different perspective on spirituality. I began to see a correlation between the energy within me and what some might call Christ. It became clear that the journey from lower states to higher states of consciousness was akin to the biblical narrative of rising from hell to heaven.
I no longer saw God as an external entity to be beseeched but as an intrinsic part of my being, intertwined with the fabric of reality itself. I realized that the traditional approach of addressing God through prescribed words and rituals felt limiting and artificial. Instead, I found that a continuous, intuitive dialogue with the universe allowed me to develop a profound connection with the divine.
In this new perspective, the concept of the Trinity also took on a different meaning. Instead of relying on intermediaries like Jesus, I saw that direct connection with the divine was possible. I no longer needed to view myself as separate from God but as an integral part of the ongoing cosmic dance of creation.
One striking difference I've noticed is the vibrancy of this perspective compared to the more traditional Christian view. Many Christians I've encountered seem locked in a reactionary mode, constantly responding to external events with fear and apprehension. They appear fixated on the materialistic realm, missing the deeper, more transcendental aspects of existence.
In contrast, embracing a spirituality that is not bound by dogma or rigid beliefs has allowed me to approach life with a sense of aliveness. It has made me more dynamic and expressive, enabling me to navigate the complex tapestry of reality with wonder and curiosity.
I've also come to the realization that, despite my personal choice not to follow a traditional religion like Christianity, there may come a time when humanity needs a collective belief system to unite and propel us forward. Ironically, it might require a religion of sorts, one that transcends dogma and historical roots, and instead looks toward the future.
This religion of the future could take on a technological aspect, where we revere advancements like artificial intelligence and virtual worlds. It might focus on our potential as creators and designers of our reality, blending spirituality, philosophy, and technology into a harmonious whole.