9.06.2009

SEARCHING FOR SPIRITUALITY: Everything From Zen Buddhism to Voodoo (Jaimie)

I have a long religious history. I was born atheist, went through all of the requirements for Lutheranism, spent a year in Zen Buddhism, did a few years in Wicca, moved on to Voodoo, and am now back to atheist.

With that said, organized religion bothers me a lot. It seems to do a great deal against gays and gay rights, and extremely devoted people who utilize religion in that way disturb me. I am also disenchanted with the amount of religion-based war we have in this world and the amount of money thrown around. The more the cult-like devotion, the more I am turned away. I wouldn't mind if religion never existed, though I would never advocate taking it away from people.

I have trouble understanding the more accepting parts of religions like Christianity, such as the churches geared towards GLBT people, because of all the negativity I have seen from religion. As for the less mainstream spiritual paths, such as Wicca, I understand the attraction of a GLBT person to such things. However, I personally have trouble accepting any spiritual path in my own life.

The spirituality of my partner is partially important. I don't mind if my partner is spiritual, especially if it is one of the less mainstream, more accepting paths, but I would prefer if she wasn't. I might have a problem if she was VERY religious. I do not want to raise religious children, which would be a point of concern.

Most of my reason for being an atheist comes from the horrible things I see going on in this world, especially in Africa. I have trouble believing that a god would let that happen.

Overall, there is really no place for religion in my life, and the last thing I need is another addictive substance.

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