Today’s topic explores belief in existence of god (theistism) or not knowing (agnostisism) or not believing (atheistism.

Personally I am a theist,  however, I do not support any particular organized religion.  My experience for many people who classify themselves as athiests or agnostics it’s often more about the practice of organized religion than caring about whether or not there is a god.

Having being exposed to the Catholic religion as a child I am most familiar with that organizations practices.   I was baptized as a child  and then later went through confirmation.  In both cases I was never really offered a choice.  I came to view the church as a bureaucratic enterprise with political and social objectives funded by taxing it’s members through a semi voluntary process called tithing.

Over time this view became my general perception of all organized religions and while it did not affect my believe in god, I currently do not belong to religious group. (Even though the cathlics consider me a member, my babtism was non consensual so I do not consider it binding.)

Respect for All

Whether you consider yourself a Catholic, Jewish, Muslim or member of another organized religion, believe in god, or don’t believe or even know whether you believe or not,  it is critical to respect other peoples rights to make and practice their own choices.  (As long as those choices don’t do not negativley affect the choices of others, this is a little bit of a circular argument unfortunately).

Through history, sadly, there are far to many documented cases where the beliefs of others were subject to violent attack.  Often though, these clashes between beliefs were land grabs or political posturing only related to the religious groups pheripherally.

People helping People

Putting believes aside, religious groups do perform many valuable services.   When my father died the Catholic priest of the parish to which he belonged was a great sounding board for me and many others.  He clearly had great skill in assisting people to move through the grieving process regardless of their personal believes.

On the whole, todays practioners in the main organized religions (e.g., priest, rabbi, iman) are highly educated with University degrees (Master of Theology) or at least a designation from a seminary or equivalent institution (e.g.  Master of Divinity).  This training positions them well to assist others.