Leaving Christianity – Oh What A Relief It Is!

Oh What A Relief It Is!Although I left Christianity over 20 years ago, it took a long while for me to erase the doctrines that had been embedded within my consciousness for 15+ years. It was not an easy road.

As Stephen Van Eck wrote on the Deism.com website: “Once sucked into the parallel universe of Christianity, [a person] is too intimidated by threats and rationalizations to attempt escape. Even thinking along alternative lines will induce severe feelings of guilt.”
Writing my book helped tremendously because of all the research and reading I did. Learning how and why certain doctrines of the Christian faith (e.g., final judgment, burning fires of hell, Satan and his demons, the end-times) were introduced into the faith was extremely liberating … and removed a ton of guilt and fear.

I also found out some things about the Bible. As many others, I had been taught the Bible was “God’s Word” (even though the interpretation of what “He” said varies considerably among denominations). Through my studies, I discovered that much of what is in the bible is the result of stories, epics, myths, legends, proverbs, etc. that were passed by word of mouth from one generation to another. This is particularly true of the Hebrew Bible, but intrinsically typical of the New Testament scriptures as well. Can you imagine the burden that was lifted when I found out I wasn’t genetically inclined to sin and thus in need of someone to save me from being human??!?

Contrary to what one might think, the many discoveries I made did not turn me into an atheist. However, I definitely do not believe in a supernatural being who lives somewhere “up there,” who can be manipulated by prayer, or who has a “will.” Rather, my image of “God” is far more encompassing and has nothing to do with religious belief. In fact, I’m extremely reluctant to even use the word “god” because of all its connotations.

In any case, I find my life so much more fulfilling now. Truly, what a relief it has been!

A Future on Mars?

I have written before about this topic … and expressed my belief that human existence on other planets … with special emphasis on Mars … is HIGHLY improbable. Some readers have disagreed … and may still. But the article referenced below tends to back up my personal perspective.  See what you think. Does it change or confirm your original position?

Science fiction blinded us to the
perils of settling Mars

Science fiction romanticized Mars as a place of adventure and future settlement; science tells a very different story.

***********************************
Image by WikiImages from Pixabay

**GAG**

OK … I couldn’t resist. But note — I’m just sharing, not writing. 😉

From Heather’s latest newsletter:

On Air Force One as Trump traveled to Georgia this afternoon for a speech on the economy, Peter Doocy of the Fox News Channel asked Trump about the arrest of Mountbatten-Windsor. “Do you think people in this country at some point, associates of Jeffrey Epstein, will wind up in handcuffs, too?”

Trump answered: “Well, you know I’m the expert in a way, because I’ve been totally exonerated. It’s very nice, I can actually speak about it very nicely. I think it’s a shame. I think it’s very sad. I think it’s so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad to me. It’s a very sad thing. When I see that, it’s a very sad thing. To see it, and to see what’s going on with his brother, who’s obviously coming to our country very soon and he’s a fantastic man. King. So I think it’s a very sad thing. It’s really interesting ‘cause nobody used to speak about Epstein when he was alive, but now they speak. But I’m the one that can talk about it because I’ve been totally exonerated. I did nothing. In fact, the opposite—he was against me. He was fighting me in the election, which I just found out from the last three million pages of documents.”

In fact, Trump has not been exonerated.

What is really “a very sad thing” is that we have this creature as our President!

Memes to Distract

As some of you may have noticed, I’ve been cutting back on political posts lately. I was serious when I said I’ve about had it up to “here” with Trump’s antics. I know we should fight against all the *crap* he’s doing, but after awhile … well, I think many of you know what I mean. Besides, there are several others who are doing a fine job of lambasting and objurgating him, so I think my contributions can take a rest.

During the lull, I’ve been encouraging my poetry muse, but it’s been a slooow process since it’s been unused for so long. Anyway, I don’t want any of you to forget me, so here are a couple of memes to brighten your day.

OK … I couldn’t resist throwing in this one …

Pam Bondi Has Learned Well

During Pam Bondi’s recent testimony before members of Congress related to the Epstein files, it is apparent she has learned well related to her boss’s pattern of deflection …

Ted Lieu: Donald Trump attended various parties with Jeffrey Epstein. I want to know, were there any underage girls at that party or at any party that Trump attended with Jeffrey Epstein?

Pam Bondi: This is so ridiculous that they are trying to deflect from all the great things Donald Trump has done. There is no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime. Everyone knows that. This has been the most transparent presidency.

And …

Instead of engaging the substance of redactions, Bondi pivoted to market performance. At one point, she said the following:

“The Dow is over 50,000. The S&P at almost 7,000 and the Nasdaq smashing records. Americans’ 401(k)s and retirement savings are booming. That’s what we should be talking about.”

As Republican Representative Thomas Massie later told reporters, Bondi had failed to answer critical questions and had instead defaulted to unrelated talking points.

The hearing made one thing clear: the louder the deflection, the clearer the avoidance.

And finally …

Representative Pramila Jayapal later urged Bondi to simply turn around and acknowledge the survivors standing behind her. The survivors raised their hands when asked whether they had still not been able to meet with the Department of Justice. Bondi did not turn around. It was a basic request for humanity. The refusal spoke volumes. 

*****************************************************************************
The following excerpts were lifted from the “The Daily Wrap Up” (2/11/26) and written by Adam Parkhomenko, who was filling in for Mary Trump.

Bear With Me. Please.

Egads! I’ve been bitten by the poetry bug! After several years of dormancy, it suddenly awakened and took up residence in the creative crevices of my mind. I have no idea how long it will stick around, but I’ve decided to take advantage of its presence while it’s here.

I hope you will bear with me …

Sunshine Takes A Walk

Dancing
on the water
Bouncing
off the rapids
Traveling
with the drifting leaves
Playing
tag with stones and rocks
Reaching
under shadows
Exposing
hidden life

Moving
through the trees
Peering
through the twigs
Clearing
persistent shade
Searching
creatures below
Finding
protists galore

Pulled
now by gravity
Feeling
weak and tired
Moving
slowly east
Slipping
into darkness
Resting
for another day

******************************
P.S. Look at this way. At least my poetic creativity will help take your mind off of a certain individual, if only for a moment of two. And that’s worth something, isn’t it? 😁