Friday, March 7, 2008

The atheist creed!

I'm not one who relishes statements of conformity. I never have been. Over the last two years I have been much more open and outspoken of my rejection of institutions that claim to know through revelation the nature of the almighty. As such I am often asked what do I believe. So much so I grow weary of the query. Recently PZ has posted what I think is a wonderful sum-up of what it means to be a naturalistic - atheistic being. It's perfect!

The atheist creed

I believe in time,
matter, and energy,
which make up the whole of the world.

I believe in reason, evidence and the human mind,
the only tools we have;
they are the product of natural forces
in a majestic but impersonal universe,
grander and richer than we can imagine,
a source of endless opportunities for discovery.

I believe in the power of doubt;
I do not seek out reassurances,
but embrace the question,
and strive to challenge my own beliefs.

I accept human mortality.

We have but one life,
brief and full of struggle,
leavened with love and community,
learning and exploration,
beauty and the creation of
new life, new art, and new ideas.

I rejoice in this life that I have,
and in the grandeur of a world that preceded me,
and an earth that will abide without me.

R.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am not sure if we should believe in "energy". Apart from the fact that for many people it has almost supernatural overtones (have you heard Ceaser Milan, the dog whisperer talk about his energy?) it is not real stuff for many scientists - just a convenient mathematical idea.

Anonymous said...

Hi Robert...I found an old comment of yours in SPAM...I've added it to our conversation in the "more questions". Hope your having an awesome day!

Anonymous said...

Robert, That creed does pretty much sum up my view of life.

Especially:

"We have but one life,
brief and full of struggle,
leavened with love and community,
learning and exploration,
beauty and the creation of
new life, new art, and new ideas."