Faith in...

I do not believe in evil. I don't think I can even believe in absolute good, because these forces are externalized we as beings relinquish our power to make progress. Naming "evil" as something external takes away blame and the need to hold people responsible. Even the peole who caused the worst atrocities in history are not evil; they simply allow their hate to motivate them (whatever caused that hate: ignorance, psychosis, etc.). It is not an excuse but an explanation.

The quote struck me that talked about the tragedy of September 11 coming down to a fundamental: human beings, and for this individual, faith was shaken not in any god, but in people.

A humanist belief requires a huge amount of faith because it counts on people. There is not supreme being (indifferent or otherwise) who can act as a moral compass. We just hope and educate for the better aspects of human nature to be the ones that manifest.


Do let a belief in God replace the need to take responsibility for what you've done, and to hold others accountable. Do not blame demons. We are all that is here, and all the more reason to do as much as we can to improve conditions of society.

(9.11.06/9.12.06, 1:00am, reactions to Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero)

ponder

Should an ethical action ever require justification?

outcry in frustration

I cannot tell you what life is for. Only you can determine the purpose of your own life; no one can give that to you and have it be true.
Neither can I offer you forgiveness until you take responsibility for your actions. No one can be forgiven for what was the fault of someone else.

Of these I am certain.

(9.9.06, driving on I-270, 2:30am)