The Articles of Faith of The Church of Ingtwai:
1) I believe that there may be a god, or multiple gods, or none at all. But I'm not going to worry about it.
2) I believe that sin is a highly subjective term. I'll accept the consequences if my actions. Sometimes, despite our best efforts and regardless of our belief systems, shit happens. But I'm not going to worry about it.
3) I believe that it is very odd that a loving Heavenly Father would require another child if his to suffer on my behalf in order for me to be "worthy" to live with him. I'm really not all that bad. But as I don't believe that to be the case, I'm not going to worry about it.
4) I believe that the first principles of Ingtwai are as follows: first, faith in myself and in my loved ones; second, forgiveness. A far as any "saving" ordinances go, I'm not going to worry about it.
5) I believe that it is reasonable, and often wise, to question authority. I believe that leadership should be based on merit and skill, and not gender, race, social standing, or the ability to toe the company line.
3) I believe that it is very odd that a loving Heavenly Father would require another child if his to suffer on my behalf in order for me to be "worthy" to live with him. I'm really not all that bad. But as I don't believe that to be the case, I'm not going to worry about it.
4) I believe that the first principles of Ingtwai are as follows: first, faith in myself and in my loved ones; second, forgiveness. A far as any "saving" ordinances go, I'm not going to worry about it.
5) I believe that it is reasonable, and often wise, to question authority. I believe that leadership should be based on merit and skill, and not gender, race, social standing, or the ability to toe the company line.
7) I believe that the placebo effect is real. Dreams, visions, "miraculous" healings, mass hallucinations, and "warm fuzzies" have occurred in every religion/cult/belief system/practice. If I or a loved one gets sick, I will trust in modern medicine and the body's ability to heal itself in as much as it's possible; I will try very hard not to worry.
8) I believe the Bible to be the word of men. Men with a misogynistic, ethnocentric worldview. I believe the Book of Mormon to be a work of pure fiction.
9) I believe in the scientific method. The scientific method has revealed and will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to Earth and the universe.
10) I believe that a god who favors particular peoples and nations over others is not worthy of worship. As I don't believe such a god exists, I'm not going to worry about it.
9) I believe in the scientific method. The scientific method has revealed and will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to Earth and the universe.
10) I believe that a god who favors particular peoples and nations over others is not worthy of worship. As I don't believe such a god exists, I'm not going to worry about it.
11) I claim the privilege of worshiping, or not worshiping, Almighty God(s) according to my own conscience, and recognize that others have this same privilege. I believe that such worship, or non-worship, should never infringe upon the rights of others.
12) I believe in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law. I believe in working to change outdated and biased laws. I'm averse to being subject to kings or rulers, or anyone else, for that matter. I believe in doing what I can, and not worrying about what I can't.
13) I believe in being honest, benevolent, non-judgmental and relaxed. I question the admonition of Paul: a healthy dose of skepticism is never a bad thing and some things really needn't be endured. Hope, however, is healthy. I'll give Paul that. If there is anything intelligent, rational, intriguing, or just plain fun, I seek after these things.
~ JS
12) I believe in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law. I believe in working to change outdated and biased laws. I'm averse to being subject to kings or rulers, or anyone else, for that matter. I believe in doing what I can, and not worrying about what I can't.
13) I believe in being honest, benevolent, non-judgmental and relaxed. I question the admonition of Paul: a healthy dose of skepticism is never a bad thing and some things really needn't be endured. Hope, however, is healthy. I'll give Paul that. If there is anything intelligent, rational, intriguing, or just plain fun, I seek after these things.
~ JS
6 comments:
I like your church better than all the other ones.
Woah. I was kinda just hoping for an update on your cute fam...
~D-bo
It sounds like you have been thinking a lot about where you are in your beliefs-- and expressing it with your usual clarity and wit. :) We may not be on the same page, but given that you believe in being non-judgmental and other beliefs are tolerated in your Articles of Faith, we should still be able to be friends. :)
I personally have some questions about the scientific method (from being married to a scientist). There is a whole area of debate about how science is skewed by the initial hypothesis (or what we expect to see). Science, like religion, can be skewed by our preconceived notions and expectations. I think objectivity is a fairly subjective term. But that's a topic for another day.
A fascinating read!
I am happy to see you posting again. It's been a while and I miss my Oregon friends! I can't believe how grown-up your kids are. And M is still adorable as ever!
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