Hooray Mormons?

Through a Taoist blog I stumbled onto an Atheist blog posting that detailed the experience of a knowledgeable, well-spoken Atheist welcoming a couple of (equally polite) Mormon missionaries into his home for a chat.

Sometimes in reading on-line "discussions" between atheists and theists, I find they degenerate rapidly into "You're the most stupidest - No, you're the most stupidest" tirades. This was a refreshing change!

Adoration of Gods

Adoration of god(s) can be beautiful, comforting, ecstatic, fulfilling and joyous for those that seek it. Worship can also be a well-baited trap demanding your obedience and sacrifice.

Don't Sweat It

If you're generally happy with the religious faith that you have, it's probably very important for you that you continue in it, and not sweat the details.

Worshipping false Idols

Paraphrasing Alan Watts again: " The more clear your image of god, the less powerful it is, because the more you're clinging to it, the more it's an idol."

Grateful People are Happier

"Studies show that grateful people are happier. Happy people are thankful that good things happen to them -- even though their lives might be no better than those of the unhappy people next door." - Robert A. Emmons, PhD

This explains a lot about why I'm usually so happy.

Five Quick Things that I'm grateful for:
1. Life
2. I get to live in one of the greatest places in the world, in the Rockies. Also, I grew up in one the greatest places in the world: the Champlain Valley near the Green Mountains.
3. I'm self employed, in a field that I love, making enough money to satisfy my needs.
4. Blue skies
5. Wonderful family members

You Have the Keys

More from Alan Watts: "...wherever we stand on the path, we are really at the Goal. It is like looking all over the house for your keys only to find that you are carrying them in your hand..."

Be as Evil as You Like

Paraphrasing Alan Watts:

There's big difference between someone who is moral out of fear that they will be punished by God, and a person who is moral even though they know they are perfectly free to sin as much as they want with no repercussions.

When you are free to be as evil as you like you will find the idea rather tedious.