General Discussion

I am baffled by the notes on altruism, especially the assertion that revealed religions are anti-altruism. This is counter to most popular criticism. How did anyone arrive at that conclusion?

I believe that everything in this world comes from a creator. However I don’t think the creator involved itself in the world to make things like religion, intervention etc.

I was born and raised in Iran under a strict islamic family and environment, and over time I realized how religion is used by people and governments to tell lies and make up their own rules and values that only benefit them. Real Islam hasn’t even been practiced for hundreds of years if you ask me. This is why I think Deism is logical for me.

Is Deism a religion?

Of course Deism is a religion!

Webster defines ‘religion’ in different ways.

One definition is: ‘a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature and purpose of the universe.’  Another is ’a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices agreed on by a number of persons or sects,’ while a third defines it as ‘something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.’

Deism qualifies under all these definitions. The third in particular arises out of the derivation of  the word itself. ‘Ligare’ is Latin for to tie or to bind; it is the root of the word ligament.  ‘Re ligare’ means to rebind or reconnect.  A religion is that which binds us again and again i.e. the ideology that gives direction and meaning to our lives.

Bertrand Russell was probably the most famous opponent of Christianity during the twentieth century.…

Always suspected since my age of reason & questioned everything.

Validated after many seasons of questioning, observations & then realized there was always ONE common answer, one common denominator to all my questions & observations. Only then did I become "comfortable" in my own skin. Acceptance w/o effort & w/o laboring, simple & uncomplicated. Navigation of the path before me has always been controlled by me knowing life does get in the way sometimes but the adjustment of the sails is my obligation to me & mine, step by step & one day @ a time.

Pragmatism, reason, determination, execution thereof & perseverance.

Live & let live.