The Rainbow Connection
There’s a reason why this story has become a bit of a flash point between the religious fundamentalists and the atheist fundamentalists in the world.
There’s a reason why this story has become a bit of a flash point between the religious fundamentalists and the atheist fundamentalists in the world.
When we join hands we do so with wounds still open.
When we wade into dark and scary places, we find the seeds of growth.
Belief, joy, awe, curiosity — these feelings are more than religious. They are more than scientific. They are reflections of the best of what it means to be human. They are the sources from which both religion and science spring.
Having hopes and dreams are crucial to our well-being. We have to fantasize about the way our lives and our world might be, because they impel us forward. But it’s not enough simply to dream — we have to put in the work to make those dreams happen.
Many of the things that make our brains happy are now more harmful than helpful. And some people place religion in that category, as well. Religion is like fatty foods, they claim — something we should outgrow and move beyond. But I think the better question is, what aspects of religion should we try to outgrow?
Yes, there are reasons to be afraid. But it is crucial for our fears not to dictate our actions. After all, it is far too easy to use emotions like anger, sadness or anxiety as justifications for “why we did what we did.” Instead, our responsibility is to act on our deepest values — even though we are afraid.