I've gone through a transformation in recent years. I've come to realize that saying “I don't know” is a good thing. I look around at the world and feel that most of our problems come from the certainty and loathing of those who disagree.
At one point, honestly for a long time, I was an atheist. I felt confident that I knew all that was and all the rules that governed life were based on what we know from science books. And I scorned many people who thought I was wrong.
But today, I can't say that.
A growing number of Americans are with me; a survey from Pew claims about 28 percent of Americans have no religious affiliation, but most of those same people believe in God or another higher power, whether they go to church or not.
They’re divided on religion. Most of us aren’t against religion but think there are pros and cons about it and “reject the idea that science can explain everything.”
I can’t speak for them, but I know I can’t completely leave it behind.
Maybe it's my upbringing. My mother has undying faith.
She had us spend much of our Sundays, Mondays, and any other day she could squeeze in a Black Baptist-ish, Church of Christ church right across from a jail in the center of town.
To this day she says that church saved our lives. She was right. They did.
We needed them. And these flawed, faith-driven people's generosity knew no end. They lifted us up when all we had was the scraps on our backs.
While I can’t guarantee devotion to their inspiration, I’ll remain open to possibilities.
I owe them at least that.
On that note, I’m James Brown, and as always, be well.
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2024/01/24/are-all-nones-nonbelievers/
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/america-religion-decline-non-affiliated/677951/
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