Yahweh, the Elohim, and Buddha

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Andrew Smith. Yahweh, the Elohim, and Buddha

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Yahweh, the Elohim, and Buddha

Andrew Smith

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I am an atheist like the Buddha. Superior beings do perhaps deserve our fear, or maybe our admiration, but not human worship. Humanity is not the epitome of beings in existence, and we should not bow down to those we fear or admire. Buddha deserves our admiration but not our worship, and certainly not our fear (as some primitive peoples do). In rejecting Christianity, I also reject every cult or sect based upon “Christ” (i.e., in Islam, in every form of Protestantism, and in every expression of Catholicism).

We should not worship myths, although I find religious holidays to be enjoyable for the joy and camaraderie they bring each year. I even like church music, especially Gregorian chant, and many religious hymns and songs, although I do not view them as worship. The same applies to many prayers and religious poetry, although I, personally, do not and cannot pray. If anything, I meditate. I can sympathize with those who suffer, but I cannot pray with or for them. As to religions other than Judaism and Christianity, I can appreciate much, or perhaps fear much (e.g., Radical Islam) from them, but not take part in their doctrine or worship.

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