What are your thoughts (if any) of the expanding Atheist movement i.e.: Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, etc.? –@mczirjack
Atheism is almost a one-word oxymoron. It’s an organized religion against organized religions. But they still try to keep all of the trappings of an organized religion: every “professional atheist” tries to lay out an ethical system.
I could think of myself as an atheist also – I don’t believe in a man with a beard who magically created the Universe. Then I can lay out an existential system of ethics and ways for men to deal with each other without the words “under God” hanging over them.
Most people forget that Buddha was an atheist. And that even in orthodox Judaism there is no real word for God.
I prefer, for myself, to develop a system of happiness, to eliminate the constant brainwashing that occurs around me, and to try to enjoy life today.
In terms of the question: “Do I believe in a higher power?” I would have to answer that I do believe in the concept of surrender which may or may not imply a higher power (who knows?).
In other words, many situations get so difficult you want to throw up your hands and just say, “you know what, I did all I can. I leave the rest up to you.” And who is that you? It might be a higher power. It might be a creative force inside of you that is dying for those moments to be unleashed. Or it might simply be the feeling of gratitude that is always worth cultivating to help one find more happiness in life.