I began trying to write about my thoughts last April and after writing the first few pages was immediately struck by my own limitations and lack of knowledge.
I was stopped by my own sense of having nothing new or important to add to a very old debate. What could I possibly have to say that hasn't been said millions of times already?
I'm no expert in religion or philosophy! I am, in fact, humbled when I read the words of great philosophers, such as Immanuel Kant. And while I've at least read small bit and pieces of philosophy, my experience with theology is almost zero.
And yet...
I am a human being, and I have lived a life. More to the point, I have tried to live that life intelligently and deliberately. I have tried to find my way with some sense that what I do somehow matters.
The thing that has struck me over and over again is that if there is a right path in life, then this path should be accessible to everyone.
It should not be necessary to study philosophy for years to find the right path.
It should not be necessary to be a religious scholar in order to “do the right thing”.
Philosophy and theology can, perhaps, help to explore, illuminate and explain, but I cannot accept that they are required to live a good life.
Science has explored and illuminated (but not fully explained!) gravity, but anyone who lives knows that dropped things fall down.
I believe that finding the right path should be as simple as knowing that things fall down! It should be as simple as being observant and intelligent and thoughtful.