Theocracy In America

Hey Guys,

My name is EJ Englin and I am a freethinking scientist.  I’m currently attending Berkeley City College in Berkeley, CA majoring in Biochemistry and Mathematics.  (I’ve switched majors so many times that I have my own permanent timeslot with an academic counselor.)

I am one of 16 brothers and sisters, yes that’s right - SIXTEEN.  I’m not the oldest, thank goodness, and I’m not the youngest, WHEW!  I’m somewhere near the bottom, 13th down. That’s right #13 my not so lucky number.  I was born into a Christian Fundamentalist family, specifically a Pentecostal Apostolic, Holyghost Filled, Hellfire and Brimstone, Water Baptised, Speaking in Tounges, Faith Healing Church of the Most High God.  No wonder I’m so screwed up!

It wasn’t but a hop skip and a jump to Atheism.  I mean you can only hear the same lies so many times before you start to see right through them.  My church was one of those fake it till you make it assemblies which means, keep telling yourself the same bullshit until you start to believe the crap you’re shoveling is gold.  No one in my church read the whole bible and if they did they missed some really nifty parts, like slavery, rape, genocide, murder, incest, and you know figments of the imagination like spirits, demons, dragons and my personal favorite, unicorns.  Of course my church really “believed” in those things so there’s not much I have to say on the subject.  Too easy!

I’m not a believer any more, and no not just because I’ve read the entire bible (which I’ve heard is the quickest way to make someone an Atheist), but because I like to base my life on that which can be proven.  There may be demons, but where’s the evidence?  There could be dragons, fairies, or flying spaghetti monsters but unless you have evidence there’s really is no point in speculating about it.

I don’t like to define myself by negations but I’m going to strive for clarity - I am NOT a believer - I don’t believe in heaven, hell, demons, Gods, fairies, dragons, ghosts, clairvoyance, monsters, telekinesis, witchcraft, bigfoot, E.T. like aliens, and/or Nessie.  It is not a matter of not seeing it with my own two eyes, after all I haven’t seen an electron cloud, but I’ve seen it’s characteristics interacting with the space it inhabits, no, it’s about probability.  Is it possible that I have been inhabiting space with demons that latch onto my immortal soul (if I have one) and encourage me to do things that normally go against my moral fiber?  I’m guessing not.

What I am is a freethinker.  A skeptical scientist whose search for the truth has led me to some very strange corners, its made me uncomfortable, sad and angry but I have not blinded myself to the truth just because I don’t like it.  The TRUTH is rarely pretty and neat. It doesn’t always fit into a neat little box.  Its often messy and aggravating.  A real pain in the ass.  The truth ladies and gentlemen is a lot like life.  It is unequivocal, unapologetic, trying, absorbing and absolutely fascinating.

And I for one am enjoying the ride.

EJ

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