Scout, on God

Scout is thinking a lot about whether there’s a God or not.

Her Aunt Susy sez there is, and takes her to church sometimes.

Her mom sez there isn’t, and won't let Susy take Scout to Sunday school.

I say I don’t know, and add that nobody ("no, honey, not even the experts") actually knows and that it’s actually impossible to know for absolute certain.

“Yeah,” she says, with the air of a girl who's getting impatient with her dithering elders. “But I really want to know.”

Comments

[Jason]

Me, too, Scout. Me, too.

[Robert J Holland, ABC]

When she's old enough to understand it, recommend that she read C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity." If nothing else, she'll be reading a great writer.

[David Murray]

She's already a Lewis fan; we've read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Robert, at what age(ish) do you think Mere Christianity would make sense?

[Eileen]

"Mere Christianity" would make sense for someone like Scout around early high school I bet. College age for normal readers, but she'd get it earlier.

[Diane]

From Scout's lips to God's ear.

[john]

I believe that I have a spiritual aspect beyond my physical being. I believe that you have a spirit that is sacred. I believe that we are all, on the whole, lovable and wonderfully sacred. I believe that I see God in you, in us, in all of us together, and in the universe and so I believe in God. I don't know any thing, but I do believe.

[David Murray]

John, I admire your sentiment and I think I agree with it.

But Scout isn't going to go for that shit.

[Cindy Crescenzo]

Do you need me to look up agnostic on Wikipedia again?!

[Rich Nouza]

Don't squelch Scout's inquisitive nature on the topic as it could be the beginning of her faith. Isn't better to believe and not need Him than to need Him and not believe? This free choice could have eternal consequences.

[David Murray]

Yes, Rich, I agree with that. That's why we let Aunt Susy take her to church and it's why I'm going to take her to church. I said there was a lot to read on the subject. And I also talked about how she might become the first person to discover for sure whether there's a God or not.

I don't believe in the "eternal consequences" you mention, but I do believe children must come to their faith, or lack of it, on their own.

[Suzanne]

I'm with you, John.

I even believe that God is alive and well and beaming wildly through fuckers like Steve Crescenzo.

If that ain't faith, tell me what is.

Seminarian Suki

[Randall]

She's got a good brain (and for the most part, she'll escape the childhood brain washing that most believers experience). She should soon come to the realization that there's no magical invisible friend out there...about the time she discovers there's no Santa Claus, Easter bunny, or tooth fairy. I give her until she's seven (according to the Catholic church, that's the age of reason, after which she can be punished for her sins).

On her next birthday, have her read this little piece by Ricky Gervais:

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/12/19/a-holiday-message-from-ricky-gervais-why-im-an-atheist/

Happy Festivus

[David Murray]

Well, the discussion wouldn't be complete without a Christmas Message for Oprah—from Bill Maher.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iKYDyqXwCo&feature=player_embedded

[Randall]

Hallelujah, brother.

[Kristen Ridley]

Hmmm, interesting discussion - thanks, Scout!

Personally, I believe in God, I just don't believe he actually requires us to do some of the stupid shit - like, you know, killing other people? - some other human beings *tell us* he expects. [Based on the choices and actions of many of the people who purport that God speaks directly to them, and that we should take their word on what He/She wants us to do?? Yeah, not convinced!]

For me God pretty much comes down to the Golden Rule: If you wouldn't like it if someone did that to you, then don't do it to anyone else; and be as kind and generous as you are able to be, to other people.