Mandrik on Nostr: I'm not religious. There is no combination of words in the English language that you ...
I'm not religious. There is no combination of words in the English language that you can use to convince me otherwise.
Sometimes, though, I wish there was. To admit anything else would be a lie.
Christianity is on the rise amongst bitcoiners, and I sometimes think of my own experiences with religion because of this.
I grew up in America with the Greek Orthodox church. I was an alter boy, and I went to Greek school after normal school. We were taught Greek culture, religious topics, language, etc.
The church was my social center. More than that, it was an aesthetically pleasing place.
The Byzantine iconography. The smells of incense. The feel of the pews. The beautiful hymns chanted in Greek. The taste of the Eucharist.
As a youth & young adult, the divine liturgy was an experience for the senses. I wanted to believe. The idea of a greater power watching over us is very powerful. It gives a man purpose.
Alas, I could not believe. I do not believe. It's not me.
True believers show up every Sunday, but there are also the ones present for the social aspects. It's what they grew up with. They go through the motions, live their lives as decent humans, but are likely too afraid to confront their beliefs.
I couldn't respect myself if I did this. I can't be inauthentic to myself and to the true believers in attendance.
Being honest with myself meant leaving the church. It was like denouncing the club, removing myself from a social circle that was the foundation for much of my life.
It left a space that I've done my best to fill.
I think the world would be a better place if everyone lived by the general teachings of Jesus. If we were kind to others. Love your neighbor, forgive people, and all that. This is decent human behavior.
I try to live my life this way, but it is not easy.
This post isn't a cry for help. Deep down, I'm not trying to be convinced. Much like my journey with the carnivore diet, and diet in general, only my own experiences will convince me. I remain unconvinced.
I'm glad some of you are true believers, and I wish you peace and happiness on your spiritual journies. 🧡
Sometimes, though, I wish there was. To admit anything else would be a lie.
Christianity is on the rise amongst bitcoiners, and I sometimes think of my own experiences with religion because of this.
I grew up in America with the Greek Orthodox church. I was an alter boy, and I went to Greek school after normal school. We were taught Greek culture, religious topics, language, etc.
The church was my social center. More than that, it was an aesthetically pleasing place.
The Byzantine iconography. The smells of incense. The feel of the pews. The beautiful hymns chanted in Greek. The taste of the Eucharist.
As a youth & young adult, the divine liturgy was an experience for the senses. I wanted to believe. The idea of a greater power watching over us is very powerful. It gives a man purpose.
Alas, I could not believe. I do not believe. It's not me.
True believers show up every Sunday, but there are also the ones present for the social aspects. It's what they grew up with. They go through the motions, live their lives as decent humans, but are likely too afraid to confront their beliefs.
I couldn't respect myself if I did this. I can't be inauthentic to myself and to the true believers in attendance.
Being honest with myself meant leaving the church. It was like denouncing the club, removing myself from a social circle that was the foundation for much of my life.
It left a space that I've done my best to fill.
I think the world would be a better place if everyone lived by the general teachings of Jesus. If we were kind to others. Love your neighbor, forgive people, and all that. This is decent human behavior.
I try to live my life this way, but it is not easy.
This post isn't a cry for help. Deep down, I'm not trying to be convinced. Much like my journey with the carnivore diet, and diet in general, only my own experiences will convince me. I remain unconvinced.
I'm glad some of you are true believers, and I wish you peace and happiness on your spiritual journies. 🧡