I don't choose to place a label on myself. When we label ourselves, we disconnect ourselves from others.

I'm not a fan of religion. Religions are simply cultural thought-traditions (programs aka mind-viruses) that have been passed down generation to generation, which tend to cause tension and separation -- fueling the destructive illusion of superiority.

Humans hallucinate: "MY tribe has selected the 'right' thought-tradition, which makes MY tribe superior to all the other tribes. If you don't agree with MY tribe, let's fight about it (or you're going to hell)."

There are other elements in religion that I don't agree with. I understand how it became a method of population control, and how the powers-that-be distorted things in order to achieve their personal agendas.

In that regard, I love the quotation from Seneca the Younger, which says, "Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful."

I don't consider the Bible, Koran, Baghavad Gita, or Book of Mormon to be the "Word of God." Each one of those "holy books" were written by human beings. Human beings are just like you and me. And most of the ideas projected (and carried out) in the name of religion were/are frightening.

FYI: If you're reading this in the year 4010, PLEASE don't consider my writings holy! And please don't form some religion around my ideas! Religious indoctrination is the root of all evil!

Take the Bible, for example. When "revising" and choosing the gospels, man tainted and distorted things in an effort to achieve his own agendas. In certain areas of the Bible, concepts like rape, murder, and slavery were "permitted" by God.

These rationalizations are ridiculous -- simply another way that man gave himself a free pass to do the things he wanted, while using "God" as his scapegoat.

And why wasn't the Gospel of Mary (Magdalene) included? Was it because the church elders wanted to keep women second-class citizens, whereby, they could maintain their power over them?

Luckily, natural selection (evolution) patiently ran its course, and now women are seen as equals (thank God).  =)

Nevertheless, I appreciate some of the Bible, and use it as a tool to help illustrate certain points, whenever its wisdom is rational.

My Truths about God and life are constantly evolving -- as should all things. As you experience life, you'll be led to new ideas about life. Clinging to outdated beliefs is unhealthy and cancerous.

I embrace the non-supernatural New Testament teachings of Jesus, and the writings of the Apostle Paul. 

At the same time, I appreciate the teachings of Lao-Tzu, Buddha, Krishna (God/Jesus figure of the Hindu faith), Thomas Jefferson (writer of America's Declaration of Independence), Albert Einstein, Richard Dawkins (Scientist), and countless others.

My philosophy doesn't embrace religion. Some of the things I hear "church folk" say is downright laughable, if not delusional. The story of Abraham and his son (father of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) is my favorite example of extreme delusion.

I don't believe in a "Man in the Sky" who grants wishes to some, while ignoring the desires of others.

I don't believe it was "God's Will" for one person with cancer to live, and it was also "God's Will" for one person with cancer to die. To rationalize the lack of "prayer results" by saying, "Oh, that was just God's Will," doesn't seem sensible to me. By what measure would God save one person and not save the other?

Here's what I believe:

I believe in the Energy of Symmetry and Fruition (my terminology). That's "God" to me. The Energy of Symmetry and Fruition is the energy that keeps the universe moving. Lao-Tzu called it the Tao. Its job is to bring to harvest the seeds that have been planted. It's also responsible for keeping everything symmetrical -- in perfect harmony and balance.

It's the Energy that transforms a creepy caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. Its perfection is so precise, and the symmetry is breathtaking, as seen in the butterfly pictured below.

That Energy is "God" to me.

My beliefs are best aligned with Pantheism. The words "God" and "Nature" are the same to me.

I believe the same "butterfly" transformation is possible for humans. I've chosen to dedicate my life to helping others begin (or move through) the process of that transformation.

I believe that if you follow the teachings of wise men like Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, etc., then you'll plant quality seeds. When you plant quality seeds, God (the Energy of Symmetry and Fruition) does the underground work required to bring those seeds to fruition.

That's why I choose to live a life of integrity. It's why I choose to offer forgiveness to those who wrong me. It's why I do my best to inspire others to eliminate their own destructive habits. I plant quality seeds, because I choose to cultivate a quality harvest.

I know that consistent joy and peace of mind is available to everyone; you just have to plant the right seeds.

So to answer your question, "Are you a Christian?"

I say, "I'm human-being who thinks rationally. However, ..."

I choose to be Christ-like (demonstrating unconditional love and acceptance, self-control, compassion and forgiveness).

I also choose to be Lao-Tzu-like (recognizing Nature's perfection, rhythm and balance, while practicing frugality and humility).

I also choose to be Krishna-like (respecting the animal kingdom).

I also choose to be Buddha-like (mastering the mind).

I also choose to be Thomas Edison-like (creativity and perseverance).

I also choose to be Chris Rock-like (projecting jokes and laughter).

I also choose to be Bruce Lee-like (harmonizing the body with the spirit and mind. I embrace what is useful, and reject what is useless -- using "no way" as the way).

I also choose to be Richard Dawkins and Christoper Hitchens-like (investigating theories about life in conjunction with scientific evidence and a rational mind).

I choose to be Brandon Merhout-like (combining all these elements into one Alien-Human Hybrid life-form).

I choose to be a little bit better than I was the day before.

I don't subscribe to the delusional mythologies, fairy-tales, Santa Claus and Tooth Fairy stuff that can be found in religion.

I subscribe to rational thinking, personal accountability, compassion, forgiveness, and wisdom in whatever form it's presented.

The Route 66 Experience posted on my website simply created the perfect conditions to begin my journey into personal development and spirituality. And it also highlights how easy it is to be convinced of the delusional elements promoted by religion.

I've been on that journey ever since, and will continue for the rest of my life -- evolving my thoughts about God and the Universe as my life-experience sees fit.

My philosophy can be summed up like this: "Do unto others as you'd have done unto you. Cultivate your own truths based on your own research and experience. Avoid delusional thinking. Let Nature be your guide."

No religious books required.  :]

Click HERE to become a Rational. Eliminate delusional thinking today.