The Answer Is
42

Introduction

These essays poke into issues, concerns, and perspectives related in various ways to questions of who we are, how we got here, what it’s all about, Alfie.

Plenty of people, and plenty of them much smarter than I, have kicked these things around for centuries, even millennia. This just shows, in probably way too much mind-numbing detail, how I got where I am. And if that helps you, good.)

(For a grossly oversimplified presentation of some key positions argued here, see an article published online in Campus Crosswalk.)

The fundamental change in my spiritual and practical world view—how I understand those issues—came about not from my traditional Christianity’s perceived "enemies" such as humanism, secularism, evolution, etc., but from my diligently studying the Biblical scriptures themselves, reflecting on the traditions and assumptions of my own personal heritage, and applying to them the same tools of scrutiny that I was taught to apply to formal denominational dogmas and other "false" (viz., non-Christian) beliefs.

This site describes my quest within that framework to find the best valid elements in both

empiricism and supernaturalism,
science and faith,
nature and spirit.

I struggled to maintain intellectual and moral integrity while confronting mounting evidence of a particularly exasperating realization: the world’s many religions, with all their external tools of sacred books, customs, traditions, creeds, and dogmas, emerged and evolved as a result of blending

greed, ignorance, male chauvinism,
superstition, dogmatism, manipulation,
fear, hatred,
torture, terrorism,
and murderous, warmongering invasions

with

enlightenment, aspiration,
compassion, grace,
dignity, justice, benevolence,
idealism, hope, peace,
forgiveness, and love—

and they still do so today, in varying degrees, in varying places and political climates. These essays detail my efforts to consider the implications. That process led to this conclusion: I could no longer with any intellectual integrity abide a literalist theism.

For a while upon reaching that point, I had to drop formal religion altogether. I couldn't stomach dealing with "church." But then I began realizing that systematic, institutional religions—in even their most militantly, bureaucratically externalized forms—can still do much good in the world, even with their most egregious flaws. Many of the ancient stories and moral teachings still provide a valid and meaningful reference point. Persons of like mind and spirit can use these tools to focus their energies and actions toward making this world a better place. I admire, appreciate, and endorse all sincere and earnest efforts in that direction even while I disagree with many mainstream beliefs and assumptions.

all images and text © chuck bryant
unless otherwise noted