What: The blog NonProphet Status is “seeking previously unpublished personal stories written from a secular (Secular Humanist, Atheist, Agnostic, et al.) perspective. Stories should be true (based on real, lived experience), 800 words or less in length, creative, and affirmative of a secular identity without being rooted in an anti-religious narrative. Submissions can be a reflection on a single incident or tell a longer narrative.”
There will be three categories for submission—Youth, Interfaith, and Moral Imagination. And each category will have its own winner and two runners-up.
Prizes include books like Acts of Faith, Good Without God, and a chance to have your story published in the Washington Post!
Why: “The stories of secular (Secular Humanist, Atheist, Agnostic, et al.) people are scattered because we as a people are scattered. We are not unified by a denomination or tradition. Because there is little cohesion among us, our voice is often not loud enough to be heard in the modern religious marketplace. The secular stories that do get broadcast are most often volatile – secular people taking swipes at religious people – and reflect a divisive “us versus them” mentality. What gets told less often are the stories of people, secular and religious alike, living alongside one another peacefully and secular people expressing their own values within a diverse society. We want to hear more of these stories. We want to hear your story.”
How: “Our submission period will be from March 1, 2010 (3/1/2010) to May 15 , 2010 (5/15/2010). You will hear back sometime after June 1, 2010. Please submit electronically only. Send your stories to: nonprophetstatus@gmail.com. Include your name, age, and geographic location when submitting.”
I think this is a great idea, and I hope some SHAFTers participate. For more details about the contest, refer to this link.
Disclaimer: I am a theist. At most I claim to be a Creedal Christian, who can accommodate the essentials of Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant variations on the theme of ‘Mere Christianity’. I also dip my toe (but only my toe) in idealist universalism (Schleiermacher) that permits me to acknowledge the Muslim, Buddhist, Mormon, and an occasional atheist 8^) as fellow human under the One G-d.
I attended the ‘What is the Worst Argument for Atheism’ SHAFT meeting. Mostly what I heard was that there are a lot of dumb thinkers in theist circles — so god must not be real. I agree that there are a lot of dumb thinkers in theist traditions, but I hold this is just part of humanity and not isolated theism. I remain unconvinced in the leap that so many seem willing to take — ‘so god must not be real.’
In regards to the science-as-the-answer over religion-is-the-answer that seemed to be held by the majority in attendance, there have been a lot of dumb thinking scientists in science as well as ethics. There are many really stupid science theories littering the landscape over the last 500 years. However, I do acknowledge that science has a well-defined method for weeding out the stupid thoughts (not so with ethics). I wish there were a reasonable way to weed out the stupid religious ideas, but that isn’t the topic at hand.
So here is my good argument of atheism. It nearly convinces me, so I try to accommodate the argument within my theism. In some sense, I may be experiencing a crisis of faith that was experienced by the German pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, while awaiting his execution in a Nazi prison.
The world — no — MY world has become essentially 99.99999999% materialism under the scrutiny of science and my honest scrutiny of my experience.
I have no unequivocal supernatural experience to demonstrate G-d is there. Science and my honest inquiry a la Hume leaves only 2nd or 3rd hand miracles, emotional experiences, and dreams. Like Bonhoeffer I would say the world has grown up. There are only old religious tales for children to fancy now. Bonhoeffer famously said that religion must become secular. Many interpreted this as atheism in the God-is-Dead movement of 1960′s. However, I think he meant that religion must somehow face the enormous degree secular experience in a more grown-up way. Is there a thoughtful way to still accommodate the divine in a secular universe? Or must I give in to atheism in total capitulation?
I stand at the abyss of materialism under Hume’s smile.
I still turn back and acknowledge that the essence of faith is trusting in the unseen. Some authors help me find language to embrace the unseen in faith. I walk with Kierkegaard and weigh thoughts about the G-d who is only paradox. I pal with Levinas and ponder the trace of the Other just beyond my material horizon. I dine with Tillich and discuss out groundless ground. No, I don’t have to step into the abyss of the void just yet, but the 99.99999% materialist world is a damn good argument.
By the way, that was ‘My Secular Story’.
Eloquently stated.
Now the questions are to you (and me):
Is there something to be gained by letting go of metaphysical hope?
Is there something to be gained by embracing the metaphysical hope?
Hmmm. Let me count the ways.