Amen

A thank you to FaceBook for introducing me to Anne Lamott and some random woman named Asha:

"Let's settle this God thing once and for all.

God, or no God?

Who on earth knows?

Any proof, either way?

None, except for Bach, foxes, forgiveness, elephants, bulbs and my dog Lily, may she rest in peace. Also, the fact that someone like me could have 28 years without alcohol or the non-habit-forming marijuana I smoked on a daily basis for 15 years. Also, ripe peaches, books, and Mr. Rogers.

There is Infinite good and beauty and heroism and artistic genius everywhere we look. Is this proof of God?

No, because there is also infinite evil and madness. I am not going to name names.

What do we even mean when we use the word "God?"

For the sake of argument, let's say we mean a Higher Power--a power greater than our thinky thoughts, good ideas, grudges, positions and opinions: a divine Mind, a benevolent intelligence of some sort, some kind of bankable Love energy. Something that hears us and cares, when we cry out in our pain and mortification. I also like the Deteriorata's definition of God as the Cosmic Muffin.

But what if the most illustrious atheists and agnostics hear that we actually believe this?

It's none of your business what they think. To plagiarize from my book, it is like worrying about some guy wandering around the Mojave in a wet suit, reciting the poetry of Edgar A. Guest. People get to think and believe what they think and believe. You will never change them, or they us. Surrender: lay your weapons down. Let me make you a nice cup of tea.

What if they say you are ignorant, and a danger, in public?

It would have nothing to do with you. Maybe they are having trouble at work, or a spastic colon.

So do you actually believe that the soul is eternal? That death is just the end of dying, not of life?

Yes. Also, that there is a dessert section in heaven, and that it in fact makes up most of heaven, except for the ponds, and gift shop.

But we still die, correct?

Of course, and the question we ask ourselves, is, How do we live in the face of that? How alive are we willing to be? Why do we keep hitting the snooze button? What will it take for us to stop squandering our time?

Well? What's the answer? What does it take to get serious about this life we've been given, even if we don't know if God gave it to us, or chance?

Usually either a terminal illness or a DUI.

Is it legal to believe in evolution and all aspects of modern physics, yet also believe in a personal god, a Beloved, a sacred dimension to our lives?

Yes, in some states."

And here was the most "liked" comment that made me smile:

"Well, it's a total crap shoot if you ask me. Does God exist? Not exist? I think the more important questions are: does what you believe give you a sense of awe and wonder? Does it make you feel smaller in a good, humble way? Does what you believe make you want to get out of your comfort zone and do right by other people even if you don't like them or you don't feel like it because it makes you feel more like that thing you believe in lives in you and fills you up? Does what you believe make you feel more connected to the world around you? Does it help you bear the weight of unavoidable suffering and help you laugh at yourself (or check yourself) when you create unnecessary suffering? Does it help you love? If the answer is yes then I don't care what you call it. Just worship that whatever-it-is with all your imperfect, flailing, grasping, striving, loving self and we'll all be good. Amen.