Who says you need to settle? :)

Good question!

Actually... I meant whatever I ultimately choose...

But you're absolutely right. I shouldn't "settle" or resign myself to anything I don't feel completely comfortable, happy or satisfied with.

ESPECIALLY not with religion. I used to be Pagan (for about 10 years!), but then something stopped jiving with me and I stopped practicing. These days, I'm your every day run of the mill agnostic. Too lazy to be religious, too spiritual to be an atheist. LOL. I lean more towards Buddhism these days, merely for the belief that every life is special (although I also am pro-choice, figure that one out!) LOL.

There's not necessarily something out there for everyone! You just gotta pick and choose and make a new one, sometimes.

I do think at a certain point, if you are thoughtful, you understand that you make your own way.

I have heard it said that "the way is not clear." I take it to mean that my way and your way might not be the same. Furthermore, anyone who tells me what "the way" is? Probably wants something from me.

All religions offer a wealth of philosophy and wisdom as long as you can avoid dogma and literalism. I just think everything has a deeper meaning, and that's the approach I take to most things.

Hi Soulless,

It's interesting how you turn against religion (not that I have anything against it). I've been brought up atheist (and I'm still a firm believing atheist), but lots of obstructions are in the way of the nonbelievers too. Of course, it's probably less dogmatic, but being a perv is not really well seen at any family party.

Lots of luck with the angertreatment:)

I know. The pervy thing. I wish we Americans weren't so uptight!

I was surprised to find an atheistic american. Not that they don't exist, but they are more rare than a natural 75 C. It seems like everyone is into subjectivism and "finding ones innner core". I've seen it everywhere, even muslim people are into that ("finding islam, and what it means to YOU"). Just like Beck, Giddens and Taylor talks about. Actually, (Charles Taylor, Canadian) Taylor has a really good point when he, in "The Ethichs of Authenticity" states that subjetivism is one of the evils og our time, when used like you just demonstrated. Namely, subjectivism as a "anything goes" or "everything is right for someone" (therefor everything is equally valid, and basically nothing really matters), and not as the underlying ideal might state, that everyone should have the right to choose for him/herself, and pick ones own personal trajectory, since not everyone is the same, and it's undemocratic deciding what other people should think :D

so on that note:) I don't agree, I think it's a shame you can't get rid of such ancient leftovers of dogma, and see mankind with friendliness and respect in spite of not being rewarded in the afterlife, or having some guy watch over you. But I respect your right to choose for yourself. Have fun with your own personal spirituality / budism.