This site is so wonderful, I haven’t had the time I’d like to go through it completely, but so far it’s incredibly interesting!
This game is made up of 9 different chapters, and each chapter explores a different question in philosophy. As you play, the game builds up an idea of how you feel about that question.
Let me present to you a beautiful site of photography of people of different faiths and their stories.
I’ve often vocalized the difficulty of the transitional period between being a devout, Lutheran, pastor’s kid who’s identity was largely in her religious identity to an atheist. When first identifying as such, I often experienced feelings of doubt and regret, although it obviously wasn’t a decision. I felt like I was already a terrible atheist for missing my religious identity, I mean, an enormous aspect of my life was suddenly gone. I didn’t realize that this was not only normal, but probably to be expected.
The other day in one of my religion courses, we discussed the concept of cognitive dissonance: that is, the idea that conflict between beliefs or loss of belief can actually result in grief. For instance, when a loved one dies you will most likely experience grief. It made so much sense, and perfectly explained how I often felt and still occasionally feel as I adjust to my new beliefs or lack thereof. Throughout this process I’ve remained fond of religion in general, but now I realize that it’s not just because I was pining for my own.
Not surprisingly, as an atheist, I don’t pray. It makes me especially uncomfortable when I’m asked to lead prayer, because for one I don’t believe the words I am expected to say, but I feel it’s disrespectful at some level as well. However, I am not wholly against the concept of prayer, and here’s why: although I don’t believe that praying can directly cause anything to happen on its own, such as God listening and then solving that problem, I don’t mind assuming an attitude of prayer if asked. To me, an attitude of prayer means taking the matter in question into myself to consciously reflect on it. I believe there are subtle ways this sort of action can actually have results. By thinking about something outside of myself, I believe that such reflection can translate into my own actions and words, and while this might not directly benefit the matter, it can certainly have an effect. For example, if I am asked to pray for someone, I don’t shirk away from the word. I set aside a few moments or minutes to consider the person and empathize with his or her situation. The key word is empathy here- it takes more personal effort than just asking god to take care of it (or asking god to help you learn how to handle it yourself). If I am actively making an effort to empathize in thought, I will likely see a change in the way I interact with others, presumably in a more compassionate manner.
Interfaith Crossing 