why I'm a post-theist

I believe that morality is the idea we've learned throughout evolutionary history that how well one can do depends on how well one's neighbor does. We bond with each other and organize our societies socially and cooperatively.

I'm not an agnostic with a question mark over my head. the mindset is referred to as skepticism, the avoidance of mystical beliefs in ideas that don't have large factual basis.

I live by a code of recognition that we know almost nothing. what we do know paints a picture of the history of the universe that makes sense, but it's a furious and coldly just universe. In this view of existence, the fact that we exist as we do is viewed as both the unlikely but also inevitable (1 out of biliion billions), cosmically. A certain kind of gift, but one far too powerful to be harnessed by conscious entities.

My pragmatic issue with theism is the abstaction of love, the projection of these very humanized traits to the abstract, philosophical permanent soul & soul parent concepts.

That was especially confusing to me as a child. I figured out santa didn't exist pretty quick also. I was very mad for being misled. This is one of my most vivid childhood memories.. confronting my mother about that.

Outside the philosophical points that can really go any way you feel, I just can't take any of the other beliefs and practices of religion seriously. Here's why: it's not how I would live after a shift to belief in permanent soul. My definition of morality remains the same.

My goal as a parent is to keep it uncomplicated, and give my child permission to be who they want to be. That's all I feel I'm capable of- at least I hope I am.

I want my child to have all the building blocks of real human trust & compassion, the real components necessary for strong morality. I don't want to place the ideas in their head that there may/may not be permanent soul, afterlife, or any other philosophical idea.

The idea that one should believe these things through faith in unseen entities, and have love for this conceptualization of a soul parent being and related afterlife is odd to me.

I want them to make the choice of how to think about life & existence when they are ready. I don't want them to have to make a commitment at 8 years old. This is what I believe in... simple free thinking.