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R Mercer's avatar

WRT the Buechner bit:

I am an atheist and while what Buechner wrote may touch the heartstrings of both believers and some non-believers, I find it somewhat pernicious in effect (like much of that type of thing).

Why do I find it pernicious? Because it (and other things like it and the beliefs that surround and inform it) dismiss/devalue agency.

Without agency (and the existence of choice that creates agency) there is no morality.

We have the capacity to recognize wrong from right (even if the definition of those things may be contextual or the source of them may be unclear). We have the capacity to understand our fellows and to put ourselves in their place.

We can choose to do or not do. We can choose to listen to our feelings or not listen. We are surrounded by the outcomes of choices, even if those choices are constrained by the larger nature of reality. Even if the choices are the imperfect results of imperfect methods.

It is our agency that makes us human (for good or ill). We must own both the good and the bad--because if we do not, things will not get better.

Neither God nor the Devil (if they exist) MADE you do anything. They merely provided the opportunity for you to CHOOSE. To choose to forgive or not forgive. To hate or love... all the myriad things that humans do.

You have agency... and if you are thankful for anything tomorrow, remember to be thankful for THAT.

And use it as wisely and as best you can.

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JF's avatar

Yes. Agency is my new mantra. I discovered its value only after losing it unawares, in an imbalanced marriage. I think about it daily now. Thank you for the reminder of its larger implications.

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