Dang that was a wild read. Watching them on some of the links in the article be committed to the act, knowing full well it’s an act, still hurt me. I feel something stirring in my mind because of it.

I also really liked the part where they got to meet Dr. Temple Grandin and the conversation that followed. I use to work in a slaughterhouse for cows and we learned a bit about her methods. I wanted to learn a bit about slaughtering animals firsthand. That was an experience, I lasted 3 weeks.

Yea I could see benefits to that kind of thing. One of the greatest benefits of religion is the sense of community and belonging it can offer. It’s easy to get wrapped up in delusional thinking, existence is terrifying, especially when anything can happen at any time for no real reason or warning, thinking something will protect you or care for you sounds like a comforting escape. A community of people with the focus theme being embracing non-religion, supporting each other through fellowshipping, meaning meeting regularly and talking about our shared problems, and focusing on helping each other and the community could be a beautiful thing. Without the focus on theme I feel like a lot of these groups exist already. Lots of non-profits to get involved with that offer community and a sense of belonging.

I despise a lot about religion but I have enjoyed seeing the Catholic Church slowly become a bit more accepting of humanity’s nature by being more inclusive with the LGBT population and now seeing this. It gives me hope that religion is capable of growing alongside people and adapting to something better than it is has been and is.

I support religion as long as it gives people a sense of community, hope, and strength. When it starts taking things away, being oppressive, and not holding its officiants accountable for wrong doing, it’s wrong.