Much has went back and forth of late with believers and non-believers. I do not use theist and atheist, because for me, not all believers are theist believers and not all non-believers would say they are atheists. I cannot use religious and irreligious, because I know many a believer who is not a fan of organized religion. So on and so forth.

What I have learned is that we, as human beings, do not fit in neat little boxes, not a single, solitary one of us. Not our thinking, our feelings, our beliefs... none of those things fit in nice, neat boxes properly labelled.

I learned it being crammed into boxes.  I can tell you more what labels do not fit than those that do. I can also share how cramped a box can be or how injured one can get being crammed into one.

We are humans with all the complexities of humanity. Our thoughts, feelings, beliefs... all are far more complex than words can adequately explain at times. We also use language that is subjective, inflamed by prior use, manipulated to relfect a more common usage... There are times expression of words is like trying to describe a beasutiful sunset to someone who is blind or snow to someone who has never seeen it. I know what I mean, how I mean it... but they may not.

Yet,  if I refuse or cannot adequately explain what I believe and why, others cannot even attempt to grasp it. If they refuse or cannot adequately explain what it is that they have rejected... the same applies.

When people engage in conversation that neither understands or neither grasps the other, conflict arises.

I am not one of those who do not think that because I am a believer I am supposed to be above human frailities or human emotions. I don't  believe I need to walk away from a debate because it dares get heated. There is certainly value in taking silence as your guide. There can also be tremendous value in thumping and banging to conclusion and talking until you are blue in the face.

I sat around many an old man's feet as they hammered away with possibilities and explaining what they meant when they said ___. Learning from that my religious beliefs only influence that I should not oppress. I should begin by giving the benefit of the doubt. It also means I should endeavour not to be offensive or rude. It also means that if I truly believe it, I must stand up for it or risk having it taken from me.

I have at least as much common ground with atheists and  humanists than I do most theists, deists, pantheists.... perhaps even more most days.

That common ground is simple, because we share common roots in ...  SELF DETERMINATION.

That is something that religions and religious followers can seek to eliminate. Not all, but some. I also believe that, if not in all in most, there is a line of what it is to be a __ (insert faith system/denomination/role...). Once crossed, the card might be taken back and you no longer can be a member of the club or you will see your priviledges greatly reduced or your acceptance greatly altered. At worst, you may be a pariah.

Yet, I personally believe 100% that critical thinking, self-determination, questioning, challenging... should be part of any and all institutions, including religion.

I know doubts about your own religion. I have had them and have them. I understand and can even 100% support many turning away from their religions or all religions. I myself have left an entire faith and a denomination or two. I cannot say I am a fan of organized religion. I know all the wars and rivalries and the power clashes and the cash grabs and the dirty laundry...

Yet, at their core, I have determined, for myself, that they want the same as many non-religious want...  better humans, people who find their purpose, who live in peace and respect for each other and this place we call home. In other words, personal growth. If we change, the world can change. Some can do that personal growth and change alone and some need help... Some do it alone in silence, in chanting, in prayer, in contemplation, in talking it out, writing it.... Some do it with help from therapist, confidante, clergy...

I am certainly not a blind follower, not of a majority. a government, a faith... not even of those closest to me like friends or my spouse. There is not one person who has met me who would ever even say I was a blind follower. Unless, they were going for the laugh they would get from everyone else who knows me.

I have been since birth told to be a critical thinking person. Where __ is wrong it is wrong. It does not matter to me if it is popular, endorsed by the government,  in the Bible, in the temple or church or mosque, done by congregation or preist, rabbi, minister..., in the doctrine.... 

I would 100% agree that religion and theology regarding religion can be full of shit, ridiculous and even down right evil... I know many it has almost destroyed and some it did and does destroy. I also know that it can be valuable to some and invaluable to others.

 Self-determination.

Eyes wide open.

Critical thinking.

Be proactive. Find what it is you think and believe and that will make you aware and capable to judge critically to determine for self, not for others.