Deconstructing Beliefs: A Journey from Faith to Skepticism

My journey from faith to skepticism began with a simple, yet profound act of reading the Bible. Raised in a devoted Catholic household, my mother, who had dreams of becoming a nun and taught CCD Sunday School for many years, instilled in me a deep reverence for the Catholic faith. However, as I grew and developed critical thinking skills, my faith gradually waned. The more I read the 73-book Catholic Bible, the less sense it made to me, and eventually I moved beyond it to explore other religions.

Challenging Religious Dogma

My journey from belief to doubt was not just a shift in religious affiliation but a broader critique of the narratives and doctrines that govern our understanding of the world. I realized that many of the beliefs we hold, whether religious, political, or journalistic, are often founded on less than irrefutable evidence. This realization led me to adopt a new mantra: "Truth is only that which has irrefutable evidence." This principle became the foundation for sorting truth from untruth, recognizing that opinions and mere assertions do not constitute truth.

The Question of God's Existence and Actions

One of the most significant challenges to my faith came from the Bible itself. As a young boy, reading the biblical stories and their barbaric and cruel depictions, I found it difficult to accept the notion of a benevolent god. Why would a loving deity allow such suffering and evil? This led me to the concept of theodicy, which examines the problem of evil and suffering in the world. The classic argument posits that if God is omnipotent and omnibenevolent (all-competent and all-good), then why does evil persist?

However, the theodicy argument is plagued by several assumptions. It assumes that we, as human beings, have the knowledge and perspective to understand divine actions. This is akin to a first-grader criticizing a surgeon's practices without understanding the greater good and the complexities involved. In essence, the theodicy argument is flawed because it attempts to judge divine actions based on our limited and fallible human comprehension.

The Logical Explanation for Existence

Despite the challenges posed by theodicy, there is a logical rebuttal to the problem of evil. The existence of order, design, and predetermination in the world points to a predetermined design or creator. This design and creation require intelligence, intention, and foresight—qualities that point to a being with god-like attributes. Among the many religious figures, Jesus is often highlighted as the one whose teachings best fit the human experience of pain, suffering, and triumph.

Conclusion

My journey from faith to skepticism has been a transformative experience, challenging my understanding of the world and the narratives that shape our beliefs. While theodicy remains a significant hurdle, the logical simplicity and design of the world provide a basis for belief in a creator. However, the ultimate truth lies in the irrefutable evidence, and until that evidence is presented, skepticism remains a valid stance.

Additional Resources

Further reading on theodicy and logical reasoning in religion. Discussion forums and academic papers on the problem of evil and the nature of god. Books on critical thinking and skepticism.