Presence of something "Godly" is evident

I think, and therefore I have a dilemma. Due to the ineffectiveness of many sincere and justifiable requests for Divine intervention throughout my life, I have come to find it hard to believe in a God-Creator who is concerned with the workings of the universe and the affairs of man. Through my thoughts and study throughout the years, I have become satisfied in my own mind that there are no miracles -- the laws of physics are immutable -- and in personal matters it has always been through my own efforts -- usually in conjunction with other people, both friends and professionals -- that my problems and infirmities have been overcome. In short, I have lost my faith in receiving help from God, and I have come to rely on myself, my friends and my community for those things that give meaning and purpose to my life.

However, it is plain to see that something "Godly" is always present that seems to direct the forces of the universe and influence the mind of man, and therein lies my dilemma. Trying to distinguish between a "God" and something that is "Godly" requires a certain amount of mental dexterity that I am not sure I possess.

I tend to blame my confusion on Western religion's idea that God is a super-human kind of Supreme Being who has a faith-based plan for mankind. But that idea has not worked out well in my life, and it seems to me that a more rational concept of the world -- and our place in it -- can be found that will provide us with a more objective perspective about how to live our life.

But regardless of the actual existence or not of a God, we are all still subject to the "Godly" forces of physics and nature. We cannot break the law of gravity nor escape the need for the chemical process of nutrition, and like all other living things, we are "driven" to procreate, as well as to seek comfort, security and -- as human beings -- satisfaction.

Although we generally give the God of Religion credit for most of our personal and collective good, it is really the cooperative spirit of people living in a communal setting that has brought about the progress of humanity. In a practical sense, it is our culture that provides those "Godly" things that we are all grateful for and dependent upon, such as the means to earn a living, an education, technology and the opportunity to pursue things that give us intellectual and emotional satisfaction.

Through the dispassionate and objective use of science, the material aspects of human life continue to improve, and surprisingly, when the same sort of dispassion and objectivity are applied to ourselves and our situation, we are better able to realize the true value and potential of our present life and time. Simply put, an objective perspective of human life -- one that does not oblige us to the unknown plan of a mysterious God -- gives us the freedom to pursue our own interests and preferences.

But there is no free ride. Utilizing an objective view of ourselves and our place in the present world requires that we accept responsibility for the results of our personal choices. If we have chosen to pursue our own self interest, then we are responsible for our present state of affairs.

From an existential, non-religious point of view, it is the pursuit of our own aspirations that give us an individual reason and purpose for living our life, and while the single-minded pursuit of our own hopes and dreams may sound like a recipe for anarchy, the well-being of our loved ones and the success of our community are almost always among the primary goals that we seek. Rather than a fear of God, it is our cultural dependence that compels us to be loving and kind to our family and friends, as well as to be law-abiding and tolerant toward our neighbor.

Regardless of whether or not they are based on the laws of a God, the civil and criminal laws of man, the laws of physics and the laws of nature are essentially what we live by. Some of us find satisfaction and fulfillment in the practice of religion, while others find it in the freedom to pursue their own destiny, but nevertheless, we are able to live side by side peacefully, without really knowing who believes what. Thanks be to America, and to the policy of separation between church and state that makes our multi-cultural society possible.

Art Carney is a Wasilla resident and a frequent contributor to the Religion page.