My path: brief summary

In our lives there are few moments that force us to reevaluate the way we
approach our core beliefs. Whether we can actually control what we believe or
not is in question. I tend to think that we don't actually control what we
believe so much as we control what we do with our beliefs. The average person
either doesn't challenge their own beliefs, or they don't see a reason to
challenge their beliefs. Many can go their entire lives without seeing this as
a necessity. For some we get into a situation where something we see, read, or
experience can cause a moment of self-reflection. If confronted with this
situation some people can find themselves not trusting their own mind. I know
that for me it was very disturbing. I still find myself embarrassed at the way
I saw the world. Many of the things I thought were true, were completely false.
I believed in all sorts of conspiracy theories, magic and above all God.
As I came into adulthood I was slowly letting go of the specific gods of
scripture, and fell into a pseudo deism. It was closer to pantheism. I believed
that all of the god claims were true,but just misunderstood by the rest of the
world. I believed that God was an emergent phenomena of the collective
consciousness of the entire world. I was so completely convinced I had this
right,and the rest of the world held onto scripture because they were unable to
think properly. This to has slowly faded to where now I look back and laugh at
how wrong I was. I had just became very astute at leading the evidence to my
conclusion.

Tennessee theocracy strikes again...

Tennessee fails again with their new "bathroom bill". This bill requires
transgender students to use the restrooms that match the sex on their
"original" birth certificate. Effectively, this prevents transgender students
from using restrooms in public schools.  The bill sponsored by Tennessee
theocrats highlights the need for the secular community in Tennessee to make
themselves known.  We are an ever growing number and must show politicians that
we are a viable voting block.

With the presidential elections looming over us,
it is easy to over look the importance of participation in local elections.
It is on the local level where our legislators cause the most problems, or
potentially make the most progress for our communities.  Tennessee has been
ruled by theocrats for far too long. We must organize and stand behind more
progressive local leaders. We need to support leaders more willing to stand up
for the rights of the minorities. The evangelical majority has harmed too many
and needs to be removed. We need to clear the way for Tennessee to move out of
the dark ages.