All Paths Lead to Progress 
E-Mail    By Russell Day   Bio/Address

    It's difficult for me to contemplate how a person couldn't believe in some type of divinity or religion. I was raised in a Protestant family. Traveling many roads in my life, I found a home ten years ago within the Wiccan religion. Spirituality, whether for good or bad, has always played a fundamental role in my life. With a number of spiritual experiences to draw from personally, I can't see how anyone can deny that some form of a Higher power exists.
    So I approached my friend, Vance. We've been friends for roughly four years. Vance is also a self-professed Atheist. I was hoping he could share some insights, perhaps give me a broader understanding of myself, and life, in general. I wasn't disappointed.
    I sat down with Vance one afternoon in his cell. The NFL's regional playoff games were on television, but that was set aside as I asked my first question and we became engrossed in conversation. "You say you're an Atheist," I began, "what exactly does that mean?"
    "I don't believe in God," He said.
    "You don't believe in the spirit of God, or you don't believe in the religion of God," I pressed.
    "Both," He said, and then continued, "I don't believe there's any spirit or being out there that created everything, or that controls our lives. As far as religions and churches, they're all structures and guidelines to me, and I have to question why people even need this. Why can't we build our own structures and guidelines instead of depending on somebody else's model? Many people use religion as an excuse. Not all of them, but many do. They go to church and pray for forgiveness, and then expect everything to be all rosy, as if religion were some pill that quickly fixed all their problems. That's crap as far as I'm concerned. People need to be responsible for themselves, including all their problems.
    "I don't really believe religion can solve the deeper issues in our lives. Let's take the ten commandments. This all-knowing God gave these to us, one of these being not to covet our neighbors. Yet, he forgets to tell us not to build bombs of mass destruction. If there were an all-knowing, all-powerful God, I can't see Him sitting back and doing nothing with these kind of discrepancies. That just doesn't make sense to me. Religion is simply a way to motivate large groups of people, to encourage masses to move in a certain direction. I believe more in each person finding their individual motivations. Religion isn't a necessary piece to life. You don't need a church or Higher power to guide your morality. Our society has already established moral standings in our codes of Law. Why be dependant on an organization such as religion? For good or bad, I take responsibility for my own standings, my own morality and the actions I take.
    "I think religion is often dangerous too. So often it creates forms of zealotry. Look at all the religious wars in human history. How many people have died in the name of God or Allah? Pornography is where one example of this zealotry shows. For the most part, religions are vehement about preaching against such things. I believe in common sense here. If you don't agree with it, don't buy the magazines. That's pretty simple, and better in my opinion than condemning somebody as evil just for posing nude. I mean, come on!
    " As far as the mystery of life, I think science is probably the best information available to answer these questions. Of course, there are no absolutes in science. The answers are never complete, though there are some sects of science who try to remain adamant that they do have the answer. As far as those things we call supernatural or define as miracles, I think there's a possible answer. We use, what, twelve percent of our brains on average? That leaves eighty-eight percent we have yet to discover the mysteries of. I believe what other people define as miracles are just those other portions of our brains reaching out. I don't think we humans have yet reached our full potential.
    "Look, a lot of people take up religion in prison, but I think most guys use it to take the blame off themselves. Either it was the Devil tempting them, or they receive instant forgiveness. Either way, they're able to avoid self-responsibility. Don't get me wrong. Some people get a lot out of religion, and it's very worthwhile for them, but I think these people are a minority. Still, there are those who benefit, and their lives change for the good. In prison, dealing with people whose lives have gone astray, anything legitimate to make a person's life better is good.
    "Some inmates use religion to motivate change in themselves, to ensure they don't return after release. Me, I just hate prison. I hate not having my freedom, or having others control my life. That's my motivation for change, to ensure I don't return to this dump."
    Here was a man, a friend, telling me religion wasn't a necessary piece of life. All you really needed was a little common sense and the ability to believe in yourself. Vance has a pretty stable routine in here. His life runs as smoothly as it can for being in prison. He does better than a lot of people who are involved in various religious functions. What he's doing has worked for him. He hasn't needed religion, or a Higher power. His morals are intact, evidenced by his daily actions and his friendly demeanor.
    Many religions believe in self-responsibility. Some even teach that we control our own destiny and livelihood (what you sow, so shall you reap). Vance reached these same conclusions without any form of scripture, without any religious philosophy.
    For years I believed spirituality was necessary for a complete and fulfilled life. Vance has proven to me my assumptions were wrong. What he showed me is that the ultimate force for change in our lives is ourselves. Does this discount religion? Vance said himself that it aids some people and gives them direction, but only if they are sincere in their efforts. I am still a very spiritual person, and will forever remain so. What I've learned is that though necessary for me, it's not necessary for everyone to live a fulfilled life. Understanding this allows me to be secure in my own beliefs, while being able to appreciate and accept another's view, and the progress it brings for them. Thank you Vance. You're a good friend.

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3/16/00