I suppose I would call myself a humanist. I love the arts and sciences. I take great joy in the fact that through human endeavour have progressed past past cultural institutions, like segregated schools. I know humans are responsible for this, I am certain that we all have evolved a built-in sense of morality and caring for our fellow human beings. Probably from being a cooperative species that lives in groups. Reciprocal morality makes sense.
However, I know humans all have a darker side. Unlike what many of the anti-Popes (Harris, Dawkins, Hitchens) want us to think, not only does morality predate Judeo-Christianity, evil does as well. Humans hurt other humans, sometimes for no reason. Our callousness and delight in suffering, is only matched by our strange altruism. I would also consider myself religious, an slightly agnostic evangelical Christian. I don't really know why. I've been reading quite a bit about the Judeo-Christian tradition. As much of it as I can, the good and the bad. I've found a lot to be embarassed about. A lot.
I've also found a lot to be proud. Morality, is at the heart of the grassroots Judeo-Christianity. A love of life and an intense compassion for your fellow human being. Guys like Jerry Falwell, Pope Benedict, and George Bush don't show that side. I tend to think that these guys aren't the real deal. I think the real deal is pretty difficult to find and that it's often where you least expect it.
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