Over the years I’ve given up lots of different things during Lent. Whether it be chocolate, Facebook or cake, I’ve had varying degrees of success. I’ve also tried to use lent as an opportunity to take something up, from reading my Bible daily, to doing a random act of kindness every day. This year, however, I’m trying something different. I’m giving up God.
Yes, you heard that right. This year I’ve decided to give up religious belief for Lent.
Why? Well that’s a very question. I’m taking part in an online course run by Philosopher and Theologian Peter Rollins. Joining with hundreds of others across the globe, I’ll be giving up religious belief and actively reading and reflection on some of the best critiques of religion. Every day I’ll be sent an article, video or blog which will challenge my ideas, disrupt my patterns of thinking, and open my mind to perspectives I’d not seen before. I’m hoping that doing this exercise will enable me to get a better understanding of what it is that I believe, as well as a better understanding of the problems and arguments against my beliefs.
In the Easter story, while Jesus is on the cross, he cries out the words, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”. In this cry we witness Jesus experiencing the loss of God, total separation from his father. My hope is that in this journey I’ll be able to echo that event and in Easter, experience the resurrection in a fresh way.
During this journey I won’t be totally giving up my faith, I’ll still be going to Church and taking part in small groups and community. But I’m hoping that doing this journey will help me to see things in a new way and bring me into a deeper understanding of what my faith might mean.
If the idea of doing Atheism for Lent interests you, then please click here for more information. If you want to wish me luck, prayer for me or offer some words of encouragement then please do in the comments below, and I look forward to keeping you updated on the experience!
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