[Serious] Interview Assignment

[Aegon]

Hi, I am a Christian and I'm doing an assignment for one of my college classes. The assignment involves asking several different individuals a list of questions:

[*]How would you describe your own religious background and church involvement?

Raised Catholic. Attended church most Sundays until I was about 16. When I was 16 I ditched Catholicism for just general, non-denominational Christianity. At 18 I ditched Christianity completely, and have been atheist ever since. In the past two years I have warmed up to Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. Although they have colored my worldview, I still just identify as atheist.

[*]How would you describe God?

I don't.

[*]What do you think is important in life?

That's a big question! I guess I would say it's important to recognize that we do not exist independently. Christian ideas of a "self" or a "soul" are rooted in egotistical thinking, but things are far bigger than us. Never get stuck in your own head! Your state is dependent on the state of everything else. We are a part of the universe in the same way a wave is part of the ocean, and we ought to act like it. Everything we do, say, and think, has consequences on the world around us. It's also important to remember that the real miracle is to be alive, breathing, and walking on this Earth, and therefore you should have immense gratitude for being who you are where you are when you are. Additionally, it is extremely important not to allow yourself to be attached to any one outcome and not let expectations weigh you down, as there is no "correct" way to live.

[*]What do you think it takes to be straightened out (or made right) with God?

I don't know, the question doesn't make sense to me.

[*]How would you describe Jesus?

He was most likely a rebellious Jew who had a radical interpretation of the Torah, that other Jews created a cult around. I'm not even sure if he existed.

[*]What are your thoughts about churches today?

Well, I was raised Catholic, so naturally I hate them.